Toxic Autumn Foods for Pets
Updated: November 07, 2023As the leaves change and temperatures drop, autumn ushers in a distinctive array of seasonal foods that captivate our senses. While these culinary delights often find their way into our homes during Thanksgiving season, it is crucial for pet parents to recognize that not all fall foods are safe for our beloved furbabies.
Here is a comprehensive list of common autumn foods that can pose a threat to pets during Thanksgiving, accompanied by a brief exploration of the potential harm they may cause.
Grapes and Raisins: Fall brings forth a variety of fruits, including grapes and raisins which are toxic foods for dogs. Even small amounts of raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs. Symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and dehydration may occur. These seemingly harmless treats have the potential to be very harmful to pets and can even result in kidney failure.
Chocolate Treats: Chocolates, another toxic foods for dogs, contain theobromine and caffeine, which can be dangerous for dogs and cats. If they consume these substances, it can lead to symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and in some cases, even death.
Xylitol: Xylitol, which is commonly found in sugar-free products, can cause a rapid release of insulin in the body. This can result in hypoglycemia, characterized by low blood sugar levels. Some signs to look out for include vomiting, loss of coordination, and seizures.
"As Thanksgiving gets closer, it is important to make sure our pets do not have access to chocolate or other sugary treats."
Nutmeg: Nutmeg has a component called myristicin, which can cause pets to experience hallucinations, an elevated heart rate, and seizures. Additionally, as toxic foods for cats and dogs, it may result in abdominal pain and discomfort.
Onions and Garlic: As toxic foods for cats and dogs, onions contain compounds that have the potential to harm red blood cells, which can result in anemia. Indications of anemia may include feelings of weakness, lethargy, and pale gums.
Rich and Fatty Foods: Fall comfort foods are typically packed with heavy sauces, fatty meats, and dishes loaded with butter. Unfortunately, these delicious indulgences can pose a risk to our pets. They can potentially cause pancreatitis, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort. It is crucial to prioritize pet-friendly treats and refrain from sharing high-fat foods with furbabies.
Pies: During this time of year, there are plenty of seasonal desserts like apple pie, pumpkin pie, and sweet potato pie. However, it is important to note that these baked goods can be dangerous treats for dogs and cats due to their high fat and sugar content.
Pumpkin seeds: Pumpkin seeds can be consumed in their plain, roasted form without any added salt or seasonings. However, it is important to avoid excessive consumption as it may cause gastrointestinal discomfort.
Leftovers: Leftover bones and scraps are often found after autumn feasts. It is crucial to keep in mind that bones, particularly when cooked, have the potential to splinter and can be a choking hazard or cause harm to your pet's digestive system.

"To ensure Thanksgiving safety of your furbaby, it is recommended to refrain from giving them any bones and securely dispose of any leftovers."
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Autumn Dangers for Pets
Acorns: According to The Kennel Club, ingesting excessive amounts of acorns can result in gastrointestinal discomfort such as vomiting and diarrhea. Acorns can be harmful to dogs due to the presence of tannic acid, a toxin that can cause stomach upset and illness. Consuming large amounts of acorns, especially green ones, can lead to kidney and liver failure. Additionally, acorns have the potential to block a dog's stomach, leading to further complications. It is important to keep your furbabies away from acorns to ensure their Thanksgiving safety.
Fireworks: During fireworks season, around 80% of pet parents notice a change in their pets' behavior, with nearly half reporting that their dogs are scared by the loud noises. Dogs have incredibly sensitive hearing, so what may seem loud to us can be deafening to them. The unpredictability of the explosions can make fireworks terrifying for furbabies. To help keep your dogs relaxed during these events, you can try drowning out the noise with music or TV and provide them with lots of positive attention to help distract them.
Fleas: Fleas do not die off as the weather gets cooler, despite what many people believe. The Dogington Post states that fall is actually the peak season for fleas. Only frigid temperatures consistently reaching the 30s or lower can effectively kill off fleas. Unfortunately, during this time of year, many pet parents tend to reduce their flea prevention measures while spending more time outdoors. As a result, flea infestations and the accompanying itchy skin and allergies become more common in the fall compared to spring or summer. To maintain a pet safe Thanksgiving, it is crucial to continue proper flea prevention all year round.
Antifreeze: When walking your pet, it is crucial to keep a close eye on them to ensure they stay away from antifreeze. Just a few licks of this toxic substance can be fatal. Make sure to prevent your dog from drinking from puddles or streams where antifreeze may have a runoff to promote a cat and dog friendly thanksgiving.

Fall is a beautiful season, but it is important to keep observe a cat and dog friendly Thanksgiving. Be aware of the potential dangers of certain fall foods and opt for pet-approved snacks instead. Stick to their regular diet to ensure their health and happiness throughout autumn. Here's to a safe and enjoyable fall season for you and your furbabies!