Seasonal food dangers for pets

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With the holiday season quickly approaching, it is important to keep pet owners informed about the risks that feeding pets holiday food can carry. In the United States, the holiday season leads to thousands of veterinary visits every year for sick pets.¹ At the Virginia Tech Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Blacksburg, Virginia, veterinarians experience a rise in emergency visits during this time.² The Washington State University (WSU) College of Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Pullman, Washington has also observed a similar trend, with an increase of cases of cats and dogs with vomiting and diarrhea during the holidays.¹ With this in mind, what seasonal dangers should clients be aware of?

Chocolate poses a serious risk to pets, with symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, a racing heart rate, and seizures.³ In 2023, December alone accounted for 19% of Nationwide’s toxicity claims for pets, according to the insurance company.³ The estimated cost of treatment for chocolate toxicity is $830 based on 30 days after diagnosis and 80th percentile of claims received.³

The following foods should also be avoided³:

• Onions, garlic, and chives, which can lead anemia in dogs and cats.
• Grapes and raisins, which can lead to kidney failure in dogs
• Spices like nutmeg, cloves, allspice, onion and garlic powder, and paprika can cause stomach upset or create a toxic reaction
• Xylitol, which can be found in sugar-free food and gum, can result in dangerously low blood sugar levels and liver failure
• Bones and corn cobs can splinter while being chewed or cause a blockage in the stomach and intestines

Additionally, fatty foods like ham, dark meat turkey, turkey skin, and gravy can lead to pancreatitis, which can cause vomiting and lethargy. Depending on how severe the case is, treatment for pancreatitis in animals can cost approximately $1400.³ Unbaked yeast dough also poses a risk to animal companions, as this product can cause painful gas and “potentially dangerous bloating.”⁴

"Pets are naturally curious, especially around food and beverages, but certain holiday treats are particularly bad for them," Emily Tincher, DVM, chief veterinary officer at Nationwide, said in a company news release.³ "Many pet owners are unaware that even small amounts of festive staples can lead to illness, from mild stomach upset to more serious toxic reactions, causing discomfort for pets and unexpected stress for the family during the holidays."

To prevent animals from potentially eating table scraps and consuming toxic food, the American Veterinary Medical Association recommends pet owners clear food from their table, counters, and serving areas once they have finished using them. Pet owners should make sure to dispose of carcasses, bones, and any materials used to wrap or secure the meat—such as strings, bags, or packaging—in a covered, tightly sealed trash bag, and place it in a closed trash container outdoors in a place that cannot be reached by the pet.⁴

References

1. Holiday meals and pets. Washington State University. November 1, 2023. Accessed December 13, 2024. https://hospital.vetmed.wsu.edu/2023/11/01/holiday-meals-and-pets/
2. Mann A. The 12 tips of pet safety: A holiday guide. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. December 1, 2024. Accessed December 13, 2024. https://news.vt.edu/articles/2024/12/vetmed-pet-holiday-safety.html#:~:text=Veterinarians%20at%20the%20Veterinary%20Teaching%20Hospital%20in,turn%20festive%20celebrations%20into%20unexpected%20veterinary%20visits.
3. Holiday hazards to avoid, how to keep your pets safe this season. News release. Nationwide. December 2, 2024. Accessed December 13, 2024. https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/holiday-hazards-to-avoid-how-to-keep-your-pets-safe-this-season-302319777.html
4. Winter holiday pet safety. American Veterinary Medical Association. Accessed December 13, 2024. https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/holiday-pet-safety#:~:text=Bones%20can%20cause%20choking%20or,gas%20and%20potentially%20dangerous%20bloating