The Christmas holidays bring joy, family reunions and tables full of delicacies. As we enjoy this festive season, it's essential to keep in mind that some foods we love could pose serious dangers to our furry friends.
Dogs and cats, due to their different dietary needs and sensitivity to certain ingredients, can face significant risks during the holidays. In this article, we'll explore the hidden dangers at the dinner table and provide tips on how to keep our beloved pets safe this holiday season.
Chocolate and Christmas Sweets
Chocolate , common in many Christmas recipes, is highly toxic to dogs and cats. It contains theobromine and caffeine, two substances which, if combined, can be toxic to the gastrointestinal system, kidneys, heart and nervous system.
Our beloved pets metabolise these substances much more slowly than humans, furthermore sweets, biscuits and cakes may also contain sugar and artificial sweeteners, which are also harmful to animal health. Avoiding sharing sweets with our furry friends is essential to prevent food poisoning.
Cooked bones and fish bones: watch out for crumbling
Turkey, chicken and fish are staples during the holidays, but feeding pets bones or bones, especially cooked or processed ones, can cause serious health problems.
Small cooked fish bones or bones can splinter and cause sores in the mouth, throat, and intestines . Instead of giving bones from the table, it's best to opt for pet-specific products, such as deer bones or dog chews or safe chew toys.
Onions and Garlic: Hidden Enemies
Some holiday foods contain onions and garlic, which are also toxic foods for dogs and cats. These foods can cause damage to red blood cells and lead to a serious health problem known as anemia . There are maximum quantities allowed but it is advisable to be very careful and avoid offering dogs and cats foods that contain them.
Alcohol and Sugary Drinks
Alcoholic and sugary drinks are often present on festive tables. Alcohol is extremely dangerous for animals, in fact it can cause neurological problems and in severe cases even coma. In fact, unlike humans, animals are unable to assimilate alcohol quickly and this can lead to serious intoxication. Additionally, sugary drinks can lead to stomach problems and obesity. Making sure pets don't have access to glasses or containers containing these drinks is critical.
Beware of Food Remains and Leftovers
Some human foods, although non-toxic, can cause digestive upset when consumed in large quantities; better to opt for small portions and prefer safe foods such as a nice chicken breast cooked especially for him without particular seasonings.
In conclusion, the holidays are a time of joy and sharing, but we must be aware of the dangers that the table setting can pose for our furry friends. Keeping harmful foods out of their reach, educating guests about pet food safety , and offering safe alternatives can help ensure that our furry friends can enjoy a happy, but most importantly, healthy party, too.
