The holidays are a time for family, friends, and of course, lots of delicious food! While it’s tempting to share some of your festive treats with your Pomeranian puppy, many holiday foods can be harmful—or even dangerous—to dogs. Pomeranians, with their small size and sensitive stomachs, are particularly vulnerable to certain foods. In this guide, we’ll go over 10 common holiday foods that can be dangerous for your Pomeranian puppy and explain why you should keep these foods away from your furry friend.
1. Chocolate
Chocolate is one of the most well-known toxic foods for dogs, and it’s especially dangerous for small breeds like Pomeranians.
- Why it’s dangerous: Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, both of which can cause serious health problems in dogs, including vomiting, diarrhea, rapid heart rate, and even seizures.
- Tip: Keep all chocolate treats, including cookies, cakes, and hot chocolate, out of your dog’s reach.
2. Grapes and Raisins
Grapes and raisins are often found in holiday desserts, fruit cakes, and snack trays, but they’re highly toxic to dogs.
- Why it’s dangerous: Even a small amount of grapes or raisins can lead to kidney failure in dogs. Symptoms include vomiting, lethargy, and loss of appetite.
- Tip: Make sure to clear any dishes with grapes or raisins off the table quickly to avoid accidents.
3. Onions and Garlic
Onions and garlic are common ingredients in many holiday dishes, but both are harmful to dogs.
- Why it’s dangerous: Onions, garlic, and related vegetables (like leeks and shallots) contain compounds that can cause anemia (damage to a dog’s red blood cells), leading to weakness and lethargy.
- Tip: Avoid feeding your puppy any food that contains even a small amount of onion or garlic, including stuffing, gravy, and seasoned meats. https://middleeastpets.com/pomeranians/
4. Alcohol
Holiday celebrations often include alcoholic beverages, but alcohol is extremely dangerous for dogs.
- Why it’s dangerous: Even small amounts of alcohol can cause serious health issues in dogs, including vomiting, diarrhea, coordination problems, and in severe cases, respiratory failure or coma.
- Tip: Keep drinks out of reach and avoid leaving cups unattended where your Pomeranian might accidentally lap them up.
5. Bones from Turkey or Chicken
Cooked bones from turkey, chicken, or any other meat are often given to dogs as a treat, but they can be hazardous.
- Why it’s dangerous: Cooked bones can easily splinter and cause choking or internal injuries, including punctures in the intestines or stomach.
- Tip: Stick to dog-safe chew toys or specially designed dog bones instead of giving your puppy leftover bones from your holiday meal. https://middleeastpets.com/pomeranians/
6. Fatty Meats
Many holiday meals include rich, fatty meats like turkey skin, ham, or roast beef, but these can be tough on a dog’s digestive system.
- Why it’s dangerous: Fatty foods can lead to pancreatitis, a painful and potentially life-threatening inflammation of the pancreas. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
- Tip: Avoid feeding your Pomeranian any table scraps that contain high amounts of fat, like turkey skin, bacon, or sausage.
7. Macadamia Nuts
Macadamia nuts are a common ingredient in holiday cookies and snacks, but they are toxic to dogs.
- Why it’s dangerous: Even a small amount of macadamia nuts can cause weakness, tremors, vomiting, and hyperthermia (increased body temperature) in dogs.
- Tip: Be cautious with baked goods and other snacks that contain macadamia nuts, and make sure they are kept away from your puppy. https://middleeastpets.com/top-10-popular-small-breed-dogs-everything-you-need-to-know/
8. Dairy Products
Holiday favorites like cheese platters, creamy sauces, and whipped cream may seem harmless, but dairy can upset a dog’s stomach, especially for smaller breeds.
- Why it’s dangerous: Many dogs, including Pomeranians, are lactose intolerant, meaning their bodies can’t properly digest dairy products. This can lead to stomach upset, diarrhea, and gas.
- Tip: Skip giving your dog any dairy-based foods, including milk, cheese, and cream-filled desserts.
9. Nutmeg and Spices
Spices like nutmeg, which are often used in holiday baked goods, can be harmful to dogs.
- Why it’s dangerous: Nutmeg contains myristicin, a compound that can cause hallucinations, increased heart rate, and seizures in dogs if ingested in large amounts.
- Tip: Keep spiced holiday treats like pumpkin pie, gingerbread, and spiced cookies away from your puppy to prevent accidental ingestion.
10. Sugar-Free Sweets (Xylitol)
Many holiday treats and baked goods, especially those labeled “sugar-free,” may contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is highly toxic to dogs.
- Why it’s dangerous: Xylitol causes a rapid release of insulin in dogs, which can lead to a dangerous drop in blood sugar, known as hypoglycemia. Symptoms include vomiting, weakness, seizures, and in severe cases, liver failure.
- Tip: Be especially careful with sugar-free gum, candy, and baked goods, as even a tiny amount of xylitol can be fatal to your dog.
What to Do if Your Pomeranian Eats Something Dangerous
If your Pomeranian puppy accidentally consumes any of these dangerous foods, it’s important to act quickly. Contact your vet or an emergency animal clinic immediately, as prompt treatment can make a big difference. Common signs of food poisoning in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and changes in behavior. https://middleeastpets.com/leave-them-alone-proven-tips-to-train-your-dog-to-be-home-alone-in-the-middle-east/
Safe Holiday Treats for Your Pomeranian
It’s natural to want to include your Pomeranian in the holiday festivities, and you can still treat them to some safe snacks! Here are a few safe and healthy alternatives:
- Carrot sticks or apple slices (without seeds)
- Plain cooked turkey (no skin or seasoning)
- Pumpkin puree (unsweetened and without spices)
- Dog-friendly treats (homemade or store-bought)
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