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Keep Your Dog Away From These Foods This Holiday Season - National Humane Education Society

Veterinary clinics around the country brace for the influx of patients the weekend following Thanksgiving due to many dogs having an abundance of high-fat foods during holiday meals.

While foods like gravy, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie seem like harmless holiday delicacies to share with your dog, they can contain large amounts of fat. These foods may also contain unsafe spices such as onion powder, garlic, and nutmeg. All of these ingredients can wreak havoc on a dog’s G.I. tract, even in small amounts!

When a dog ingests too many fatty foods, they can develop acute pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). If left untreated, this is a dangerous situation that could lead to organ failure. Cases of acute pancreatitis range from mild to severe, sometimes requiring several days of life-saving treatment and IV fluids in the hospital.

If your dog shows the following symptoms of pancreatitis, contact your veterinarian immediately:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Lethargy
  • Loss of appetite
  • Fever
  • Dehydration
  • Abdominal pain

To keep your dog safe this holiday season, skip the table scraps altogether, and opt for healthier foods like canned pumpkin, plain green beans, or vet-approved dog treats to reward your pup. Visit our Companion Animals and Poisons page for a closer look at foods and other household items that are toxic to dogs and cats.

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