Pet food experts at UK-based Tails.com are reminding dog owners to be extra careful when it comes to sharing festive treats with their pets.
Not all holiday foods are safe for dogs—in fact, some common Christmas and New Year’s foods may pose serious health risks to them.
Experts offer a guide to some of the most dangerous holiday foods for dogs, and tips on what to do if your dog accidentally eats them .
Chocolate
Chocolate is strictly forbidden for dogs!
Chocolate contains theobromine, a compound that dogs cannot digest.
Even small amounts can cause increased heart rate, stress on the kidneys and problems with the nervous system.
If your dog has eaten chocolate, monitor him closely and seek veterinary attention immediately if symptoms appear.
Pies with filling
These holiday treats, which contain dried fruit, can cause severe kidney failure in dogs.
Even a small amount of these fruits can cause serious problems.
Nuts
While nuts are a holiday favorite, they are high in fat and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even pancreatitis in dogs.
Some nuts, such as macadamia nuts, are particularly toxic and can cause weakness, tremors, and intestinal blockages in pets.
Experts at tails.com say: “If your dog has eaten a large amount of nuts and is showing symptoms, you are advised to seek veterinary attention as soon as possible.”
Christmas Pudding
Like mince pies, Christmas puddings contain a lot of dried fruit, which can be toxic to your dog.
An additional danger of Christmas sweets is that they often contain alcohol, which makes this dessert even more harmful to your four-legged friend.
Skin and bones
While plain turkey or chicken meat can be safe for dogs in moderation, skin and bones should be avoided.
The experts at tails.com added: “Turkey skin is too fatty for your dog, and eating such a fatty food can lead to pancreatic problems and obesity, especially in small dogs.”
Meanwhile, experts say bones pose a danger to your pet as they can cause choking and internal damage because they are too difficult to digest properly.
Onions, garlic, shallots and leeks
Foods such as onions and garlic contain a chemical compound called thiosulfate, which can be toxic to dogs because it damages their red blood cells and can lead to anemia.
These common holiday food ingredients belong to the onion family, which is poisonous to dogs.
They can damage red blood cells and cause anemia, leading to symptoms such as weakness and lethargy.
