Cooking for Your Dog? Beware of these 7 Toxic thanksgiving food for dogs

The holiday season is synonymous with joyful family reunions and lavish feasts. Amidst the hustle and bustle of these festive occasions, our furry family members often get overlooked, especially when it comes to food safety. Holidays bring a lot of happiness, but they also come with hidden risks for our four-legged companions. As a responsible pet owner, it's crucial to be aware of the foods that could harm your pet. 

Let’s dive into the seven common holiday foods that are perilous for dogs.

#1 Onions and Garlic: Hidden Dangers in Festive Dishes

While onions and garlic add a zestful flavor to our holiday meats, they spell danger for dogs. Even in small amounts, these common ingredients can wreak havoc on your dog's digestive system and lead to the destruction of red blood cells, potentially causing anemia. So, if turkey is on the menu for your pooch, remember to prepare a separate, unseasoned portion just for them.

#2 Beware of Cooked Bones

Cooked bones, particularly from your Thanksgiving turkey, may seem like a treat for your dog, but they are far from safe. These bones can easily splinter and become lodged in or puncture your dog's throat and digestive tract. Training your dog to avoid snatching food from the table or counters is essential for their safety.

#3 Dried Fruits – A Healthy Snack? Not for Dogs!

Contrary to popular belief, not all dried fruits are healthy for dogs. Specific varieties like macadamia nuts and walnuts are incredibly toxic and can lead to severe reactions, including vomiting, loss of coordination, and even tremors. Swift veterinary intervention is vital if your dog ingests any of these.

#4 Sage – A Seasoning to Sidestep

While sage enhances the flavor of our holiday meats, it’s a big no-no for dogs. The essential oils in sage can cause significant gastrointestinal upset and indigestion in dogs, leading to hours of discomfort and agitation.

#5 Chocolate: A Sweet Danger

The theobromine found in both dark and white chocolate is a toxic agent for dogs. Ingesting chocolate can result in severe symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, and excessive urination, and can even be fatal.

#6 Alcohol – A Festive Hazard

During celebrations, alcoholic beverages are often easily accessible, but they should be kept far away from pets. Alcohol can have immediate effects on a dog's central nervous system, leading to dire consequences.

#7 Turkey Skin – Not a Doggy Delight

While you can share some plain, cooked turkey meat with your dog, avoid giving them the skin. The high-fat content and seasonings often used on turkey skin can be difficult for dogs to digest and potentially harmful.

Extra Safety Tips:

• Decor Dangers: Keep your pets away from holiday decorations like potpourri, candles, and plants, which can be harmful if ingested.
• Trash Watch: Dispose of garbage promptly. The lingering aroma can tempt pets to rummage through the trash, leading to potential hazards.
• Guest Guidance: Politely ask your guests not to feed your dog any table scraps.
• Child Supervision: Monitor interactions between children and pets, ensuring kids don’t distress pets with loud noises, rough play, or tail-pulling.

Making It a Happy Holiday for Your Pet

Ensuring your pet’s comfort and safety during the holidays is as important as the festivities themselves. Engaging in calming and playful activities with your dog before the day's chaos begins can help them feel relaxed and included. We’d love to hear your plans for keeping your pet safe and content during the holidays. Share your tips and experiences with us!