Northside News

Dear Dr. Marc,

My family adopted our first dog this year and he instantly stole our hearts. We do love to spoil him with pet-friendly human food sometimes. Since the holidays are coming up, what kind of festive food is safe for him to eat and what should we avoid?

Daniel M.

Hi Daniel,

There are a lot of human foods that are safe to give to your dog, but keep in mind that treats should only make up about 10% of a dog’s diet. The other 90% should be from a complete and balanced dog food.

Some popular holiday foods that are safe for dogs include:

• Turkey and chicken (cooked and unseasoned)
• Green beans
• Carrots
• White potatoes and sweet potatoes
• Cranberries and blueberries
• Pumpkin — but be careful not to give pumpkin pie mix due to the added sugar and spices

While all of the above foods are safe for your dog to eat, remember to only give in moderation. Introducing too many new foods in a short period of time can upset your dog’s stomach. It is always important to read ingredient labels for all foods prior to giving them to your dog.

Human foods that dogs should avoid are:

• Ham
• Onions
• Garlic
• Macadamia nuts
• Almonds
• Chocolate and other sweets ‒ especially avoid the artificial sweetener xylitol, which is toxic to dogs
• Grapes and raisins
• Chicken, turkey and beef bones

Stay safe and enjoy the holidays.

Marc Siegel, DVM

Have questions for Dr. Marc? Send an email to info@isthmusvetcare.com.

By Dr. Eric S. Quivers
My Choice Wisconsin

We are now in the 2020 flu season and it’s time to get your flu shot. With the coronavirus pandemic, it’s more important than ever. We are dealing with two viral infections. Both are respiratory viruses with potentially serious consequences, including death, and both can infect many individuals. 

It is strongly recommended that everyone aged six months and older get the flu shot this year. Those with chronic health conditions and older adults are more likely to experience complications if infected. If you are 65 years or older, have asthma, heart disease, stroke, diabetes or kidney disease, you are at risk. Other high-risk groups include pregnant women; children with nervous system diseases, cancer or weakened immune systems; and racial and ethnic minorities. The flu vaccine is very effective in reducing your chances of becoming infected and, if infected, lessening the severity of the illness. 

Both viral infections share common symptoms such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, tiredness, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches, headache and, rarely, vomiting and diarrhea. Symptoms that are more unique to COVID-19 infections include loss of smell or taste. More concerning symptoms include confusion, sleepiness, constant pressure in the chest and bluish lips. If you have any of these symptoms, seek medical advice immediately. 

Let’s all do our part in protecting each other during these challenging times. The flu vaccine will help prevent the flu, and practicing social distancing, good handwashing and wearing masks will help stop the spread of both viruses. 

Getting enough water (being hydrated) is important in hot and cold weather. Water is essential for bodily functions like maintaining blood pressure, digesting food and regulating body temperature — something needed to keep us warm in this cold weather. At the same time, we may not realize we do still sweat. Our lungs are also working to humidify the drier winter air. When we exhale and can see our breath, that’s due to water.

At this time of year, it may be more difficult to remember to drink water, since cold weather can lessen our ability to feel thirst. 

Take care when choosing beverages because not all beverages are created equal. Drinking beverages high in added sugars can lead to weight gain and chronic disease, and also crowd out more nutritious foods and drinks. In fact, the number one source of added sugars in the American diet is sugar-sweetened beverages such as soda, energy drinks, sweetened teas and coffee drinks.

Here are some tips to stay hydrated and also keep yourself healthy.

• Adapt your beverages for the season: in cool weather, you may enjoy hot tea or hot cocoa made with skim milk.
• Try flavored water: add berries, cucumber, fresh herbs or lemon to your water. If you like carbonation, try it with sparkling water. 
• Carry a water bottle: this may help remind you to drink throughout the day rather than only at mealtimes. 
• Eat hydrating foods: drinking isn’t the only way to hydrate. Fresh fruits and vegetables like melons, cucumber, grapes and oranges contain over 90% water. Soups and smoothies are high in water and are perfect for busy winter days.

Stay warm, stay healthy, stay hydrated.