By Dr. Johnathan Pierce
Have a Happy Holiday!
Most of us are wary pet owners that know the various foods that are toxic to our pets. Onions, grapes, garlic, sugar-free xylitol-containing foods, etc. But what about other foods, maybe in excess. The holidays bring celebration too. This can be very tempting for your pet.
As veterinarians, we see a variety of food related illness other than toxin related illness. Dogs have eaten whole holiday hams causing obstructions and food bloat.
That’s right, when opportunity knocks your pet may not be able to help him or herself. This could be a surgical condition, especially if the pet is vomiting and not producing anything. Even trying to make the pet vomit with a full belly raises the possibility of aspirating into the lungs, causing pneumonia.
Dough is another tempting treat for pets. Unfortunately, a small amount of rising dough can cause major issues. The dough may continue to rise in the stomach causing distention of the stomach which can lead to bloat and possible stomach torsion or GDV. The fermentation process creates carbon dioxide and alcohol which can cause disorientation and even alcohol poisoning.
Chicken, ham, and beef bones are highly tempting and while digestible, large fragments or large quantities of bone can cause vomiting, compromise the lining of the stomach and intestine causing bleeding or even perforation of the organs depending on the sharpness of the pieces.
Ingestion of fatty foods or foods that your pet is not used to can lead to upset stomach, diarrhea, vomiting, etc. More severe consequences can be pancreatitis which can be very painful and in rare cases can even be fatal.
The bottom line is to be aware of what your pet has access to, where you are storing or leavening foods, and thawing your meats and frozen food. Pushing your food away from the edge of the counter may not be enough. Consider placing room temperature goods in your microwave or oven if not otherwise in use. Happy Holidays everyone and as always if your pet experiences any issues then please contact your veterinarian.
Island Life Animal Hospital
Dr. Danielle Gallo & Dr. Johnathan Pierce
5901 Sun Blvd., Suite 107, Saint Petersburg, FL 33715
727-289-3776 • islandlifeanimalhospital.vet