As families gather to celebrate Christmas Day with festive feasts, Dr Elizna Boag, a veterinarian at Montego Pet Nutrition, alerts pet owners about the risks of indulging their furry companions in human foods.
‘There are two aspects to consider this time of year: table food and treats. Human treats can very often be toxic to pets and it is critical that pet owners are familiar with these risks. Table food is another area we have to talk about,’ says Dr Boag.
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Bones
Dr Boag compares giving pets bones to neglecting seatbelts in cars.
‘The best comparison I can give is seatbelts. Just because you’ve never been in a car accident doesn’t mean you shouldn’t wear a seatbelt, because when an accident does happen, the consequences can be very serious. It’s essentially the same with bones,’ she says.
Despite seeming harmless, bones can cause severe complications like tooth damage, digestive blockages and potentially life-threatening punctures in the digestive system.
Fatty foods and red meat
Pets fed red meat and oily foods may suffer from gastroenteritis or pancreatitis. Dr Boag suggests opting for white chicken meat without bones as a safer alternative.
Red meat can also trigger hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, linked to the bacterium Clostridium perfringens.
Chocolate
Often accidental, pets consuming chocolate can experience symptoms ranging from restlessness to seizures.
The toxicity varies with the type of chocolate and the pet’s size, with darker chocolates and cocoa powder being more dangerous, especially for smaller dogs.
Raisins and Xylitol
Dr Boag warns against treats like hot cross buns that contain raisins and xylitol. Raisins can damage kidneys, while xylitol, common in sugar-free gum, can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar, leading to emergencies.
Dr Boag advises keeping harmful foods out of reach, teaching pets to obey commands to drop potential hazards and consulting a veterinarian on safe treats.
‘If you have any doubts about the treats or food you are providing for your pets, please speak to your veterinarian so they can give you trained, expert advice,’ concluded Dr Boag.
This festive season, vigilance is key to ensuring our pets enjoy the holidays safely, away from harmful human treats.
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Picture: charlesdeluvio / Unsplash