(COLORADO) — With the holiday season near the end, continue to keep your pet safe and away from toxic treats, food, and items.
During the holidays, it is important to remember the health risks associated with including furry friends in festive foods. Although we may want them to feel included and want to indulge them, some human food and drinks can be dangerous and even lead to emergency health situations for dogs and cats.
“Pets are naturally curious, especially around food and beverages, but certain holiday treats are particularly bad for them,” says Dr. Emily Tincher, Chief Veterinary Officer at Nationwide. “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.”
Nationwide Pet Insurance shared some of the top holiday-related claims and their estimated treatment costs. Here’s how to protect your pup and your pockets this season:
Chocolate Toxicity: In 2023, Nationwide saw a 140% spike in claims in the final two weeks. Ingesting chocolate can cause symptoms in pets such as vomiting, diarrhea, and even seizures in severe cases. Estimated treatment cost is around $830.
Alcohol Toxicity: Keep your pooch away from this festive drink, small amounts can cause lethargy, vomiting, and respiratory distress. Treatment cost is around $988.
Pancreatitis: This can happen when pets eat fatty foods like ham, dark meat, turkey skin, and gravy. Pancreatitis is painful and potentially life-threatening. Estimated cost is $1,400 or more depending on how severe it is.
Some other foods to avoid include onions, garlic, and xylitol — which can be found in sugar-free candy. Make sure your furry friend also stays away from gum, bones, and corn cobs. Some spices to avoid include nutmeg, onion, paprika, garlic powder, cloves, and allspice.
If you want to share with your pet this holiday season, stick with small samples of foods they love and won’t make them sick such as pumpkin, apple, carrots, green beans, and plain white meat turkey.
