Dangerous foods for dogs at Christmas

It’s nearly Christmas. I’ve had the usual list of people to buy for, and unusually, it’s pretty much all completed.

But the final thing to sort out? The food.

And this year, there’s a new family member to add into the mix. Well, two actually – because it’s Little B’s first Christmas, but it’s also the first for Mr Kimble…my sister’s dog. Dogs are just as much a part of the family as everyone else, and just like small children they can enjoy taking part in the festivities too. But, unlike small children, who can eat pretty much anything bar whole nuts and honey, there are certain things that dogs need to avoid as they are potentially toxic. Rather than giving them a delicious treat, you could in fact be giving them something that is actually poisonous to them – and below are the most common Christmas culprits. If in doubt, contact a vet such as vet medic or your nearest vets, and they will give you advice on how to treat your loveable dog.

Christmas Puddings and Mince Pies

I feel sorry for Mr Kimble, because these are a definite favourite of mine but a definite no for him. Christmas puddings and mince pies are full of raisins and sultanas that are linked to serious health risks, in addition to being full of fat which can often cause stomach troubles and vomiting for dogs. Too many high fats can lead to pancreatitis, which can be a costly disease to treat. And don’t forget the alcohol – this is often in evidence in large amounts and can cause similar symptoms of intoxication for dogs as it does for people, such as not being able to stand up straight!

Chocolate

Most people have heard of this one – but just in case, here it is on the list. Our house is often full of chocolate at Christmas, with advent calendars, boxes of wrapped chocolates and sometimes even some left dangling on the tree by Father Christmas! It’s worth remembering to [ask Father Christmas to] keep these above dog (and small baby) height, just to minimise the risk of accidentall eating; as well as the danger stemming from the chocolates themselves there is also the foil that they are wrapped in to consider. For dogs, these can be problematic whilst they make their way through the gut system, causing the dog to become weak and ill. And the darket the chococlate, the more dangerous it is. All the more reason to save it for myself 🙂

Macadamia Nuts

12 hours. That’s how long it can take for a dog to digest a macadamia nut, which can leave them feeling weak and depressed, and make them vomit. Not exactly the Christmas celebration you might be after – so best avoid them as these symptoms can last between 12 and 48 hours. If your dog is experiencing more than mild symptoms, its best to call the vet.

Onions and Garlic

Perhaps you like a bit of onion sauce, or a smattering of garlic in your stuffing, but your dog definitely won’t. All the onion family members (shallots, onions, garlic, scallions, etc.) contain compounds that may be damaging to the red blood cells of dogs if ingested in sufficient amounts. And the damage isn’t obvious for three to five days later either – when they will start feeling weak and reluctant to move.

So for Mr Kimble, we’ll be sticking to a nice meaty bone and perhaps a new toy to destroy. There are more than enough willing humans to help eat everything else!

And please note: this advice is intended only as a guide. If you are worried about the health of your pet, contact your local veterinary practice for advice or treatment immediately.