As we approach the holidays, many of you in Milwaukee, Racine, Kenosha and Waukesha counties may be utilizing a professional pet sitting service to care for your dogs or cats during travel. For those of you celebrating alongside your dogs and cats, keep in mind not all human food is safe for our canine and feline friends. Here are the top foods to keep away this holiday season:
1. Anything containing onions, garlic, or scallions. Found commonly in stuffing, gravy, and turkey skin, these ingredients are poisonous to dogs and cats and can cause anemia which could lead to internal organ failure and death.
2. Cranberry sauce. While cranberries can be good for your pup and you’ll often find them in treats or food, cranberry sauce is loaded with sugar. Much the same with humans, too much sugar can result in dental issues, obesity, and diabetes in our pets.
3. Turkey bones. Cooked bones can easily splinter when being chewed on and then swallowed, which could puncture the digestive tract. Dispose of any bones safely, where Fido can’t get into them.
4. Walnuts and macadamia nuts. Macadamia nuts can cause neurological issues as well as vomiting, and walnuts can cause GI issues and seizures. It’s best to keep them out of reach.
5. Pumpkin and sweet potato pie. Typically, both contain cinnamon and nutmeg. Large amounts of cinnamon can cause GI issues and liver disease while nutmeg can cause CNS issues and seizures.
