Festive Season Pet Safety - Foods to Avoid & Safe Treats for Your Pets
, by Majella Gee, 18 min reading time
Festive Season Pet Safety -
Foods to Avoid and Safe Treats for Your Pets
The festive season is here—filled with parties, indulgent feasts, and plenty of visitors. But for our pets, it can be a time of real danger. Many holiday foods that are harmless (or delicious!) for us can cause serious harm to dogs and cats.
I’ve seen the heartache. Grandpa, unknowingly slipping snacks under the table to Rover, thinking it’s all in good fun, not meaning any harm. But those “fun” moments turned into a very costly and trauma-filled Christmas for one of my clients. This kind of scenario can happen to anyone, and it’s avoidable with just a little preparation. I want to make sure no one else’s Christmas is ruined in the same way.
While this blog focuses on keeping harmful foods away from pets, it’s worth mentioning that curious noses and paws can get into all kinds of trouble during the holidays. Little things like sticky tape, ribbons, batteries, and small decorations pose risks too. Think of it like baby-proofing your home—pets are no exception. Now, let’s dig into the foods to avoid and how to keep your pets happy and healthy this season.
Holiday Foods to Avoid
The holidays bring out a feast of traditional treats, but some of these can be deadly for pets. Here are the big culprits and where you’ll often find them:
1. Grapes and Raisins
- Found In: Christmas puddings, fruitcakes, mince pies, and trail mix.
- Why They’re Dangerous: Even small amounts can cause kidney failure in dogs and cats.
- Signs of Poisoning: Vomiting, lethargy, decreased appetite, and increased thirst.
2. Chocolate
- Found In: Gift boxes, desserts, chocolate-covered nuts, and baking supplies.
- Why It’s Dangerous: Chocolate contains theobromine, which is highly toxic to pets.
- Signs of Poisoning: Vomiting, hyperactivity, tremors, and seizures.
3. Fatty Foods (Ham, Gravy, and Rich Sauces)
- Found In: Holiday roasts, leftovers, and festive platters.
- Why They’re Dangerous: High fat content can lead to pancreatitis—a painful and potentially fatal condition.
- Signs of Pancreatitis: Vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and lethargy.
4. Xylitol (Artificial Sweetener)
- Found In: Sugar-free treats, gum, and some baked goods.
- Why It’s Dangerous: Xylitol causes a rapid drop in blood sugar and liver failure in dogs.
- Signs of Poisoning: Weakness, tremors, seizures, and vomiting.
5. Bones
- Found In: Leftovers like turkey or chicken carcasses.
- Why They’re Dangerous: Cooked bones splinter easily, causing choking or tears in the digestive tract.
6. Alcohol and Caffeine
- Found In: Festive cocktails, coffee-based desserts, and spiked eggnog.
- Why They’re Dangerous: Both can lead to severe dehydration and organ failure.
The Garlic Debate: A Balanced Perspective
You’ve probably heard garlic is toxic to pets, but here’s the truth—it depends on how it’s used. While large amounts of garlic can be harmful, moderate amounts can actually benefit dogs.
Why I Use Garlic for My Dogs
When fed correctly, garlic offers incredible health benefits:
- Flea and Tick Prevention: Adding garlic to your dog’s diet twice a week makes them less appealing to pests.
- Immune Support: Garlic contains antioxidants that strengthen the immune system.
- Heart Health: It supports healthy blood pressure and circulation.
How to Use Garlic Safely
- Frequency: Feed garlic twice a week as a natural flea and tick deterrent.
- Dosage:
- Small dogs (up to 5kg): ¼ clove.
- Medium dogs (6–15kg): ½ clove.
- Large dogs (16–30kg): 1 clove.
- Giant dogs (31kg+): 1½ cloves.
- Preparation: Crush or chop garlic and let it sit for 10 minutes to activate its beneficial compounds.
Important Note: Garlic is not safe for cats and should never be given to them. If your dog has pre-existing health conditions, consult your vet first.
Safe Festive Treats for Your Pets
Instead of risking your pet’s health, offer them festive treats made just for them:
For Dogs:
- Plain, cooked turkey or chicken (unseasoned and no bones).
- Fresh fruits like blueberries or seed-free apple slices.
- Treats from my Healthy Dog Treats Blog—try peanut butter biscuits or pumpkin chews!
For Cats:
- Small amounts of plain, cooked fish like salmon or tuna.
- Freeze-dried meat treats.
- Options from my Healthy Cat Treats Blog.
Festive Presentation:
Serve their treats in a fun holiday bowl to make them feel part of the celebration.
Plan Ahead to Keep Your Pets Safe
- Inform Your Guests: Be firm but kind in telling visitors not to feed your pets. “They’re on a special diet” is a simple way to avoid awkward conversations.
- Prepare in Advance: Just as you’d plan for a guest with allergies, plan your pet’s meals and treats ahead of time.
- Create a Pet-Safe Zone: Provide a quiet room where your pets can relax away from noise and temptations.
Final Thoughts
The holidays are a time to celebrate, but they can also be dangerous for our pets if we’re not mindful. A little preparation can go a long way in keeping them safe, healthy, and happy.
Remember, our pets rely on us to make the right choices. Let’s make this festive season one to remember—for all the right reasons.
Author: Majella Gee
Models: Main image - Sofia and Grace, Top image - Snuffles and George, Bottom image - Jack.
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