During the holiday season, we all like to eat drink and be merry and often include our pets in the celebration. But there are human treats we serve that are very dangerous to our pets. In today’s Pet Pointers, Lisa Chelenza highlights some of the most dangerous human foods to keep away from your pets.

A holiday favorite that is everywhere from cookies to candy is chocolate. Chocolate poisoning can cause a variety of symptoms including irregular heart rate, hyperactivity, diarrhea, vomiting, seizures, coma and possibly death. Dark chocolate, semi-sweet chips and bakers chocolate are even more dangerous than milk chocolate but it all should be kept out of your pet’s reach.

The sweetener Xylitol, often found in gum and gummy candies, can cause liver damage and possibly death.

Yeast dough should never be given to begging pets. Once eaten it can cause gas pain and possible rupture of the stomach or intestines and surgery could be required to save your pet’s life.

Fruit seeds and pits are an often over looked danger to pets. Apple seeds as well as peach and plum pits contain cyanide can cause cyanide poisoning if chewed and eaten. Large amounts of grapes or raisins can be poisonous to pets and can cause vomiting, diarrhea and renal failure leading to death.

Alcoholic beverages are very dangerous to pets. Not only can alcohol cause intoxication that can lead to behavior issues but can even lead to coma and death.
Home brewers should be sure to keep Hops away from pets. If a pet eats enough Hops it can cause panting, increased heart rate, seizures and possibly death.

If your pet begins vomiting and you believe they may have eaten something from the table, call the ASPCA animal poison control hotline and prepare to visit the emergency vet hospital nearest you.

ASPCA 24 hr Pet Poison Hotline: 1 888 426 4435. (This is the only dedicated animal poison control hotline in the world manned by veterinarians. There may be a fee for consultations.)