during the festive seasonIt’s tempting to share Christmas treats with our petsbut many foods can be harmful to them. Ingredients such as chocolate, xylitol (a common sweetener), grapes, garlic, and onion can be toxic and cause serious health problems. Being aware of these dangers ensures that our pets stay safe and healthy, allowing them to enjoy the holidays alongside us. (Read also: Pets Experience Stress From Loud Noises and Toxic Fumes During Diwali: 6 Vet-Approved Tips to Care for Your Fur Baby )

Dr. Umesh Kallahali, Small Animal Consultant, Mars Petcare India, shared with HT Lifestyle the top foods that pets should avoid.

1.chocolate

Chocolate It’s a holiday favorite, but can be dangerous for pets, especially dogs. Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, which pets cannot break down as quickly as humans. Even a small amount can cause restlessness, palpitations, vomiting, diarrhea, and even seizures. Dark and baking chocolate are particularly dangerous, so it’s safest to keep all chocolate out of pets’ reach.

2. Foods with Xylitol

Xylitol, a common sugar substitute in sugar-free candy, gum, and baked goods, is especially harmful to people. dogs. It can cause a rapid release of insulin, causing a dangerous drop in blood sugar. Symptoms may include vomiting, lethargy, and loss of coordination. Higher doses of xylitol can even cause irreversible liver damage, so it’s important to keep xylitol-sweetened treats out of pets’ reach.

3. Grapes and raisins

Grapes and raisins are often used in holiday recipes, but they are very toxic to pets, especially dogs. Ingestion of even a small amount can cause sudden kidney failure, with symptoms such as vomiting, loss of appetite, lethargy, and abdominal pain. Since it’s difficult to know how much could be harmful to each pet, it’s safest to keep all foods containing grapes or raisins out of reach.

4. Garlic and onion

Garlic and onion, often included in Christmas dishes, contain compounds that can harm pets, especially cats and dogs, by damaging their red blood cells. This can cause anemia if consumed in large quantities or over time. Symptoms may include weakness, vomiting, and pale gums. Since garlic and onion in any form (raw, cooked, or powdered) pose a risk, it is best to keep pets away from spicy dishes.

5. Macadamia and other nuts

Macadamia nuts are toxic to dogs and can cause symptoms such as muscle tremors, weakness, vomiting, and mild fevers. Other nuts, especially salted or flavored ones, can upset pets’ stomachs and cause dehydration. Nuts also pose a choking hazard for smaller pets, so it’s safer to keep nut-based snacks out of their reach.

6. Raw dough

Raw yeast dough is dangerous if eaten by pets. It can continue to rise in the stomach, causing gas and discomfort, while the fermentation process can generate alcohol and cause alcohol poisoning. Signs of mass toxicity include vomiting, unsteadiness, and swelling. Keeping the raw dough covered and out of sight is the best way to avoid any risk.

Keeping these treats out of reach ensures that pets stay safe, healthy, and ready to enjoy the holidays their way! Consider offering pet-safe treats as an alternative to let them celebrate with you.