We want to give a big shoutout to Riverclub Vet for making this helpful article that outlines the right and wrong treats to share with your beloved pets over the holiday season!

Menu Of Toxic and Hazardous Foods to Avoid Feeding Dogs and Cats:

Fat and fat trimmings
Burgers, pizza, ribs, chicken wings etc. can cause upset tums, vomiting and pancreatitis.
 
Bad to the bone
Bones can splinter, causing internal injuries, obstruction or choking.
 
Raging raw meat and fish
Can contain Salmonella and E. coli which could lead to gastro and weakness.
 
Very dairy discomfort
Milk and other dairy products can cause diarrhoea as your pets lack the enzyme needed to digest lactose.
 
Funky fruits
- Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs! Look out for lethargy and vomiting. Grapes can be particularly tricky as dogs may actually like them, but due to the potential toxicity of these juicy fruits, it is best to avoid them.
- Perfect peaches, apricots and plums—pits contain cyanide and can also be a choking hazard.
 
Vommy veggies
- Onions, garlic, chives and leeks—just a small amount can cause damage to your pet's red blood cells, as well as weakness and shortness of breath. Cats are particularly susceptible to this toxin.
- Mushy mushrooms can trigger seizures, vomiting and even coma with certain wild varieties.
- Avo pits can be a choking hazard, and in larger quantities, contain a toxin which is hazardous to dogs.
 
Mad macadamia nuts
Dogs are particularly susceptible to this unknown toxin, which can cause depression, vomiting, and difficulty walking.
 
Yucky yeasty dough
Can cause vomiting, bloat and diarrhoea due to fermentation.
 
Not so play dough
Full of salt that can be lethal to pets causing tremors, gastro and seizures.
 
Not-so-sweet desserts
- Xylitol (in baked goods, sweets, chewing gum etc.) can lead to vomiting and seizures and is associated with liver failure in your pets. Very important to remember that it is still toxic even if used in cooking and baking.
- Chocolate (quantity and amount of cocoa will determine the level of toxicity) can cause gastro and seizures. Dark chocolate, in particular, has higher concentrations of theobromine, which animals cannot metabolise.
 
Dangerous drinks
- Alcohol can cause respiratory depression, incoordination and seizures.
- Coffee can cause increased urination, panting and seizures.
 
Please beware of any of these everyday household treats. Keeping them away from your pets is the best way to prevent accidental ingestion.

Halloween, Diwali, Guy Fawkes, Christmas and New Year's Eve are fast approaching, and this usually comes with fireworks, big bangs and social events that may distress your pet. The number of stray animals around these times increases. Ensuring your pet is safely in your property, is microchipped and has a name tag on their collar is a good way to ensure their safety.

To read the full article written by Riverclub Vet, please visit: https://mailchi.mp/8d6935203867/exciting-news-for-rvc-cat-parents-and-hills-clients-6…;