As families across the UK prepare to tuck into their festive feasts, a veterinary professional has issued a stark warning to pet owners about the hidden dangers on the Christmas dinner table. While our four-legged friends often look on with hopeful eyes, many classic festive treats can be incredibly harmful, causing anything from upset stomachs to life-threatening conditions.
The Festive Foods That Are a Definite 'No' for Dogs
Veterinary nurse Carolanne Cicero, a Veterinary Advisor at Bella+Duke, has highlighted eight common Christmas items that must be kept well away from dogs. These are: pigs in blankets, cranberry sauce, gravy, roast potatoes, Yorkshire puddings, stuffing, cooked turkey bones, and cheese.
The high levels of salt, fat, grease, and sugar in these foods are to blame. While some, like cranberry sauce, offer little nutritional value, others carry severe risks. Stuffing often contains onions, which are toxic to dogs, and blue cheese can trigger serious health issues, leading to symptoms like vomiting, high temperatures, and even seizures. Cooked bones are particularly dangerous as they can splinter and cause internal damage.
The Most Dangerous Festive Toxins
Cicero emphasised that some hazards are absolute emergencies. "One of the biggest risks at Christmas is anything containing dried fruit, such as raisins, currants and sultanas," she stated. "These are potentially highly toxic to dogs. There’s no known safe amount, and for some dogs, even a single raisin can trigger serious kidney damage, which can be life-threatening." This means Christmas cake, Christmas pudding, and mince pies are major offenders.
Chocolate is another critical concern during the festive period. Vet teams see a sharp rise in cases of theobromine poisoning from late November through January. Dogs commonly ingest Advent calendars, selection boxes, and chocolate Santas. Symptoms of chocolate poisoning can include rapid breathing, muscle tremors, and seizures.
What to Do in an Emergency and Safe Alternatives
If an owner suspects their dog has eaten something harmful, Cicero's advice is clear: contact your vet immediately. If the practice is closed, call the Animal Poison Line on 01202 509000 for urgent advice. Be prepared to provide your dog's approximate weight, what they ate, when they ate it, and any symptoms.
Prevention, however, is always better than cure. Keep all food and drink out of your dog's reach and ensure they have a secure, comfortable space away from the festivities.
For those wanting to include their pet, there are safe options. Cicero recommends sticking to ingredients the dog has tolerated before. A simple, dog-friendly festive plate can include:
- Skinless, lean turkey, chicken, or beef.
- Plain vegetables like carrots, parsnips, Brussels sprouts, or broccoli.
By being vigilant and knowing the risks, owners can ensure their Christmas celebrations are happy and safe for every member of the family, including the furry ones.
