One of the greatest parts of the holiday season is the food. While humans can indulge in all sorts of treats this time of year, it’s important to understand that some of these foods are dangerous for dogs. Be sure to keep an eye on your pup as you’re bustling through the kitchen this holiday season. Take extra precautions to make sure the following foods are out of their reach.

Chocolate: All chocolate, including dark or baking chocolate, can be dangerous for dogs. The theobromine in chocolate can cause vomiting, diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst, urination, tremors, and seizures.

Candy and Candy Wrappers: Candies often contain xylitol, a sugar alcohol that is extremely poisonous to dogs. Xylitol can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar, leading to loss of coordination and collapse. It can also cause liver failure. Even if the candy itself doesn’t contain xylitol, the wrappers can be just as dangerous. If dogs ingest foil or cellophane wrappers, they can suffer from intestinal blockages.

Animal Bones: While it may seem like a good idea to give your dog a bone to chew on, it can actually be hazardous. Animal bones can splinter and cause lacerations or blockages in your dog’s digestive tract.

Dairy: Many dogs are lactose intolerant and consuming dairy can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Keep the cheese plate away from your pup!

Nuts: Some nuts are safe for dogs in small quantities, and many enjoy nut butter treats. However, some are toxic to dogs or pose a choking risk and should be left off the menu. Avoid giving your dog macadamias, pistachios, black walnuts, and almonds.

The best way to keep dogs safe during the holidays is to make sure they don’t have access to any human food. Keep an eye on them while you’re cooking, and be sure to put leftovers away where they can’t reach them. And communicate with guests about the importance of not feeding Fido. But if you think your dog has ingested something they shouldn’t have, contact your veterinarian or local animal hospital immediately. The sooner you get them treatment, the better their chances for a full recovery.

The holiday season is a time for joy and togetherness, and this includes our beloved canine companions. By taking these precautions and being mindful of their well-being, we can celebrate the holidays with peace of mind, knowing that our dogs are safe and happy by our side.