Foods Pets Should Avoid: A Vet’s Guide for Safe Celebrations

The holiday season in South East Calgary is a time for gratitude, family gatherings, and delicious feasts. As you prepare your table with all the seasonal favorites, it's natural to want to include your furry family members in the festivities. However, at Auburn Bay Veterinary Clinic, we see a spike in emergency visits during the holidays—often due to pets accidentally eating harmful foods. To keep your celebrations joyful and stress-free, our veterinary team has put together this essential guide on foods that pets should avoid.

Why Are Certain Foods Dangerous for Pets?

Many staple holiday dishes contain ingredients that are toxic or harmful to cats and dogs. Foods may be rich, seasoned, or contain hidden hazards like bones, xylitol, or chocolate. What might be a treat for you can cause upset stomach, toxicity, or even medical emergencies in your pet. That’s why South East Calgary pet owners should be extra cautious this season.

Foods Your Pets Should Never Eat

Here’s a breakdown of the most common foods that are dangerous for pets:

1.Turkey Bones and Skin

- Cooked bones, especially from turkey, can splinter and cause choking, intestinal blockages, or internal injuries.

- Fatty skin can lead to pancreatitis, a painful and sometimes life-threatening condition.

2. Stuffing and Gravy

- Onions, garlic, scallions, and chives (often found in stuffing) are toxic to both dogs and cats.

- Gravy is usually high in fat and salt, and may contain spices that upset your pet’s digestive system.

3. Sweets and Desserts

- Chocolate is highly toxic to dogs, especially dark chocolate and baking chocolate.

- Xylitol, a common sugar substitute in baked goods, gum, and candies, can cause rapid insulin release leading to liver failure in dogs.

- Raisins and grapes (sometimes hidden in fruit cakes or desserts) are toxic to pets, even in small amounts.

4. Mashed Potatoes and Casseroles

- Ingredients like butter, cream, salt, onions, and garlic can all be harmful to pets.

- Casseroles may hide other pet-unfriendly ingredients like mushrooms, nuts, or bacon.

5. Alcohol

- Even small amounts of alcohol can be very dangerous, causing vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, and respiratory failure.

Signs Your Pet May Have Eaten Something Harmful

Even with vigilance, accidents can happen. Watch for these warning signs and seek immediate veterinary care if you notice:

- Vomiting or diarrhea

- Lethargy or unsteady gait

- Loss of appetite

- Abdominal pain or bloating

- Tremors or seizures

If you’re in South East Calgary and suspect your pet has eaten something unsafe, don’t hesitate to contact Auburn Bay Veterinary Clinic for emergency care.

Safe Holiday Alternatives for Your Pets

Instead of sharing your table scraps, try offering your pets these safe treats:

- Small pieces of plain, cooked pumpkin or sweet potato (no butter, sugar, or spices)

- Plain green beans or carrots

- Pet-friendly treats from our clinic, formulated for your dog or cat’s health

Tips for a Pet-Safe Holiday Celebrations in Calgary

- Keep garbage bins secured and out of reach from curious pets

- Inform guests about your household pet rules

- Set up a comfortable, quiet area for pets to retreat from the holiday commotion

Keeping Your Pets Safe During Christmas

At Auburn Bay Veterinary Clinic, we are honored to serve the South East Calgary community and understand how much your pets mean to you. If you have concerns about your pet's health, need advice on pet nutrition, or require emergency veterinary care, our compassionate team is here to help.

For proactive pet health tips, seasonal check-ups, or emergency services, book an appointment today with our experienced veterinary team. Let’s keep your furry family safe, happy, and healthy all year round. Visit our website or call Auburn Bay Veterinary Clinic to schedule your next visit!