Tag Archives: toxic food for pets

Cat Care, Dog Care, General Health

Keep Your Pet Safe from Holiday Hazards

The holidays are in full swing! Make sure your pet stays safe this time of year, because there are several holiday hazards to be aware of. Learn more in this article from your Roanoke, VA veterinary professional.

Ornaments and Decorations

Pets sometimes see those shiny holiday decorations—ornaments, tinsel, candles, etc.—as fun toys. But they can cause harm if a pet were to play with them. Tinsel can actually wrap itself around a pet’s intestines when swallowed, causing serious problems, and tree ornaments could break into sharp pieces and cut your pet’s mouth. Monitor your pet closely to make sure they don’t play with ornaments and decorations.

Holiday Plants

There are plenty of holiday plants that can hurt your dog or cat. The danger of poinsettias is somewhat overblown, but they can cause mouth or stomach irritation if enough is swallowed. Holly and mistletoe are actually more dangerous—these common holiday plants both contain toxins that can cause serious symptoms in animals. Lilies, common this time of year in bouquets and floral arrangements, are also very dangerous for cats, in particular. Don’t let your pet get too close!

Toxic Foods

All sorts of foods on your holiday dinner table could cause harm if your pet gets their paws on them. The list includes onions, garlic, shallots, scallions, chives, leeks, chocolate, candy, grapes and raisins, buttery or rich foods, macadamia nuts, and salty snacks, among others. Keep your far away from the dinner table, and make sure to put harmful foods inside closed containers or cabinets where pets can’t gain access.

Alcohol

Alcohol is very dangerous for pets. It actually affects cats and dogs in the same way it affects us! The difference is that it only takes small amounts to result in alcohol poisoning. This rule goes for liquor, wine, beer, and champagne, as well as foods cooked with alcohol, like rum cakes. Don’t let your pet sip alcoholic beverages of any kind, and never give your pet alcohol purposely.

Stress and Anxiety

The holiday season’s hustle and bustle can put undue stress on pets, especially if you’re hosting a party or family gathering this season. Set up a “safe zone” of sorts for your pet, complete with a bed and a few favorite toys, in a quiet, low-key area.

Want to know more about keeping your pet safe this holiday season? Call your Roanoke, VA veterinarian for help.

Cat Care, Dog Care, General Health

Valentine’s Day Hazards for Pets

Valentine’s Day is just a few short weeks away. If you’re going to be celebrating with that special someone and you own a pet, it’s important to be aware of a few holiday hazards! Learn more below from your Troutville, VA veterinarian.

Chocolate

Chocolate abounds during the Valentine’s Day season. Chocolate of all types is a big no-no for pets, as it contains substances like theobromine and caffeine that don’t agree with our animal companions. If too much chocolate is ingested, a pet may display symptoms like lethargy, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and worse—take your pet to the emergency room immediately if they’ve ingested chocolate of any sort.

Candy

Candies, as well as certain gums and toothpastes, are often sweetened with xylitol, an artificial sugar that is toxic to animals. Avoid symptoms like weakness, vomiting and diarrhea, and seizures; keep the holiday candy to yourself, and store it in closed containers or cabinets where your pet can’t reach.

Candles

Lighting candles to set that romantic mood? Make sure they’re placed in areas where pets won’t have access. For one, a pet might swipe a tail or paw through an open flame, potentially causing burns. It’s also possible for a startled pet to knock over a candle, potentially starting a fire.

Human Food

All sorts of common human foods aren’t safe for pets to eat. If you’re cooking a meal for two this Valentine’s Day, make sure your pet isn’t waiting nearby to gobble up any errant morsels. Onions, garlic, chives, leeks, scallions, shallots, avocado, grapes and raisins, certain nuts, caffeinated foods and beverages… the list goes on and on! Keep your pet in another room while cooking, and don’t overdo it with table scraps.

Alcohol

If your romantic celebrations will include alcoholic beverages, it’s important for you to keep your dog or cat’s safety in mind. Alcohol affects pets just like it affects us—the difference is that pets will experience poisoning after only a small amount is ingested. Keep a close eye on adult beverages to make sure that your pet doesn’t have a chance to imbibe.

Plant Life

Lilies are particularly common this time of year. Did you know that they’ve very toxic to our feline friends, and might harm dogs as well? Check all bouquets and remove lilies if necessary.

Want more tips on keeping your pet safe this Valentine’s Day? Call your Troutville, VA vet clinic.