BETHLEHEM, Pa. — When your dog is begging at your knee, sniffing and salivating from the aroma of the holiday foods and goodies at your fingertips, here is a good thing to know:
No.
No, as in no turkey skin, no stuffing, no mashed potatoes and gravy.
No decadent cookies, cakes or pies whipped up from grandma’s yellowed, dog-eared recipes.
No grapes, no raisins, no chocolate-infused treats.
No walnuts, no cashews, no pistachios and no macadamia nuts — which, at $25 a pound, would be a no-no even if they weren’t unhealthy for the pooch.Pet food experts
No walnuts, no cashews, no pistachios and no macadamia nuts — which, at $25 a pound, would be a no-no even if they weren’t unhealthy for the pooch.
While the temptation to slip the dog a little something can often be irresistible, the offering can be dangerous and possibly fatal, canine experts said.
They emphasize the gastrointestinal system of dogs is markedly different than those of humans. Many human foods contain properties that can harm or kill dogs.
Dogs love the taste of chocolate, but it is particularly harmful to them. Cocoa contains both theobromine and caffeine, which can cause a host of conditions, including an irregular heartbeat and seizures.
Foods such as cookies made with artificial sweeteners are dangerous for dogs. The sweeteners contain xylitol, which causes an insulin release in humans.
However, it can cause dogs to go into hypoglycemia, which is linked to liver failure and blood clotting disorders.
A common misconception may be that natural foods, such as grapes, raisins and avocado, are healthy for dogs. Another no-no.Pet food experts
A common misconception may be that natural foods, such as grapes, raisins and avocado, are healthy for dogs. Another no-no.
Grapes and raisins contain tartaric acid, which in dogs causes vomiting and kidney failure and damage.
Avocados contain a chemical called persin, which causes vomiting and diarrhea.
Other foods that can negatively affect a dog’s health are onions, garlic, chives and corn.
Dogs will whine, sit and stare, jump up and run around — anything to get your attention in hopes of getting you to drop a yummy morsel of food.
At some point, you may even share food with them just to get them to stop these annoying behaviors.
But while giving your dog the treat may make them happy in the short term, the long-term damage could be tragic.
Christmas is the season of giving.
But when it comes to slipping your dog a little something from your scrumptious holiday dinner table, remember this: Not every treat is the ideal gift.
Food for thought.
So, when your dog is begging at your knee when all the holiday goodies are at your fingertips, remember this: Be in the know.
As in, no.
