Festive Hazards: What Can't I Feed My Dog For Christmas?

December is, for many people, a time to see loved ones, express gratitude and eat lots of delicious food together. 

However some of our favourite treats can be really dangerous to our four legged pals, so be careful what you feed them this season. 

Here is a list of ingredients and food products you should avoid feeding your dog. 

The Naughty List: What Dogs Cannot Have for Christmas

1. Chocolate:

Found in: Decorations and gifts.

Problem: A chemical which is found in chocolate - theobromine - can cause gastrointestinal issues (vomiting and diarrhoea) and neurological and heart problems

Solution: Avoid! Doggy chocolate is safe for dogs, but normal chocolate is not, and the toxin can accumulate in dogs, so the more they eat, the higher the risk

What happens if they eat some: Check this helpful chocolate toxicity website which will tell you if you need to visit the vet or not from emergency care provider Vets Now - https://dog-chocolate-calculator.vets-now.com/

2. Onion and garlic:

Found in: Gravy / stuffing / some roast dinners

Problem: Can cause gastrointestinal issues, and also damage to red blood cells

Solution: Avoid - call your vet if your dog has eaten onion or garlic in case they need to be seen.

3. Grapes, sultanas, currants and raisins:

Found in: Mince pies, Christmas puddings, some dinners and some confectionery 

Problem: Tartaric acid - found in grapes - can cause kidney failure in dogs, which can be fatal, but some grapes can be more toxic than others, and some dogs more sensitive than others

Solution: If your dog eats any amount of grapes, call your vet as soon as possible for emergency treatment. It isn’t worth taking the chance of ignoring the issue.

4. Alcohol:

Found in: Gifts, bottles, and some chocolates or desserts

Problem: Gastrointestinal problems, breathing issues, and neurological issues

Solution: Don’t share alcohol with your dog - if you think they might have drunk any, contact your vet immediately. 

5. Macadamia nuts:

Found in: Christmas snacks and some confectionery

Problem: Gastrointestinal symptoms and general weakness

Solution: Don’t feed any macadamia nuts to your dog

6. Xylitol:

Found in: Confectionery, chewing gum, toothpaste, mouthwash, some nut butters and some medication.

Problem: Xylitol can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar for dogs, which can be fatal if not treated quickly.

Solution: If you think your dog might have been exposed to xylitol, call your vet as soon as possible for emergency treatment.

What parts of Christmas dinner can I share with my dog?

• Beans

• Brussels sprouts

• Parsnips

• Broccoli

• Carrots

• Peas

• Swede

• Mashed potato

• New potatoes

• Sweet potatoes

• Nothing with gravy!

The Animal Poisons Line is a very helpful chargeable service available 24/7 - if you think your dog may have eaten something they shouldn’t have, they can advise you how serious it is, and whether you need to take them to the vet or not.