4 Table Scraps that Your Pet Shouldn't Eat

Last updated 1 year ago

One of the great things about the holidays is the plentiful and tasty food that seems to abound at this time of year. Although the wide array of delicious options may be great for us, there are many foods that can be very dangerous if consumed by a pet. While preparing and eating those mouth-watering meals, make sure that your dog, cat, or bird does not get a hold of any of the following foods:

1.) Chocolate: Chocolate is one of the most commonly-used ingredients of the holiday season and one of the most dangerous for pets. It is toxic to all species, but it is dogs that are most likely to ingest enough to be harmful. Chocolate stimulates the heart and nervous system, inducing vomiting, restlessness, agitation, irregular heartbeat, elevated body temperature, and seizures.

2.) Garlic: When preparing a large holiday meal, it can sometimes be easier to let the dog or cat take care of the scraps that fall to the floor. While some food may not cause any harm, foods like garlic can cause a lot of trouble. Garlic damages the red blood cells of cats and dogs, causing anemia, vomiting, weakness, and red-colored urine.

3.) Alcoholic Beverages: Alcohol is a depressant that reduces the activity of the nervous system in all species. If alcoholic beverages are fed to your pet, it can cause vomiting, disorientation, lethargy, ataxia (lack of coordination), tremors, coma, and seizures.

4.) Raw Yeast or Bread Dough: Many of us also bake breads as gifts for friends and to accompany meals during the holidays. When doing so, be sure to keep the dough away from your pets, as the raw yeast can cause gastrointestinal upset and alcohol poisoning.

Make sure your family and any house guests you may have are aware of the harm that these and other foods can do to your pet’s health—this will make for a safer and more peaceful season for your whole family. At Paws, Whiskers & Wags, we are donating pet-themed gift baskets to the local charities in Atlanta to celebrate our beloved animal companions this holiday season. If you would like to learn more about us and our thoughtful pet cremation services, contact us at (404) 370-6000. We are available for phone consultation any time of the night or day.