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The Festive Guide to Feeding Your Pets During the Holidays

The season of stuffing, turkey, decadent desserts and all the fixings your heart desires is upon us, and with that comes weeks of extravagant dinners and lots of leftovers. Enjoy your meal this holiday season but bear in mind the dangers some of your favorite holiday foods pose to your beloved pets. The holidays should be a time of joy and cheer for everyone in your family, including your pets, so here are some ways to avoid unexpected veterinarian visits this festive season. 

High-fat Dishes Should Be Kept Far from Pets 

While bacon, perfectly seasoned turkey skin, thick gravy, and creamy sides are some fan favorites of the holiday season, they can be harmful to your furry companions. High-fat foods can lead to stomach upset and pancreatitis in your pet, depending on the amount of fat ingested. Avoid this painful problem by resisting the temptation to share high-fat foods with your animals. Instead, white meat turkey or plain vegetables like carrots and celery can be tasty treats for your pet. 

Bones Should Be Immediately Disposed of

Giving your dog a bone seems like the right thing to do when you have bones lying around from your holiday feast, but these bones are actually hazardous. Bones can clog your pet’s digestive tract, requiring emergency removal. They can also split or break upon ingestion, causing painful, dangerous tears inside your pet’s digestive tract. Cooked and uncooked bones should be immediately disposed of to avoid uncomfortable and sometimes fatal issues for your pet. 

Be Careful with Your Desserts

Who doesn’t love a decadent pie or creamy chocolate dessert? Most people look forward to delicious desserts during the holidays. Even your pet may be begging at your feet for a tiny morsel of sweets. However, denying them any food with nutmeg, chocolate, or artificial sweeteners is essential. These ingredients can make your furry friend very sick. Theobromine is found in chocolate and can cause serious illness. The same goes for xylitol, which is found in artificial sweeteners. Nutmeg, commonly found in pumpkin pie, can cause hallucinations and stomach problems if ingested by your pet. 

Keep your furry, four-legged family member safe this holiday season, and contact your local veterinarian if you have questions or concerns regarding potential holiday hazards.

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