Written by Dr. Barbara Tonini (Veterinarian, Ph.D. Pet Nutrition)

Chinese New Year (Year of the Dog!) is fast approaching and our tables will be bountiful with classic dishes of New Year's tradition.

But beware! Some foods are extremely dangerous for the health of our furry friends!

So, while eager to share every single moment of the New Year celebration with them, pay special attention and do not forget the toxic potential of some foods, often present in many dishes:

1. GRAPES and RAISINS: can cause renal failure. It is unknown what causes toxicity and the relevant doses responsible for renal damage, but in some dogs and cats, minimum doses were sufficient to cause very serious and even fatal consequences.

2. CHOCOLATE: contains substances called methylxanthines that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, heart rhythm alteration, tremors up to seizures and even death. 100 g of dark chocolate can be lethal for a 5 kg dog!

3. MACADAMIA NUTS: may cause severe depressive symptoms, vomiting, tremors, and hyperthermia that appear within 12 hours from ingestion and last up to 48 hours post-ingestion.

4. LIQUORS, ALCOHOL or LEAVENING (RISING) UNCOOKED BREAD DOUGH: the symptoms, due to ethanol intoxication, are initially gastroenteric ones (vomiting, abdominal distension), which might be followed by excitement, ataxia, a severe decreased sensory response that may even lead to collapse.

5. AVOCADO: causes vomiting and diarrhea. Remember that it can be found in foods like sushi.

6. GARLIC AND ONION: besides causing classic gastrointestinal symptoms, can cause anemia due to damage to red blood cells’ membrane. Pay special attention to their presence both fresh or in powder form, they are among the most common ingredients in the majority of recipes, but also hidden in baby food, in dumplings filling or in soups.

If these foods are ingested, it is always advisable to contact your vet or a veterinary emergency clinic.

Luckily during the Chinese New Year festivities, there will be more than prohibited foods on your table :-)

Meat dishes, such as roasts (without small bones or condiments), fish (without bones), vegetables or fruit can be a healthy and pleasant exception to the usual diet... and it will be a celebration for everyone!!!

Kung Hei Fat Choi!!

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