Too often the demands of the holidays mean disruption to your pet’s routine such as shorter walks, less playtime and nights alone for “Fido” and “Fluffy.” Your halls are decked with guilt. And then comes the moment of reckoning. It’s
Too often the demands of the holidays mean disruption to your pet’s routine such as shorter walks, less playtime and nights alone for “Fido” and “Fluffy.” Your halls are decked with guilt. And then comes the moment of reckoning.
It’s not a bark, snarl or even a hiss. Instead, your pet sits wide-eyed, head cocked, and whimpering or mewing captivated by each movement of every fork at your holiday dinner.
It’s all too tempting to toss the dog a bone or make an offering of peace to Fluffy in the form of turkey bits and gravy. Before you give in, consider these morsels of fact.
Table treats can be downright dangerous to your pet’s health. The onions and garlic in food and garnishes may damage dogs’ blood cells. Cooked bones can become brittle and splinter causing punctures to the intestinal tract. Even what we consider a wholesome snack of grapes or raisins has been associated with kidney failure in dogs.
Trouble isn’t confined to the table or trash can. It’s under the Christmas tree too. If you think that one of those pretty packages may be a food product, consider this. A dog’s sense of smell is more than 40 times better than your’s. Chocolate can be toxic and the darker the chocolate, the more dangerous. Macadamia nuts have been known to cause mobility impairments.
For even the most akamai of pet owners, it’s impossible to remember all the food hazards that abound. Your best bet is to keep a good supply of treats made for pets so they can enjoy the occasional indulgence, and you can enjoy a peaceful holiday season.
