As festivities begin we need to remember the festive treats our pets shouldn’t eat. Lots of human foods are in fact toxic to our pets!
Chocolate, sweets and cakes!
There are undoubtedly large amounts of chocolate and treats in the home during the festive period, whether sitting ready to be eaten during a good Christmas movie or all wrapped up under the tree!
Milk and dark chocolate contains a chemical that is very similar to caffeine, this chemical is poorly tolerated and can cause vomiting, tremors, fits, problems with the heart and dysfunction of the kidneys. Additionally, although the wrappers are not toxic if ingested they could cause an obstruction in the stomach or intestines. It is therefore very important that any chocolate is kept away from dogs and cats in the house; this means that chocolate must not be kept under or on the Christmas tree!
Although white chocolate doesn’t contain the chemical mentioned above it does contain large amounts of sugar which can cause problems of its own! In particular, a sugar substitute called Xylitol is sometimes found in sugary treats. Ingestion of this can cause low levels of blood glucose, sometimes low enough to cause seizures.
Christmas cake, pudding and Mince pies!
Grapes as well as their dried products (currants, sultanas and raisins) are toxic to dogs. Ingestion of only a very small quantity can cause kidney failure in some dogs. Don’t forget this will include the delicious food items that contain dried fruits such as Christmas pudding, Christmas cake and mince pies.
Onions, garlic, leeks, shallots and chives
Cooked or raw, these common food items are toxic! Although raw onions may not appeal to most animals, many will be more than willing to eat some sage and onion stuffing! In addition to vomiting and diarrhoea such foods can cause damage to red blood cells. Damage to these cells may cause anaemia which may not be detected for several days.
Leftover food! There is an often a lot of food left over after a good festive dinner! It is important that any waste is disposed of carefully; mouldy food can contain toxins which if eaten can rapidly cause convulsions in dogs.
Macadamia nuts. If eaten by dogs, macadamia nuts can cause lameness, stiffness, lethargy, an increased body temperature, and tremors.
Alcohol
Just like their owners, dogs can become wobbly and develop low blood sugar if alcohol is drank in excess! Please ensure that alcohol is not left unattended!
Ethylene glycol (anti-freeze)
This is extremely toxic to both dogs and cats. Anti-freeze ingestion results in severe renal damage and quickly progresses to renal failure. The prognosis is often guarded.
Toys, wrapping and decorations
Small toys or Christmas decorations can be ingested and pose the risk of intestinal obstruction. Also, silica gel packs found in many Christmas packaging can swell very rapidly in your dogs stomach posing a risk of intestinal obstruction.
Christmas plants, flowers and pot pourri
Mistletoe, Pointsettias, Holly, Ivy and Pine needles can be mildly toxic and cause GI signs, salivation and depression. Pot pourri can cause significant and prolonged gastrointestinal upset in dogs.
If you are concerned that your pet has eaten any of the above, or something else they shouldn’t have then please do not hesitate to contact us on 01606 880 890.
