5 Holiday Foods That Are Dangerous for Pets – Protect Your Dogs & Cats

As the holiday season approaches, many pet owners in Milwaukee, Racine, Kenosha and Waukesha counties are turning to professional pet‑sitting services to ensure their dogs and cats receive attentive care while they travel. Whether you’re celebrating with your pets at home or on the road, remember that not all festive treats are safe for our four‑legged companions. Below are the top five foods you should keep away from your pets this holiday season:

1. Onions, garlic, and scallions – These ingredients, commonly found in stuffing, gravy, and turkey skin, are toxic to dogs and cats. They can cause hemolytic anemia, which may lead to organ failure and death.
2. Cranberry sauce – While fresh cranberries can be beneficial, cranberry sauce is high in added sugars. Excess sugar in pets can lead to dental problems, obesity, and diabetes.
3. Turkey bones – Cooked turkey bones split easily and can puncture the digestive tract. Dispose of them safely so your pet can’t access them.
4. Walnuts and macadamia nuts – Macadamia nuts can induce vomiting, neurological symptoms, and seizures; walnuts may cause gastrointestinal distress and seizures. Keep them out of reach.
5. Pumpkin and sweet‑potato pies – These pies often contain cinnamon and nutmeg. Large doses of cinnamon can upset the stomach and damage the liver, while nutmeg can cause central‑nervous‑system toxicity and seizures.

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