Christmas is a time for family, friends and pets and, of course, food.
Food plays such a big place in Christmas celebrations, but some favourites are often toxic to pets. With all the excitement, make sure to keep cupboards closed, food waste bins closed and if they can be tipped over – keep something heavy on top of them. You can also clear away any leftover plates, crumbs and spillages to sneaky. Additionally, move wrapped gifts under the tree that may contain food items.
Kittens and puppies can be curious about new things so don’t forget to keep an extra eye on them!
Chocolate
Chocolate contains a stimulant known as theobromine which is toxic to dogs. Even a small amount can make your pet feel unwell, leading to vomiting, diarrhoea and even death in severe cases.
Christmas pudding and mince pies
A staple at most dinner tables at Christmas, these tasty puddings contain raisins, currants, dried fruit and even a splash of alcohol, all of which are highly toxic to dogs and ingestion of a small amount can result in kidney failure.
Macadamia Nuts
These are also highly toxic to dogs and can cause tremors, vomiting, diarrhoea and weakness and even if ingested by our pets.
Onions, Garlic and leaks
These can cause toxicity both raw and cooked. Ingestion of these can cause damage to red blood cells and lead to anaemia.
Alcohol
Alcohol ingestion in pets is even more toxic than to humans, it can cause vomiting and diarrhoea, tremors, coma and even death.
Blue Cheese
Commonly on most tables as a festive treat, this ripened cheese can contain roquefortine C, which is particularly toxic to dogs, ingestion can cause similar symptoms to those if alcohol is ingested.
Cooked bones
Bone are very appealing to most dogs and cats if left within reach. However, cooked bones in particular are extremely brittle and splinter easily, these can cause an obstruction in your cat or dogs intestines and can pierce their digestive tract.
Pet-friendly foods this Christmas
There are a few parts of your Christmas dinner you can share with your pet! Always give these tasty titbits in moderation and reduce the amount of pet food you give them that day to maintain a healthy weight.
Dogs and cats can have:
- a slice of plain, cooked, white turkey meat;
- a small piece of plain, cooked, boneless salmon;
- raw carrots;
- plain brussels sprouts;
- plain boiled parsnips.
Rabbits can have:
- raw carrots;
- raw brussels sprouts;
- raw parsnips;
- raw peas;
- fresh rosemary, thyme and sage.
