Holiday Feasts and Our K-9 Beasts 

 

It’s fall y’all!! 

 

Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas are all just around the corner.  This time of year brings lots of family gatherings and fun. Family and friend gatherings bring the feasts.The feasts can contain dangers for our sweet little beasts.

Here are some foods to keep away from your dog and what to do should that beast eat that feast!

 

CHOCOLATE

If you haven’t heard already chocolate is toxic for dogs. Dark chocolate is worse than milk chocolate.

 

The weight of your dog + Amount of chocolate consumed (and type) = risk of toxicity.

 

If your dog eats chocolate call your local emergency veterinarian and they will have the official equation as to how much is toxic. They will then instruct you to come in to induce vomiting.  Being an emergency Veterinary Technician for 8 years I’ve smelled the sweet victory of chocolate vomit many times! 

 

But seriously, it can cause rapid heart rate and even seizures due to the caffeine and theobromine. 

 

Symptoms can also include:

  •  Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Restlessness
  • Increased urination
  • Tremors
  • Elevated or abnormal heart rate
  • Seizures
  • Collapse and death

 

GUM

Another toxic candy is gum. A lot of gum has xylitol in it nowadays.  Xylitol is toxic because it causes a decrease in blood glucose level (hypoglycemia) which can lead to seizures. It can also lead to liver failure. Xylitol can also be found in some baked goods.  

Symptoms can include vomiting,  diarrhea and ataxia (coordination problems).

 

FAT TRIMMINGS AND BONES

 

Too much fat can cause pancreatitis.  Pancreatitis can cause decreased appetite and activity and vomiting,

Bones can splinter in the intestines and cause leakage of intestinal contents causing a dog to  become extremely I’ll. Bones can also cause an obstruction which may require surgery to remove it. Not to mention a bone can be a choking hazard. 

 

GRAPES AND RAISINS

 

Grapes and raisins are toxic and can cause kidney failure. Even just one single grape or raisin, no matter the size of dog can be fatal. 

Symptoms would be vomiting over and over again and a rapid onset of sluggishness and depression (within 24 hrs). 

Get your dog to the vet right away where they can induce vomiting which if done quickly will produce the grape or raisin and avoid kidney failure.

 

ALCOHOL

 

This should go without saying. Dogs can have serious side effects and even death from consuming alcohol. It has the same effect on their brain and liver as it does to us. Only it takes a lot less to cause an issue.

Just don’t do it.

 

YEAST 

Yeast for making bread before its baked. It will rise. If eaten it can rise and expand in the dog’s stomach and be very painful.  It will also ferment and can cause alcohol poisoning. 

 

GARLIC AND ONIONS

 

Even in powder forms can cause a decrease in red blood cells (anemia). This can be life threatening as well. Weakness, vomiting and trouble breathing can be symptoms. 

 

MARIJUANA/POT/CANNABIS EDIBLES

 

Yep.

No matter what you call it, it can be toxic to your dog or cat. Pets can be affected through second hand inhalation, edibles or baked goods containing marijuana. 

Symptoms may be:

  •  Dilated pupils
  • Wobbly; uncoordinated 
  • Hypersensitivity 
  • Disoriented 
  • Urinary incontinence (leaking nor dribbling urine)
  • Excessive drooling 
  • Vomiting

 If your dog gets into marijuana or cannabis please seek Veterinary care immediately.  The Veterinarian and the staff are not the police and they cannot arrest you! 

 

Treatment can be administered quickly and more effectively if you are honest. 

Have a safe and happy holiday season!