Keep festive leftovers out of your pets’ bowls

As the festive season gets under way, many households will enjoy feasts, often met with longing looks from our furry friends.

What may seem like a kind gesture, sharing festive leftovers can have serious health implications for your pet, and the South African Veterinary Association (SAVA) urges pet owners to avoid this habit.

“Foods like chocolate, raisins, cooked bones, and foodstuffs rich in fats or spices can cause anything from mild digestive upset to life-threatening conditions in pets. It’s important to keep festive dishes on the table and out of the reach of your pets,” said SAVA president Dr Paul van der Merwe.

Many Christmas foods can lead to severe health complications for animals, such as pancreatitis, gastrointestinal blockages and even poisoning.

SAVA warns against the following:

· Avoid: chocolate, mince pies, stuffing, onion-heavy dishes, nuts and alcohol. These are some of the most dangerous items for pets
· Warning: cooked bones, often leftover from turkey or chicken, can splinter and cause internal injuries

SAVA’s tips for a pet-safe Christmas:
1. Provide your pets with safe and healthy treats specifically designed for them.
2. Ask guests not to feed table scraps to your animals.
3. Ensure all food waste is securely disposed of and out of your pets’ reach.

If your pets do ingest something harmful, contact your veterinarian immediately.

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