Don't feed your pets these foods this holiday season

We asked the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Association about what holiday foods pets can and can't eat, plus what dangers to look out for with plants and decorations.

DON’T - Feed your pet table scraps, including turkey skin, turkey gravy and meat fat. If your pet gets into the trash, some of these fattening foods can cause pancreatitis, which can be life-threatening.

DO - Keep flowers and other festive plants away from your pet. Amaryllis plants, mistletoe, pine, cedar, holly, poinsettias, and potpourri are some of the plants that are poisonous to your pet, if ingested. Contact your vet if your pet eats one of these plants.

DON’T - Feed your pets candy, cake, or chocolate. Due to certain ingredients, digesting these treats can result in serious health complications for your pet. While we all love holiday treats, make sure the ones you’re feeding your furry friends are made especially for them.

DO - Keep candles, electric lights, and holiday decorations away from your pet. These hazards are something your pet may see and want to play with. Make sure pets are never left alone with lit candles, as this may result in a fire. Make sure pets don’t chew on and swallow lights and decorations, which can cause intestinal blockage.

DON’T - Feed your dog cooked bones. Cooked bones from our leftovers are quite brittle and can easily split. This poses a choking hazard and can cause serious injuries to your dog’s throat and digestive system.

DO - Feed your dog pumpkin puree, but DON’T feed it pumpkin pie filling. Pure pumpkin has great benefits for your dog’s digestive system, but the added sugars and other ingredients in pumpkin pie filling and pumpkin pie can be harmful.