Utah: This Favorite Holiday Flavor Is A Pet Killer

Utahns are big on having pets and sometimes we have the urge to share holiday treats with them but that can be dangerous.  

Christmas time means that everything is pretty much peppermint and chocolate flavored. For humans that can be a wonderland and for your dog or cats' nose, it can smell great. However, both of those are extremely toxic to pets.  

There is a whole list of holiday items you shouldn’t share with your pets like turkey with skin, mince pies, fruit and candy, Chewy said. Between grapes (or raisins), chocolate candy, and peppermint, the holidays become a lot more...tricky.  

Using those big puppy eyes or stealthy cat reflexes, pets can get into just about anything.  

Utahns need to lock up the peppermint bark and all other related candies and goodies extra tight to keep their pets safe.  

Chewy said that the four types of peppermint, mint leaves, wintergreen, pennyroyal, and peppermint candy can cause a variety of issues. Xylitol, which is often found in candy or gum, is what makes these toxic most of the time. Seizures, coma, vomiting, and choking are just some of the issues caused.  

So, just play it safe this holiday season and maybe lock up some cupboards or use a safe for any peppermint or chocolate treats. If you aren’t sure about its safety, don’t feed it to your dog or cat.  

No one wants to hurt their pet or go to an emergency vet during the holiday season, or anytime for that matter.