The springtime festivities are here. These holidays are a wonderful gathering time for families and friends. They hold religious and cultural significance. They also hold gustatory significance as well.
Yes, both holidays involve food. Wonderful, delicious food. And wonderful delicious foods + houseguests = food given to pets. And these pets can get sick. Here is a list of holiday food no-no’s.
Traditional Easter foods: Ham, Turkey, Hot Crossed Buns (and other breads), desserts of all types, chocolate, eggs, the plastic eggs too, menudo, ribs, tritip (especially the yummy barbecued kinds).
Traditional Passover foods: Brisket, Matzo balls, Matzo brei, charoset (has wine, grape juice, and sometimes raisins), gefilte fish (my old roommate Dr. Chris Peterson liked to call it Jeff-lite fish) , candies (especially the dark chocolates filled with jelly), desserts (like macaroons), kugel (my aunt makes a wonderful apple kugel…), stewed fruits. Matzoh is actually ok…but why would a dog want to eat it? (I think the box probably tastes better than the actual matzoh, but that’s just me)
Hopefully we will all enjoy our festivities. Hopefully our pets will enjoy them with us, but not the food portion so much. I would much prefer not to see my patients Monday morning with upset stomachs.
Happy Easter
Chag Sameach (joyous festival)
Dr. Horn