The Holiday Foods That Can Send dogs to the Emergency Vet

The holidays are upon us and it’s a wonderful time of year filled with family, fun, and most of all, food. It’s not uncommon to go to a holiday gathering and enjoy countless different savory and sweet dishes before washing it all down any number of holiday beverages. We tend to take for granted what we eat during this time of year, but if you have dogs, you must be careful. Many of the treats we consume that taste great to us can also be toxic to pets and become the reason why many owners need to halt their festivities and send dogs to the emergency vet. 

Before your next family gathering, consult this list of dangerous holiday foods so you can keep your four-legged friends healthy throughout the season.

Cooked Bones

Despite what you may have seen in Christmas movies over the years, giving your dogs bones during this time of the year is one of the quickest ways to send dogs to the emergency vet. The reason is because they may be cooked, and that makes them dangerous. While raw bones are typically fine, if there’s any chance that the bone was in the turkey or otherwise used in a cooked dish, the bones will have become much more fragile. As a result, the bones will lose their moisture and become brittle. When the dog chews on it, the bone can splinter and become lodged in its throat, or if it’s swallowed, in the animal’s digestive system. If this happens, emergency care will be required. If you’re new to dog ownership, it’s recommended to speak to your vet to learn which bones are acceptable for your particular pup.

Nuts

It’s not uncommon to see pistachios, pecans, walnuts, and almonds in various dishes and desserts during the holidays. However, while some cooked nuts, such as cashews and hazelnuts are okay in moderation (though they can be choking hazards), other nuts can be very dangerous. 

• Pistachios – The small size makes them more likely choking hazards.
• Macadamia Nuts – They’re completely toxic to dogs. They can cause tremors, vomiting, and weakness.
• Brazil nuts – They are high in fat and can disrupt your dog’s digestive system.
• Older nuts – Even if you feed your dog the nuts that are okay for their health, only provide newer nuts. Older nuts can harbor toxic mold that can hurt your dog.

Keep in mind that every dog can have a different reaction to nuts, so speak to your veterinarian for more information.

Onions 

Onions can add a nice level of flavor to many Thanksgiving dishes but be cautious if you’re eating them around dogs. If your dog happens to eat a tiny piece of onion, they may experience some queasiness, but they’ll be okay. However, if dogs consume more than 0.5% of their body weight in onions, they may feel the effects of extreme onion toxicity. The compounds in an onion can affect your pet’s red blood cells and cause them to break down faster then they can be replaced. 

The level of toxicity will depend on the size of your dog and small breeds can be affected after ingesting less than a teaspoon. If not treated, dogs will start to show symptoms after a day or two, which can include weakness, dark urine, and fatigue. Avoid throwing onions in the trash where your dog can reach.

Fatty Foods

It’s not unusual for many people to overeat during the holidays because the food is just so good. However, part of the reason why much of it is so tasty is because it’s loaded with fat. It may be okay for humans, but allowing pets to consume fat is one of the quickest ways to send dogs to the emergency vet. 

Some of the holiday culprits with the most fat include chicken skin, turkey skin, and gravy. The more fat a food contains, the harder it is for dogs to digest, and as a result, pets can experience vomiting or diarrhea. Allowing dogs to eat fatty foods over the long term can cause inflammation of the pancreas, which is a vital part of the digestive system. Talk to your vet if you’re unsure of what to include in your dog’s diet.

Chocolate

Whether it’s Easter, Christmas or anything in between, there’s a good chance that chocolate will be involved. Dogs should avoid consuming chocolate at all costs. The issue with the dessert is that it contains a chemical called theobromine, which is toxic to canines. The darker the chocolate, the more toxic it can be. The symptoms of eating chocolate will vary depending on the weight of your dog, but they can include vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, heart problems, and even death. If you believe your dog consumed chocolate, head to the vet immediately.

When you’re indulging in some candy or chocolate, also be cautious of the wrappers. Dogs may try to chew on them to get the flavor, but if swallowed, they can become choking hazards. Be cautious of this around Halloween when kids may leave their trash in the street and your dog may try to lick them while they’re being walked or are playing outside. 

Raisins

There are many holiday desserts that contain raisins. Your preference when it comes to raisins can differ, but when it comes to canines, allowing their consumption is one of the quickest ways to send dogs to the emergency vet. Raisins are very toxic for dogs. While the exact harmful substance within them is still unknown, it is guaranteed that your pet will have a negative reaction, with the most common result being kidney failure. Dogs are unable to digest raisins, which is why after eating them, your dog may experience vomiting, increased urination, lethargy, and dehydration. Grapes can cause a similar reaction in dogs, though it’s less extreme. Still, it’s best to keep both ingredients out of the equation completely when cooking your holiday dinner.

Alcoholic Beverages

If your holiday celebrations often include alcohol, then you must be extra careful around your pets. Dogs won’t go out of their way to drink alcohol, but the beverages tend to be sweet, and your pet may lap it up out of curiosity. If they do, you must act immediately. Alcohol contains ethanol, and the more your pet consumes, the worst it can be. Ethanol is also found in other liquids that may be around your house, including mouthwash, aftershave and hand sanitizers, so caution is always necessary. 

Alcohol can intoxicate dogs like it does humans. However, other side effects can include depression, excessive drooling, weakness, collapse, and issues with low blood pressure. Dogs should avoid any alcohol, including beer, which can contain other harmful substances, including chocolate, coffee, and spices. Don’t leave any beverages unattended this time of year.

Tips For Keeping Dogs Safe Around Holiday Meals

Beyond the dangerous foods we have discussed, there are other ways to ensure that you don’t send dogs to the emergency vet when preparing holiday meals. 

For starters, do your best to keep the feast on the table. It may be tempting to want to involve your pets in the festivities by handing your pup some table scraps, but many foods, from those listed above to things like sauces and dressing can be hard for pets to digest. That rule goes for desserts as well. Many baked treats can include a sweetener called xylitol, which can be deadly if consumed by pets. If they eat uncooked, yeast-based dessert ingredients, they may experience bloating or painful gas. 

The best way to keep the pets at bay is to keep them in their own room or space during the meal so they’re less inclined to beg or get near toxic food. If you really want your pup to be a part of the festivities, then provide pet-friendly food options. Suggestions include safe bones from the pet store, plain pumpkin puree, or even a few bites of unseasoned turkey. Just don’t let them go overboard. 

Be aware that many of your centerpieces and decorations can also be harmful to dogs, especially if they involve plants. Many holiday-themed plants, including baby’s breath, gourds, and pinecones, are toxic for dogs and can become choking hazards. 

Discarding Trash

When you’re done with the holiday meal, put all discarded food in the trash and put the trash out of reach. When you bring the trash outside, put it in a tightly secured trash bag or can so your pets don’t have any chance of getting to it. 

Advise your guests of the rules for your pets and ensure that they follow your guidance. You should be the only one who feeds your dog during the festivities. Ensure that all guests also close any exterior doors they walk through so your dog doesn’t get the urge to escape. Keep everyone on the same page and you and your pets can stay healthy throughout the season.

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Preparing Your Backyard for Winter Wildlife Visitors

Many people prioritize their backyards because they value the wildlife that calls the space home. While your yard is certainly a bastion of activity during the warmer months, a common misconception is that all of that wild activity pauses during winter. However, you’d be surprised at how many animals and insects will continue to thrive even during the coldest seasons, and they need a place to stay. If you want to create a palace of comfort for the winter wildlife visitors in your area, then we have some tips for you.

By knowing what to add to your yard and what to leave behind, you can create the perfect ecosystem for birds, bees, deer, reptiles, and more. This guide will provide tips on what to do and what to avoid so the creatures in your town have a safe place to call home.

Create Areas Where Critters Want to Go

One of the best ways to attract winter wildlife to your yard is to provide comfort and shelter. For instance, if you have a pile of dead branches in your yard, don’t discard them. Leave them in place, and you may see a variety of animals, from rabbits to skunks, turning the branches into temporary homes.

Also, you may feel inclined to rake the leaves in your yard, but if you want wildlife to come around, consider leaving them where they are. You may not realize it, but you could be providing nesting sites for overwintering inhabitants, like bees and butterflies. Most bugs survive the long winter by taking shelter around dead leaves. A pile of leaves can be warm, protect insects from predators, and even serve as a food source. To you, it may look like just a pile of leaves. But it could actually be home to a community of life. If, for some reason, you must rake the leaves, don’t throw them away; instead, place them in a garden bed for the insects.

Flower Maintenance

While you may feel inclined to clear some space by removing flowers from your yard, consider keeping them there. Many small birds, from sparrows and goldfinches to nuthatches and chickadees, depend on the seedheads of those flowers for food during the colder season. Some of the best types of flowers to leave around include: 

• Coneflower
• Sunflowers
• Black-eyed Susan
• Sedums
• Sneezeweed

During your tour of the backyard, keep an eye out for dead stems as well. Again, you may be inclined to dig them out, but they, too, can be a shelter for small creatures. Wasps, bees, and other stem-nesting insects will happily make a home out of them. Many insects tunnel through stems and remain there in a state of dormancy until the seasons change. 

Make Rock Piles

If you’re looking to add texture to your backyard while creating a winter sanctuary for wildlife visitors, consider adding rocks. Many tiny animal species enjoy making shelters in the crevices and cracks of rock piles. Add them in strategic places, and you can also beautify your space at the same time. 

You’ll attract some interesting critters, including bumblebees and chipmunks. The latter will often burrow underground where there is a pile of rocks. You may also attract some cold-blooded animals, like turtles, snakes, lizards, and frogs. They will use the rocks to absorb the sun’s heat so they can stay comfortable throughout the season.

Whenever you’re cleaning your yard, consider what you can leave behind, and you may provide shelter or food for a plethora of winter wildlife visitors.

Plant Trees That Encourage Winter Wildlife Visitors

A great way to entice various creatures into your backyard is to plant trees that they like. The trees on this list are great because they provide shelter, food, or places to rest for the wildlife you’re likely to see. Consider planting the following trees:

• Sargent crabapple – It’s a gorgeous tree for small yards that attracts rabbits, foxes, and various birds, including mockingbirds and robins.
• Canadian hemlock – This plant works well as a privacy hedge, and it attracts chickadees, juncos, warblers, and other birds.
• Colorado blue spruce – One of the most popular and beautiful conifers, it also attracts crossbills and siskins.
• Washington hawthorn – A lovely tree with red berries that attracts various bees and birds.
• Downy serviceberry – This gorgeous tree makes berries that are great in pies, and they attract many winter birds.
• White spruce – This tree is like the equivalent of a water cooler in an office. It’s a cute tree that attracts crossbills, deer, rabbits, and more.
• American holly – Plant this around your yard and you’ll put yourself in the holiday spirit while attracting quail, wild turkey, songbirds, and bees to your home.
• Deodar cedar – If you want to add some privacy to your yard and attract a variety of winter birds, plant this cedar and reap all of the benefits.

The more trees and greenery you have in your yard, the better the chance you have of attracting wildlife, even when the winter season comes around. 

Provide Water Sources

A proven method for attracting winter wildlife visitors to your yard is to provide a water source of some type. Many backyard creatures need water to survive, and that need doesn’t end when the weather grows colder. 

To start, place a bird bath outside and fill it regularly. If you live in a snowy or freezing climate, look into a bird bath with a heater. You might also plug in a portable heater and point it up at the bird bath. A final solution is to heat a brick in the oven and put it in the water in the morning. It will keep the water at a decent temperature throughout the day. 

If you don’t have a bird bath, you can also put out a shallow pan with water. Just be sure to place it far enough away from trees so that predators won’t ambush the friendly animals. 

Food for Your Favorite Wildlife

The winter wildlife visitors to your home will depend greatly on where you live and the local climate. That said, if you’re looking to attract certain animals, the food you put out will matter. Here are some examples:

Deer

When it comes to feeding deer, you have some options. However, don’t go overboard with what you supply or it could upset their digestion. Foods they enjoy include corn, oats, and alfalfa pellets. You can also put out the occasional carrot or apple. 

Chipmunks and Squirrels

Both of these critters will always be happy with walnuts, hazelnuts, acorns, and other nuts that are still in the shell. For an extra treat, you can also offer pumpkin seeds or dried corn on the cob.

Raccoons, Foxes, and Opossums

For a wider range of winter animals, you can put bits of meat or cooked eggs in the yard. Foxes and opossums also like unsalted seeds and nuts. Raccoons love berries and cut fruit.

Rabbits

If you want rabbits to hop into your yard, consider options that are both tasty and healthy. Rabbits truly love carrot tops, leafy greens, and apple peels. If you have any twigs from willow or birch trees, toss them out as well. In addition to tasting good, they also help to wear down overly long teeth. Finally, provide some hay or alfalfa to add necessary fiber to their diets. 

Feeding the Birds

You will likely have a variety of birds frequenting your backyard, especially when you provide the seeds that they love. Here are some seed options and the birds they’ll attract:

• Black oil sunflower seeds – Cardinals, finches, and chickadees love these high-fat snacks that help them keep their energy levels elevated.
• Suet blocks – High-energy food made from rendered vegetable and animal fat. It’s a common treat that’s great for jays, wrens, and woodpeckers.
• Unshelled and unsweetened peanuts – Blue jays love them, but so do squirrels, so be cautious.
• Nyjer seeds – Tiny seeds that attract pine siskins and goldfinches.
• Cracked corn – A favorite of sparrows and doves.
• Fruit pieces – Attract robins, bluebirds, and waxwings.

If you live in snowy or gusty climates, extra care is required when feeding the birds, especially when it comes to your bird feeder.

Find a suitable bird feeder that will last throughout the season. Plastic will typically do. Glass is very sturdy, but a strong gust could cause it to fall and break, and create a hazard for you and the animals. Find a feeder that has a top that overhangs the food so it doesn’t get wet. 

Make it a point to clean off the bird feeder whenever it snows. Failure to maintain the feeder could lead to mold that could harm the birds. A good way to stay on top of things is to add seed to the feeder daily, but don’t add more seed than the birds will finish during the day, so you don’t have to worry about inviting hungry but unwanted animal guests at night.

The key to creating a backyard sanctuary for the wildlife in your area is to think about what to keep in place, from leaves and rock piles to strategically placed birdhouses. Take time to think about the layout of your backyard, and you’ll have a variety of wild visitors all winter long.