Keeping Pets Safe At Christmas — Dave’s Diary

Our pets are part of the family so that means a full share of all the holiday treats, right?  Not so fast my fur loving friend. Not everything on the table is safe for your pet.Clinical nutritionists at Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine say a taste of lean turkey or fresh vegetables is fine but there are some foods and beverages that are definitely off limits for pets.

Bones: Chicken, duck and turkey bones splinter easily and can lodge in your pet's mouth or throat or even perforate the intestines. Larger bones from other animals can cause intestinal blockage.

Onions and garlic: These seasonings in any form - fresh, cooked, dried or powdered - can damage red blood cells in pets, which can lead to anemia.

Alcohol: Especially lethal in cats and small dogs, beer, liquor or wine can damage your pet's liver and brain. While dogs will try any liquor, cats are finicky and prefer milk-based mixed drinks like eggnog and White Russians.

Caffeine: Coffee and coffee grounds, tea, energy drinks and certain medications containing caffeine, when consumed in large enough quantities, can kill your pet.

Other Christmas concerns include Holiday tinsel and ornaments, lighting, candles, gift wrap ribbon and Toxic Holiday plants such as Holly, Mistletoe and Poinsettias.   (NBC News)