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With the festive season just around the corner, it’s crucial for us as pet owners to stay alert to all the harmful and toxic foods that make an appearance at Christmas time.
We all know chocolate is one of the most dangerous foods for dogs, and at Christmas, it’s everywhere! From advent calendars and chocolate coins to that tempting tub of celebrations. Be mindful of where you leave your chocolate - always store it safely out of reach. And if you love hanging chocolate decorations on your tree, keep them well out of your dog’s reach, as they might just help themselves!
If you’re planning to treat your dog to a festive meal, it’s essential to know which parts of the Christmas dinner are safe. Dogs can enjoy some leftover turkey meat, but keep the bones and skin well out of reach. Cooked bones, like turkey bones, can splinter and lead to choking or serious internal injuries. Turkey skin and fatty/processed meats can upset your dog’s stomach and even cause pancreatitis. Watch out for gravy too, it’s high in fat and may contain onions, which are toxic to dogs. The same goes for stuffing, which often contains onions and spices harmful to dogs. A simple portion of plain turkey, carrots and a few green beans makes a dog-safe holiday treat!
When dessert time rolls around, many of us enjoy mince pies or a slice of Christmas cake, but these treats are dangerous for dogs. The raisins and grapes inside can cause kidney failure, so be sure to keep them out of reach of curious paws. Cheese boards should also be kept safe out of reach, as cheese is high in salt and fat, and many dogs are lactose intolerant, which can lead to stomach upset or diarrhoea. Blue cheese is particularly risky, as it can cause vomiting and even seizures in dogs.
In addition to these foods, it’s important to keep mistletoe, holly and ivy out of reach from dogs, as ingesting these plants can cause internal issues like vomiting and diarrhoea. The spiky leaves can also injure a dog’s mouth or throat. Christmas tree pine needles are another hazard; if ingested, they can irritate the stomach lining, and their sharp edges may cause cuts in the mouth, throat, or digestive tract.
As adults, we’re aware these foods can be harmful to dogs, but non-dog owners or children might not know. It’s a good idea to remind them not to sneak any treats to your dog, just to keep everyone safe! If your dog happens to ingest any of these items, contact your vet for advice right away.
To keep things safe this Christmas and make your dog feel special, treat them to some new and exciting dog-friendly treats they can enjoy while they watch you celebrate!! Or you can spoil them with one of our new Christmas dog toys to keep them entertained.
