Top 5 No-No Festive Foods

Christmas can be a dangerous time for pets, with tempting but potentially dangerous foods and treats.

- Dr Jnanee

As the year draws to a close, we eagerly await the array of festivities that give us opportunities to feast on platters of decadent food. Naturally, as loving paw-rents, we envision sharing our festive food with our beloved pets too.

As tempting as it might be to treat your pets to something extra, it’s best to be cautious about what you’re giving them. Besides just a nasty tummy upset, many such foods can pose considerable risk to our animal friends. To save your pet from falling ill during this Christmas period, here’s a list of the top five foods that are best avoided:

1. CHOCOLATES & CANDIES

As most paw-rents are aware, chocolate can kill their pets! Chocolates contain high amounts of theobromine and caffeine. Humans are better equipped to digest these compounds – not so for cats and dogs. This is why chocolate is okay for humans, but poisonous to pets!

Theobromine and caffeine can damage your pet’s heart, nervous system and kidneys. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea, restlessness, excessive drinking and urination. In severe cases, symptoms can include muscle tremors, seizures and collapse.

If your pet has eaten chocolate or you suspect so, it is an emergency and your pet needs veterinary attention right away.

Also, resist giving Christmas candy and other sweets to your furry ones. Treats may include xylitol – an artificial sweetener that is toxic to pets.