🎄🐾 Holiday Foods & Festivities: What Dog Owners Need to Know This Season
Beware of Fatty Holiday Foods
Those big holiday meals smell amazing to dogs — and begging eyes are hard to resist! But many traditional holiday foods are high in fat, butter, and oils. Even a small amount can upset your dog’s stomach and, in some cases, trigger pancreatitis, a painful and potentially serious medical condition.
Foods to Avoid:
- Turkey skin, ham fat, gravy
- Stuffing with onions or garlic
- Sausage, bacon, butter-heavy dishes
If you want to give your pup a holiday treat, choose plain, unseasoned:
- Green Beans
- Carrots
- Plain cooked turkey (no skin, no seasoning)
Toxic Ingredients to Watch For
Some foods are toxic to dogs — even in small amounts.
Avoid at all times:
- Grapes & raisins (found in holiday breads & desserts)
- Chocolate (especially dark chocolate)
- Xylitol (a sweetener in sugar-free desserts and gum)
- Onions & garlic (common in gravies, stuffing, casseroles)
If you suspect your dog ate something unsafe, call your vet or ASPCA Poison Control immediately.
Holiday Decorations Can Be Tempting Too!
It’s not just the food! Holiday decorations can also be risky.
- Tinsel & ribbon can cause intestinal blockages if swallowed
- Glass ornaments can break and injure paws
- Pine needles (real or artificial) can irritate the stomach
- Holiday plants like poinsettias, mistletoe, and holly can be toxic
Keep décor above nose level and avoid letting pets roam unsupervised around holiday setups.
Enjoy the Holiday Season Safely
With a few mindful choices, your dog can be part of the celebration without the risks. At Bauser’s Pet Training, we’re passionate about helping pet parents create safe, happy, and loving environments — not just during training sessions, but all year round.
For more tips or training support through the busy holiday season, we’re here to help.
305-454-0420
bauserspettraining.com
Serving South Florida Dogs & Pet Parents in North Miami Beach
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