Keep your dog safe during holidays

 

Tinsel and chocolate. Two big no no's for pets. Dogs love to chew. On almost anything. Toys (and decorations) that are not designed for dogs are not safe play toys for pets. Small parts--even the squeaky part inside a toy--can spell trouble if your pup chews up the toy and swallows the choking hazard. Instead give your dog indestructible toys like a Kong filled with dog treats. 

Even people food can be toxic to your dog. It's hard to resist giving your pooch a snack from the dinner table. Especially during the holidays. Unfortunately some foods that people love--even foods that are healthy for you--can harm or kill your pet. 

We know chocolate and candy is bad for Fido, but did you know that meatloaf with onions is very harmful because of the onions? When my Rhodesian Ridgeback got pancreatitis after eating the turkey meat with the skin on it, I found out how quickly a healthy dog can become gravely ill. Also, you should avoid any candy or other item sweetened with xylitol. For more information on pet safety during the holidays, check out the ASPCA Holiday Safety Tips.

 

Common signs of poisoning include:
Muscle tremors or seizures
Vomiting or diarrhea
Drooling
Redness of skin, ears, and eyes
Swelling and bleeding

For a detailed look at poisonous foods and items for pets, check out ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center

Here's a quick overview of foods pets should not eat according to the TODAY show:
Avocados
Beer
Nuts (especially macadamia nuts and walnuts)
Chocolate
Candy or anything containing the sweetener Xylitol
Caffeine
Grapes or Raisins
Onions
Human Medicine

Many of your favorite household plants are poisonous to pets too. Check out the ASPCA--17 Common Poisonous Plants

Here are 17 plants that are poisonous to pets:
Lilies
Marijuana
Sago Palm
Tulip/Narcissus bulbs
Azalea/Rhododendron
Oleander
Castor Bean 
Cyclamen
Kalanchoe
Yew
Amaryllis 
Autumn Crocus 
Chrysanthemum 
English Ivy 
Peace Lily (AKA Mauna Loa Peace Lily) 
Pothos 
Schefflera

(illustration by Chris Olson and photo image by digital_image_fan)