Community Corner
Beware Of Holiday Food Hazards For Pets
Be careful about giving human food to dogs or cats, no matter how cute they look while gazing at you and your plate. But don't feel like a grinch -- here's a list of foods they CAN safely eat.
Although many pet owners consider their dogs and cat to be family and enjoy treating pets like people, there is one particular way in which a pet should be treated exactly like a pet, for their own health (and for the health of your wallet, since emergency vet visits can get pricey.)
Dogs and cats should not be given carte blanche when it comes to "people food," especially during the holidays when there's a bounty of delicious and seasonal dishes on hand.
The wrong foods can land your pet in the emergency room at worst and at best can leave you with a massive mess to clean up in your home when they get sick.
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The following foods can easily make your dog ill or even poison them, so avoid giving these human treats if Fido or Fluffy begs for them:
Fat trimmings and bones
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Macadamia nuts
Onions and chives
Alcohol
Raw eggs, meat and fish
Yeast dough
Chocolate
Grapes, nuts, raisins
Persimmons, peaches and plums
Milk or excessive amounts of dairy products
Candy, gum or baked goods containing xylitol
Be cautious with your cat's health and don't allow kitty to indulge in these:
Onions, garlic and chives
Alcohol
Caffeinated drinks or food
Grapes and raisins
Liver in large amounts (a tiny bit is okay)
Milk or excessive dairy products
Candy, gum or baked goods containing xylitol
Dogs have around 1,700 taste buds (to a human's 9000) and cats have 473 and both have an excellent sense of smell. Human food can be of great interest to family pets and it's only natural to want to share.
Make your pet's holidays a happy and healthy one with special treats made especially for animals from your local pet store or by allowing the following, in moderation.
For dogs:
Watermelon, cantaloupe and honeydew (no rind and no exotic melon varieties)
Peanut butter
Small amounts of cheese
Bananas
Baby carrots
Green beans
Cooked chicken, rice, lamb (no spices or bones)
On the approved list for cats are:
Baked carrots
Steamed asparagus or broccoli
Cooked green beans, winter squash, or chopped greens
Small amounts of cottage cheese (if your cat tolerates it)
Small portions of cooked fish or poultry (no bones)
When in doubt, always consult your veterinarian.
In case your dog or cat does accidentally get hold of some food that can cause harm or your pet appears to be reacting badly to something they ate, you can call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435. Help is available 24-hours a day, 365 days a year. They charge a fee of $65 but your pet's good health and the chance to avert a disaster is worth it.