At Christmas and New Year, we traditionally eat more than usual, often enjoying foods that differ from our everyday meals. With festive dishes, guests, and family gatherings, there’s a lot more food around—and it’s hard to resist trying everything. But what about your dog? It’s important to make sure they stay healthy during this time and avoid any visits to the vet due to overeating.
Fortunately, our dog notices the holiday buzz—more people coming and going, more varied smells, and more affection from everyone. But the unfortunate reality is that sometimes much more food ends up in their stomach, food they’re not used to, and which can be harmful to their health. A sudden weight gain can also stress their digestive system and joints.
The best way to thank our dogs for their unconditional love is to prevent overeating and the associated health problems—and that might also mean keeping family members in check!
Here are some tips and tricks to help make the holiday season safer and more enjoyable for your dog too.
Even during the holidays, Hargita receives the usual, high-quality food that is suitable for him
What is it that your dog can never eat or drink under any circumstances?
1. alcohol
2. chocolate in any form
3. leftovers from human meals
4. the leftovers to be avoided during the holidays are jelly, bone, greasy skin
5. garlic and red onion
6. processed foods (cold cuts, salami, etc.)
7. fermented cheeses
8. foods containing xylitol (xylitol can cause death even in small amounts!)
9. fruits with high sugar content
10. sweets meant for humans
What can you do to prevent accidents?
- ask your guests not to feed your dog without your permission.
- prepare your dog’s meals ahead of time and, if a guest insists on giving food to your dog, ask them to stick to treats from your dog’s regular supply.
- clear the table immediately after a meal and avoid leaving food on accessible surfaces, as this can be a major temptation for your dog.
ONE MORE TIP
This is the most important tip! Play with and walk your dog for an extended period before guests arrive. For your dog, this is the ultimate happiness. Plus, a tired dog is more likely to relax in their designated spot, away from the dining table, making it easier to prevent someone from sneaking them tasty snacks, even if they’re not healthy.
The four-month-old Fanta is having breakfast in the garden this time