Dana Farbman & Dr. Eric Dunayer, Animal Poison Control Specialists—November 9, 2007
Naturally, we all want to include our pets in our holiday celebrations. After all, they’re family! But we also want to keep our furry friends safe from all the potentially toxic “goodies” that enter the home during the holiday season. On hand to tell us how were the ASPCA’s Dana Farbman, CVT, Senior Manager, Professional Communications, and Dr. Eric Dunayer, Veterinary Toxicologist. During a live online chat on the ASPCA community, these two experts answered questions on everything from chocolate and stuffing to Christmas tree safety!
Since Thanksgiving is right around the corner, I was wondering—is it safe to give dogs some of the foods we eat at our traditional meal?
—Lisa
There is certainly nothing better than family, friends and lots of good food during the holidays. So why wouldn't we want to share that with our furry family members, too?
As long as your dogs do not have any dietary restrictions or a history of gastrointestinal problems, offering a few small boneless pieces of thoroughly cooked turkey, a taste of mashed potato or even a lick of pumpkin pie should not pose a problem for them. Just don't allow them to overindulge, or your dogs could wind up with a case of stomach upset, diarrhea, or even worse—an inflammatory condition of the pancreas known as pancreatitis.
Just be sure to avoid giving potentially poisonous items such as garlic, onions or chocolate, as well as goodies sweetened with xylitol, which could lead to a sudden drop in blood sugar, causing seizures and even liver failure in some cases.
I hope that you and your dogs have a very happy Thanksgiving!
—Dana Farbman, CVT
I have a Great Dane and a Weimie, and as strange as it may sound, they love gummy bears—stale gummy bears to boot. I end up using them as bribes sometimes, but never overindulge. They never get more than one a day. We have new puppies at our house who are five months old and only weigh about 30 pounds. They accidentally got one of the gummies the other night. Can the little bit of sugar and gelatin in the gummies hurt the pups?
—Laura
Your question is not as strange as you think. I have a young daughter who likes gummy bears, and my five dogs are always fixated on her when she eats them! To answer your question, as long as the gummies are not sweetened with xylitol (which can cause seizures and liver failure in dogs), and they are not consuming more than a couple here and there, gummies are not likely to pose a poisoning risk. Of course, these chewy goodies could potentially pose a choking hazard, so do be sure to supervise your dogs and puppies when offering them the occasional gummy.
As a side note, we did manage a case where a dog became very ill and died from eating more than a pound of gummies—so please do be sure to keep these treats your dogs treasure in a secure cabinet above the counter so they do not help themselves.
—Dana Farbman, CVT
Last year, I was shopping at a pet store, and I saw some holiday treats for dogs that contained ginger and cinnamon, things I wouldn't feel comfortable feeding them. I also saw they’re coming out with chocolate treats for dogs—are they safe since they are made for dogs? Thanks.
—Theresa
In small amounts, these treats are likely to be safe (even chocolate). Some "chocolate" dog treats actually contain carob, which is safe. If these treats make you uncomfortable, I would stick to "traditional" pet treats.
—Dr. Eric Dunayer
Can we give our dogs turkey or any of the regular stuff you have at Thanksgiving, like corn? And can dogs have milk or juice?
—Theresa
Boneless, fully cooked turkey in small amounts should not pose a problem for your dogs, and the same goes for a sampling of corn as a treat. As for milk, dogs do not digest dairy products as well as most humans do, so if you wish to offer this beverage, do not give more than a tablespoon or so or diarrhea could develop.
Small quantities of apple, orange or tomato juice would not likely be a problem, but because we know that grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs, it would be wise to stay away from grape juice.
—Dana Farbman, CVT
Which items do we really need to keep away from our pets during the holidays? Which items may contain lead or other harmful chemicals?
—Cynthia
Lead may be a problem in older ornaments that were made before lead paint was banned in their use. However, unfortunately, as we have learned recently, even newer items may contain lead (although they are not supposed to).
Batteries—which may be needed to run toys and remote controls—can be dangerous if chewed or swallowed. They contain alkaline chemicals that cause burns to the mouth and esophagus.
Possible physical hazards include cuts to the mouth from chewing up sharp objects or an intestinal obstruction if large pieces of an object are swallowed.
—Dr. Eric Dunayer
Most people know about chocolate, and I recently found out about onions and grapes, but is there anything else I shouldn't let my pets have?
—Drew
In general, you should avoid giving "people" food to dogs and cats because they can cause vomiting and diarrhea in animals not used to eating them.
Foods to especially avoid:
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Raw or undercooked turkey or chicken due to salmonella
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Macadamia nuts (can cause weakness and tremors)
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Xylitol (a sugar-substitute used in sugar-free candies, gums and baked goods that can cause low blood sugar and liver damage in dogs.)
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Raisins and grapes (can cause kidney failure)
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Onions and garlic (can cause anemia)
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Avocado (can cause heart failure in pet birds)
—Dr. Eric Dunayer
What types of plants should I guard against in the Christmas season? I know about the poinsettia, but are there others? I would like to buy different types of plants, but I would like to know which are safe.
—Lisa
Poinsettia has a reputation that it can be deadly if eaten. This is not true. While ingestion of the plant can lead to vomiting and diarrhea, it is not likely to be life-threatening.
Ingestion of most other holiday plants like holly, Christmas cactus and Christmas trees may cause vomiting and diarrhea, but are not likely to be serious either.
Mistletoe can also cause gastrointestinal upset.
—Dr. Eric Dunayer
Is it dangerous for cats and dogs to be around the fumes of the scented candles that go along with holidays? Thank you.
—Max
I would not expect the fumes from candles to be a problem for dogs and cats as long as the room is well-ventilated. However, birds, because they are very sensitive to fumes, should not be kept in the same room with a scented candle for safety’s sake.
—Dr. Eric Dunayer
I read about a spray that is used to prevent cats from eating plants and Christmas trees—does this kind of product work? These are the ingredients: proprietary bittering agents in a deionized water base, grapeseed extract, lemon extract, natural bitter cherry flavor and bitrex. Does this sound safe to use? My cats love plants (to shreds) and I like live trees, but I don't want to risk having a live tree if the kitties are going to eat it.
—Lauren
Like the product you found, there are a number of deterrent products available at pet stores that are formulated to be used as an aid to help prevent your pets from chewing on plants and other objects. However, the response to these deterrents is individual; some animals may find it extremely unpleasant, while others may not be fazed or may even find the item you've sprayed more attractive (my cat happens to view deterrents as a delicious treat).
Above all, there is no good substitute for supervision—which gives you opportunities to redirect your cats to something they can chew on when they show an interest in the plants in your yard or home. And of course, as Dr. Dunayer mentioned, the safest approach is to keep these plants completely out of reach of your kitties.
—Dana Farbman, CVT
When I make a cake, my dogs corner me in the kitchen wanting to lick the beaters. I let them once but haven't since. I didn't know if there is anything in the cake mix that could harm them.
—Betty
My main concern would be for cake batter that had raw eggs in it because of the risk of salmonella bacteria. The amount of chocolate in a chocolate cake mix from a lick shouldn't be a problem.
—Dr. Eric Dunayer
My dog loves chocolate. I give her a little piece once a week. I heard that a little bit once in a while won't hurt her. But am I wrong? Also, fake trees don't cause any real concern for dogs, do they? One more thing—is there any traditional Thanksgiving food a dog shouldn't have?
—Amber
Chocolate is a potentially harmful food for dogs, but there is an old saying in the field of toxicology: It is the dose that determines the poison. What does this mean for your situation? Basically, an occasional tiny taste of milk chocolate is not likely to pose a health problem in an average sized dog. It is important to keep in mind, though, that in addition to the potentially poisonous caffeine-like substance they contain, many forms of chocolate also have large amounts of fat, which could lead to gastrointestinal problems or even inflammation of the pancreas if enough is ingested.
As for faux holiday trees, there is typically no toxic concern from most newer tree products, especially those made in the U.S. If your dog were to chew on the tree and ingest large pieces, though, he could be at risk for choking or an intestinal obstruction. Therefore, it is still a good idea to discourage your dog from nibbling on your faux tree.
For Thanksgiving dinner, offering a small piece of boneless, thoroughly cooked turkey, plain mashed potatoes and a smidge of pumpkin pie is not likely to be a harmful treat for your dog. Just be sure to avoid giving foods with large amounts of onion or garlic, or any treats sweetened with xylitol—a sweetener that can lower the blood sugar of dogs and lead to life threatening signs such as seizures and liver failure. I hope this information has been helpful to you; have a safe holiday season!
—Dana Farbman, CVT
I've been told that white chocolate won't hurt dogs. Is it okay to give them a small dose of white or milk chocolate? I have 70-pound Labs and would never want to hurt them. But they drool anytime I eat a Three Muskeeters bar! Also, I've been told that I can melt almond bark and dip their milk bones in it. Is this okay?
—Betty
White chocolate is very low in the toxins we worry about and a 70-pound dog would need to eat a lot—literally pounds of it— to cause problems. It is still high in fat, and this can be a problem. Small amounts of milk chocolate should not be a problem for large dogs, but again, it is high in fat. It is best to avoid chocolate so they don't get the taste for it.
Almond bark doesn't contain the toxins in chocolate so it should be safe (but again, high in fat). You may want to consider using carob, which is not toxic.
—Dr. Eric Dunayer
Just recently, our water heater burst. There was water everywhere. When I was cleaning it up, my cat started to drink it. I had a hard time getting him away from it. Now, he is constantly going into the garage by the water heater, as if he is waiting for it to happen again. How toxic is the water from a water heater? Ours is electric. Thank you.
—Cynthia
Water from the heater shouldn't be a big problem since it is just heated water. With time, minerals can precipitate out in the heater or the lining may rust. Rust is not poisonous. I would discourage your cat from drinking the water but I wouldn't expect any serious problems.
—Dr. Eric Dunayer
I sometimes give my dog chicken as a treat. Is turkey safe? How about pumpkin pie? I heard pumpkin is good for dogs with an upset stomach. Would that be just the pumpkin pulp, the one without the sugar and spices?
—Jessica
Small amounts of well cooked turkey are fine. (As with people, don't give raw or undercooked turkey because it can contain Salmonella.)
Pumpkin pie may be too rich for some dogs, and can cause vomiting and diarrhea. A taste may be okay, but be careful not to give too much. At the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, we will sometimes recommend pumpkin filling to add fiber to a dog's diet. But we recommend using the plain filling without spices and added sugar.
—Dr. Eric Dunayer
We usually have a small tree, so it's easy enough for me to keep it out of paw's reach—but are there any things I should be concerned about with cats and Christmas trees? (Luckily, Bing & Puff mustn't be thrilled with my tree-trimming skills because they usually totally ignore the tree...) Thanks so much.
—Pune
Christmas tree varieties such as pine, spruce and fir contain essential oils and resins that may produce gastrointestinal irritation and minor nervous system depression if ingested in large enough quantities. Additionally, the needles could cause mechanical damage to the tissues of the mouth and gastrointestinal tract. Because cats can be much more sensitive to the effects of essential oils, it is a good idea to discourage your kitties from nibbling on your holiday tree.
Christmas tree water may sometimes contain preservatives or fertilizers, which if ingested, can cause stomach upset. Stagnant tree water can also act as a breeding ground for bacteria, and if ingested, a pet could end up with nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Because of this, we would advise discouraging your cats from taking a drink of this water. Have a happy and safe holiday season!
—Dana Farbman, CVT
I bake a lot during the holidays. Are all nuts safe for dogs or are some toxic? Thanks!
—Addie
In general, nuts are safe for dogs. They are high in fat, so in some dogs they can cause an inflammation of the pancreas, which can be serious. They are also high in calories, and can contribute to obesity. In general, avoid feeding a large amount of nuts.
One type of nut to watch out for is the macadamia nut. For reasons we don't understand, dogs who eat these become weak, unsteady on their feet and may develop tremors. In addition, they may vomit. Usually, they recover on their own, but severe cases may need to go to the veterinarian. As few as four or five macadamia nuts can cause problems in a 10-pound dog.
A lot of people ask about almonds because some sources say they contain cyanide. Bitter almonds contain cyanide but these are not sold for food in this country. Sweet almonds, the kind we do eat, do not contain cyanide.
—Dr. Eric Dunayer
Every Thanksgiving, when I cook stuffing, I use sage in it. My cat is attracted to smell—he will jump on the counter to get it. Is sage bad for cats?
—Cynthia
Sage (Salvia species) is considered to be edible in small amounts. However, it and many other herbs contain essential oils and resins that can cause gastrointestinal upset and even central nervous system depression if eaten in large quantities.
Cats are sensitive to the effects of essential oils, so for safety’s sake, I suggest you break the bad news to kitty and keep him away from the sage you are cooking with this Thanksgiving. Have a wonderful holiday season!
—Dana Farbman, CVT
I love chocolate! I love to melt chocolate chips and eat it that way. Well, we have a 10-year-old cat who was abandoned and an outdoor cat for a long time. She has kidney failure and probably won’t last the year. She'll eat almost anything—she wants to eat chocolate, too, but I don't let her have any. I know it’s poisonous for dogs. Am I giving her every last day she has by denying her chocolate?
—Yvonne
Chocolate can be a problem for cats, just as it for dogs. Since cats tend to be smaller than most dogs, it doesn't take as much chocolate to be a problem. Also, the type of chocolate makes a difference. The darker the chocolate the more dangerous, so bittersweet or dark chocolate is worse than milk chocolate.
Another possible problem is that the toxins in chocolate are excreted through the kidneys. Since your kitty has kidney problems (so sorry to hear that), I would not let her have chocolate, since she would not be able to eliminate the toxins as well.
—Dr. Eric Dunayer