For many of us, a highlight of Christmas is sharing some of our favourite foods with family and friends. Unfortunately, many festive food items can be quite toxic for our pets.
So, how do you know what you should and shouldn’t share with your pets? Read on to find out the popular Christmas foods not to share with your dog or cat – and a few they can enjoy too!
Candy canes and other lollies containing xylitol
While candy canes are a pretty irresistible treat, the artificial sweetener in these (called xylitol) could make your pet very sick. Lots of other lollies also contain xylitol, so it’s best to keep all sweets out of reach and safely stored away. Key symptoms of xylitol poisoning include vomiting, lethargy and wobbliness.
The cellophane wrappers on candy canes and other sweets can also prove hazardous and cause an intestinal blockage.
Chocolate
Another sweet treat that is a big no-no for cats and dogs is chocolate. It’s also one of the most common reasons people need to make an emergency visit to the vet over the Christmas break as it can make your pet very ill.
Exactly how unwell they will get depends on the type and quantity eaten compared to their body weight but eating chocolate can prove fatal for some cats and dogs without treatment. Symptoms of chocolate poisoning typically appear 6-12 hours after ingestion and can include vomiting, upset stomach, muscle twitching, drinking a lot and dribbling.
Christmas cake (plus grapes, raisins and sultanas)
Grapes, raisins and sultanas (or food containing these fruits such as Christmas cake) can make some animals quite ill and can damage their kidneys.
Nuts
Certain types of nuts can be dangerous for both cats and dogs, posing risks to their health. Macadamias are particularly toxic for pets, with even small amounts leading to symptoms such as lethargy, weakness, tremors and vomiting. Almonds and pecans aren’t toxic but can cause gastrointestinal issues as pets find them quite difficult to digest.
Onions and garlic
While it’s unlikely that your pooch is going to seek out an onion or garlic to eat, many of our favourite accompaniments for a Christmas meal – such as gravy or stuffing – contain these two items. Onions and garlic (fresh, cooked and in powdered form) can damage your dog’s red blood cells, which shows up as a range of symptoms including lethargy, weakness and pale gums.
Cooked bones
Cooked bones can be quite dangerous for your pet. When bones are cooked, they can splinter easily, which can damage your dog’s insides when eaten, and lead to serious internal damage, constipation and damage to their teeth
Christmas foods you CAN share with your pet
There is still a wide range of festive foods you can share with your cat or dog and make them feel included in your celebrations. These include:
- Small amounts of lean meat (such as ham, chicken or turkey)
- Salmon
- Pumpkin or sweet potato
- Green beans or broccoli
- Carrots (cooked or raw)
- Fruit such as apples, blueberries or watermelon
- Special pet treats
What to do if your cat or dog eats something they shouldn’t have
If you’re concerned that your dog has eaten something they shouldn’t have, then it’s important to contact your vet. They can advise if you need to come in straight away or may advise the symptoms to look out for. If your pet is unwell or displaying any unusual behaviour, it is important to take them straight to a vet for an examination and treatment.
Our opening hours over the Christmas break
Bryants Road Vet will be open throughout the Christmas and New Year period and will only be closed on the public holidays. You can contact our Loganholme vet clinic on 07 3801 1744.
If your pet needs urgent medical attention whilst we are closed, please attend your closest emergency vet. We recommend the Animal Emergency Service, which is located at 1 Lexington Road, Underwood.