Holiday Foods Your Cavoodle Should Never Eat!
The holiday season is the best time of year when we get to celebrate with family, friends, and loads of yummy food! But while you’re digging into your holiday favourites, it’s very important to remember that not all treats are safe for your Cavoodles. Your Cavoodle might be giving you those irresistible puppy eyes, but some holiday foods can make them seriously sick.
To keep them safe and happy this season, here’s a deep dive into five-holiday foods your Cavoodle should never eat and why they’re dangerous.
Image reference: 30 Foods That Are Poisonous to Dogs: What They Can and Can’t Eat
1. Grapes and Raisins
These little guys might seem harmless, but they’re one of the most dangerous foods for dogs. Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs, even in small amounts. What makes it extra scary is that some dogs can eat grapes without an issue, but others can get sick from just one or two.
What happens if my cavoodle eats grapes?
If your Cavoodle eats grapes or raisins, you might notice:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain (they might whimper or look uncomfortable)
- Weakness or lethargy
- Trouble peeing
Image reference: Can Dogs Eat Grapes and Raisins?
Even if your dog doesn’t show symptoms right away, it’s important to act fast. Kidney failure can develop quickly, and the results can be life-threatening.
What should you do if your cavoodle has eaten grapes or raisins?
If your dog sneaks a grape or raisin, don’t wait to see what happens. Call your vet or a pet poison hotline immediately, they’ll guide you on what to do next.
2. Mashed Potatoes
Plain, cooked potatoes? Fine for your pup. But mashed potatoes loaded with butter, cream, and garlic are a big no. While these ingredients make the mash delicious for humans, they can upset your Cavoodle’s stomach or even lead to more serious issues like pancreatitis.
Why are these foods bad?
- Butter and cream: Too much fat can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, or even pancreatitis.
- Garlic and onions: These can damage your dog’s red blood cells, leading to anaemia.
What should you do instead?
If you want to include your Cavoodle in the holiday feast, stick to plain, boiled potatoes with no extras. They’ll love it just as much!
3. Meat Bones
It’s tempting to toss your Cavoodle a bone, especially during a festive meal. However, not all bones are safe for dogs. Cooked meat bones can splinter when chewed, turning into sharp shards that can damage your dog’s mouth, throat, or stomach.
Why are splintered bones dangerous?
- They can cause cuts or tears in your dog’s digestive tract.
- They may get stuck, causing blockages that need surgery to fix.
Image reference: CAUTION: Bones Can Kill Your Dog – Find Out Which Ones are Safe
Are any bones safe?
Yes! If you want to give your dog a bone, choose a large, hard beef bone that won’t splinter. Make sure it’s fresh and raw, and supervise your pup while it chews.
What’s a better option?
Consider giving your dog a special chew toy or a vet-approved dental treat instead. It’s safer and just as satisfying for your Cavoodle.
4. Seasonal Salads
Holiday salads might seem like a healthy option, but they often contain hidden dangers for your Cavoodles. Many festive salads are packed with ingredients like grapes, raisins, and nuts that are toxic to dogs. Even mayonnaise, a common salad ingredient, can upset their stomach.
What ingredients are risky?
- Grapes and raisins: These are extremely toxic, as we’ve already covered.
- Nuts: Some nuts, like macadamias, are toxic to dogs, while others are high in fat and can lead to pancreatitis.
- Mayonnaise: It’s not toxic but is fatty and hard for dogs to digest.
How to keep your dog safe:
If you’re serving a salad at a holiday meal, keep it out of reach. Even a small amount could be dangerous depending on the ingredients. If you’re not sure what’s safe, it’s best to play it safe and not share.
5. Lollies & Chocolates
Chocolate, lollies, and other sweet treats are everywhere during the holidays, but they’re a big no-no for dogs. Chocolate, in particular, contains a compound called theobromine, which is toxic to dogs. The darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is.
Image reference: Why Candy Is Dangerous for Dogs
What about other sweets?
Lollies often contain xylitol, a sugar substitute that’s incredibly toxic to dogs. Even small amounts can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar, leading to symptoms like vomiting, seizures, or even liver failure.
What can happen if your dog eats sweets?
If your Cavoodle gets into the sweets, they might experience:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Lethargy
What should you do if you think your cavoodle ate cholcolate or lollies?
If you think your Cavoodle has eaten chocolate or candy, contact your vet right away. They can help determine the best course of action based on how much your dog ate and what type of sweet it was.
How to Keep Your Cavoodle Safe
The holidays can get busy, and it’s easy to lose track of what your Cavoodle is up to. Here are a few simple ways to keep them safe:
- Set boundaries: Keep your dog out of the kitchen or dining area while food is being prepared and served.
- Educate guests: Make sure everyone knows not to feed your dog scraps, no matter how tempting it is.
- Watch the rubbish bin: Cavoodles love to raid bins for leftovers, so make sure yours is secure.
- Stock up on dog-safe treats: Have a stash of dog-friendly snacks on hand so your pup doesn’t feel left out.
What to Do in an Emergency
If your dog eats something they shouldn’t, stay calm and act quickly:- Step 1: Figure out what they ate and how much.
- Step 2: Call your vet or a pet poison hotline immediately.
- Step 3: Follow their advice. They may ask you to bring your dog in or monitor them at home.
