Can you believe the holidays are already winding down? It’s always nice to spend some quality time with our loved ones. Our animal companions count! They give us unconditional love, unwavering support and dedication, comfort, companionship, and never-ending cuddles. They also make us chuckle with their fun antics. However, the holidays aren’t over yet! There are a few concerns that pet owners should be aware of at this special time of year. Read on for some pet safety advice from a local Bel Air, MD veterinarian.

What Decorations Are Dangerous To Pets?

In general, anything small or sharp is unsafe. That includes many typical holiday decorations, such as ornaments, tinsel, small figurines, and manger pieces. Anything long or stringy, such as lights, tinsel, or ribbon, is dangerous as well. 

You’ll also want to be careful with real plants. Many popular ones, like holly, ivy, poinsettia, and mistletoe, are toxic to pets. 

What Types of Meat Can Pets Eat?

In general, meat, fish, and poultry are OK as long as they have been cooked all the way through. You’ll also need to remove the skin, fat, and bones. Cooked bones become very fragile and can break into sharp shards. These are serious choking risks, but they can also cause significant internal damage if eaten.

Organ meats, such as liver, should be fed sparingly. Otherwise, they may cause vitamin A toxicity. Fatty foods, including bacon and sausage, should also only be served occasionally. Finally, avoid giving pets anything that has been seasoned with garlic, onion, or other potentially harmful foods.

Which Fruits Are Safe for Pets?

The list of safe and harmful foods for dogs and cats is essentially the same. Some pets of course like these foods more than others, but there’s no harm in trying!

Here are a few that are safe for pets:

• Apples
• Raspberries
• Watermelons
• Blueberries
• Bananas
• Pears
• Cantaloupes
• Mangos
• Oranges
• Peaches
• Cranberries
• Apricots
• Blackberries
• Figs

As a general guideline, you should remove all seeds, pips, and rinds. Some things may need to be sliced up before you hand it over.

Which Vegetables Are Safe for Dogs?

Fido and Fluffy can also eat plenty of vegetables. In fact, many vegetables are just as healthy for pets as they are for humans! Just don’t give your furry buddy something that’s been covered in butter, spice, or fattening sauces.

• Carrots
• Green beans
• Broccoli
• Celery
• Sweet potatoes
• Beets
• Peas
• Spinach
• Cucumber
• Kale
• Bell Pepper
• Squash
• Potatoes
• Zucchini
• Corn
• Lettuce
• Pumpkin
• Asparagus

Certain things such as broccoli and cauliflower, should only be served on occasion. Ask your  Bel Air, MD veterinarian for particular guidance.

What Foods Are Not Safe For Pets?

Many items that are beneficial for us are poisonous to our pets. Dogs are in more danger here because they will eat almost everything, whereas cats are more selective. However, some will consume whatever they can get their cute paws on. As a general guideline, never give your pet anything until you have thoroughly researched it to assure its safety.

Here are some of the dangerous ones: 

Grapes, Currants, And Raisins: These tart fruits are extremely harmful to dogs and cats. Some pups can develop renal failure after eating just one! Although more investigation is needed, scientists seem to have identified the culprit: tartaric acid, which causes kidney damage.

Cherries: The problem with cherries is not the fruit itself, but the pits, which contain arsenic. Many cherries are also marinated in sweet sauces, which contain more sugar than pets should consume.

Xylitol: Xylitol, sometimes known as birch sugar, is a sugar substitute that is exceedingly harmful to pets. Unfortunately, it is added to a variety of processed meals, particularly baked goods. It is also commonly added to peanut butter, which is typically otherwise safe for your pet to consume.

Onions And Garlic: The entire allium family is harmful to pets. This includes not only garlic and onion, but also scallions, shallots, leeks, and chives. The problem is that these foods include organosulphoxides, a toxin that harms your pet’s red blood cells and causes anemia.

Macadamia Nuts:  Macadamia nuts can make your furry buddy very sick. Consumption may cause weakness, tremors, vomiting, sadness, and hypothermia.

Corn on the Cob: While corn kernels are OK, the cob is not suitable for pets: consumption can cause dangerous—and potentially fatal—intestinal obstructions.

Tomatoes: Tomatoes contain solanine, which is poisonous to pups in large amounts. The leaves are especially harmful. It’s also worth mentioning that green tomatoes or tomato parts are more concentrated than ripe flesh.

Chocolate: Chocolate includes methylxanthines, which can cause vomiting, irregular heartbeat, and seizures. Unfortunately, as little as one ounce per pound of your pet’s body weight can be a lethal dose.

Alcohol is also on the list. Don’t share your cocktail with your furry friends: they could get very, very sick! 

There are many other meals that, while not as harmful as those listed, are still unsafe. Many casseroles, for example, contain a lot of fat, cream, and cheese, which are unhealthy for pets.

Other unsafe foods include avocado, raw dough and yeast, and anything that contains xylitol. Always research something new before offering it to your pet. Ask your veterinarian for particular guidance.

Protecting Your Pet From Stress

The holidays can be a pretty hectic time. All that hustle and bustle may be a bit much for your animal companion, especially as New Year’s Eve arrives and the revelry goes up several notches. 

If you are having company over, or perhaps just live in a loud neighborhood, bring your pet in before dark. You may also want to set them up in a quiet back room, so they can relax away from all of the hubble. Turn on a TV or radio to mask the noise, and offer a special treat or chew. 

If your furry friend gets extremely nervous, offer them some calming products. Ask your Bel Air, MD vet for tips on these.

Of course, you can also include your pet in your resolutions! This is a great time to vow to finish teaching Fido tricks, or perhaps build Fluffy that enclosed kitty catio. 

Book An Appointment At Our Bel Air, MD Veterinary Clinic

Happy New Year! We look forward to serving you for years to come! Please feel free to contact us for any of your pet’s care needs. As your Bel Air, MD animal clinic, we are always happy to help.