One of the benefits of being a pet owner is including your fur babies in your holiday festivities. However, there is one aspect of the holidays that your pets should not be involved in, holiday meals.
Although most pet owners assume they’re doing their pet(s) a favor by giving them table scraps, what they’re really doing is handing them a substance that can do life-threatening damage to their organs.
This practice can be even more dangerous to your pet’s health during the holiday season when humans tend to prepare certain foods that are considered highly poisonous to animals.
In addition to all forms of chocolate, below are ingredients and foods that you shouldn't be feeding to your pet(s) this holiday season.
Seasoning & Spices:
- Cinnamon
- Garlic
- Nutmeg
- Sage
- Salt
- Xylitol (sugar substitute)
Dairy:
- Milk
- Cottage cheese
- Ice cream
- Pudding
- Yogurt
Proteins:
- Bones
- Fat trimmings
- Turkey
- Raw eggs
- Raw meat
- Macadamia nuts
- Pecans
- Pistachios
- Walnuts
Fruits:
- Avocados
- Cranberries
- Grapes
- Peaches
- Plums
- Raisins
Vegetables:
- Cooked carrots
- Green beans
- Onions
- Sweet potatoes
What Holiday Plants Are Toxic to Pets?
In addition to the above foods, the following holiday plants should also never be consumed by your pet(s):
- Holly
- Mistletoe
- Christmas trees
- Poinsettias
Are You Interested in a Career That Works With Animals?
If you would enjoy having a job that requires you to work with animals, especially dogs and horses, perhaps you should consider enrolling in Hocking College's Animal Assisted Therapy program. Hocking College, located in Nelsonville, OH, offers the following animal-related programs:
For more information on any of these programs, contact the Animal Assisted Therapy Program Manager, Cynthia Conner, by email at connerc31052@hocking.edu or by phone at (740) 753-6272.
