Christmas is almost here and with plenty of family gatherings and food, it’s prime-time for pets to get into trouble with table scraps.
This year, there are some new things you should really watch out for when it comes to your dog or cat. Marcia LaReau says keeping her German Shepherd “Ernest” healthy is a priority. So she was surprised and thankful to learn about some newly-named toxic foods for dogs.
“I learned last summer, he likes green beans and peas. I mean really likes them – and they’re healthy for him”, says LaReau.
But some other foods aren’t healthy – like onions. They’re on the list of foods that furry friends should avoid and the following five are some of the worst:
1. Xylitol: the artificial sweetener found in sugar-free gum can cause liver failure fifteen minutes after a dog gets their paws on the material.
2. Fatty foods: they’re fun to let your pet indulge in but can cause serious damage according to Canton Animal Hospital’s Dr. Arnold Goldman.
“There’s an illness we talk about called pancreatitis which can be caused by the sudden eating of a very fatty meal”, says Goldman.
3. Grapes and Raisins: a newer addition to the list of toxins.
“In the last five years or so it’s become apparent that grapes and then raisins, which are dried grapes, have some agent in it that’s unknown, that will make animals quite ill”, says Goldman.
4. Macadamia nuts: these can cause painful paralysis in dogs.
Berman: “I didn’t know about the macadamia nuts…”
LaReau: “I didn’t either!”
5. Then there’s one that most of us have heard of: Chocolate.
“The baking and the bitter chocolates, those have the most theobromine and those are potentially the most toxic”, says Goldman.
While Ernest may know he can pick up his toys, it’s up to Marcia to let him know what foods to drop.
“I know what to do, and he’s knows me, but we don’t know other people- and of course when people see a friendly animal what do they want to do? Feed it”, says LaReau.
Here is the full list from the National Animal Poison Control Center:
- Chocolate
- Grapes, Raisins
- Sugar-free Gums and Candies (containing xylitol)
- Fatty Foods
- Onions, Garlic
- Compost, Mulch
- Human Medications
- Macadamia Nuts
- Cleaning agents
- Unbaked bread dough, Alcohol
Other Holiday Hazards:
- Electric Cords
- Tinsel
- Ornaments
- Sponges
- Styrofoam
- Rock Salt
- Antifreeze
- Christmas Tree Hooks
If you’re dog gets its paws on one of these items call the National Animal Poison Control Center at: 1-888-426-4435