Happy Holidays! No matter your family’s rituals, this time of year is full of celebrations and gatherings that often center around unique and delicious meals, snacks, and noshes. Some of us even look forward to them all year round. There are ways you can enjoy your seasonal treats and keep your furry friends safe and included.
We love sharing our lives with our pets and consider them a part of the family. It can be tough to deny them the goodies we’re enjoying this festive time of year. Here are some tasty treats you can share with your family pet. Remember, these should all be offered plain—without heavy seasoning, which can cause GI upset or worse—and be given in moderation:
- Pumpkin
- Sweet potato
- Green beans
- Plain yogurt
- Cooked egg
- Turkey
- Bananas
- Salmon
- Cheese
Heads-up pet people, to minimize begging, make your cat or dog their own plate rather than offering a taste from the human table.
Common holiday foods to avoid, as they can cause GI upset or worse:
- Chocolate
- Alcohol
- Nuts
- Salty snacks
- Alliums: garlic, onion, scallion, leek, and shallot
- Milk and dairy products
- Caffeine-containing foods and drinks: coffee, tea, chocolate
If you’re not sure what Luna or Riley has gotten into, watch for odd behavior such as vomiting or choking and be prepared to respond. It’s helpful to have the emergency info ready to go. Pin these contacts in your phone’s contacts, notes app, or on the fridge if you’re old-school like we are:
- Veterinarian clinic phone number
- Nearest 24/7 emergency vet clinic in the Portland metro area: Dove Lewis in Portland, EVCOT in Tualatin, Wilvet Salem, Tanasbourne Veterinary Emergency.
- ASPCA Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435
- Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661
Hosting a large gathering? Some pets are introverts and would rather not be included in your shindig. With people coming into the house and leaving, some pets may use this as an opportunity to escape the hubbub of the holiday festivities. Now would be a good time to update the contact info on your cat’s microchip, make sure their collar fits properly, and check that the phone number on the tag is correct. Consider adding “indoor only” or “family pet” to the tag, while you’re making a new one. To avoid any unplanned escapees, make sure your low-volume-loving pets have a space to retreat to in your home when the jubilee erupts.
Now that you have some tips for the holiday season, we wish you the best and hope your pets stay safe and entertained. Here’s to a joyous and memorable holiday season to you and your furry companions!
