Festive Food Safety for Dogs

As we indulge in festive feasts and delectable treats during the festive season, it's important to be mindful of what ends up on our furry friends' plates. While our dogs may be eyeing that Christmas feast with enthusiasm, certain festive foods can be harmful to them. To ensure a joyful and safe holiday for your canine companion, let's explore the foods that dogs should avoid this Christmas.

Rich and fatty foods

The holiday season often brings an array of rich and fatty foods to the table, from roast meats to creamy casseroles. While these dishes may be a delight for our taste buds, they can spell trouble for our dogs. Foods high in fat can lead to pancreatitis, a painful inflammation of the pancreas. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain. Avoid sharing fatty scraps or leftovers with your pup and opt for dog-friendly treats instead.

Bones and cooked meat

The image of a dog happily gnawing on a bone might be a familiar one, but the turkey or ham bones can pose serious risks. Cooked bones can splinter easily, leading to choking hazards or causing intestinal blockages. Instead of sharing bones from your roast, offer your dog safe, specially designed chew toys to satisfy their natural urge to chew.

Onions and garlic

Many festive dishes incorporate onions and garlic for flavour, but these ingredients contain compounds that can be toxic to dogs. Onion poisoning can lead to symptoms such as lethargy, weakness, and in severe cases, damage to red blood cells. Ensure that your Christmas dishes are free from onion and garlic and be cautious with leftovers that may contain these ingredients.

Chocolate and sweets

Christmas is synonymous with sweet treats and chocolates, but these goodies are a strict no-no for dogs. Chocolate contains theobromine, a substance that can be toxic to dogs and cause symptoms such as restlessness, increased heart rate, and even seizures. Keep all chocolate and sugary treats out of reach and inform guests to avoid sharing their sweets with your furry friend.

Alcohol

While toasting to the Christmas season, be mindful of where you place your drinks. Alcohol, even in small amounts, can have serious consequences for dogs. It can lead to intoxication, coordination problems, and even respiratory failure. Ensure that all alcoholic beverages are kept away from your dog's reach and inform guests to be cautious with their drinks.

Grapes and raisins

Whether in fruitcakes or as a standalone snack, grapes and raisins are often present during the festive season. However, these innocent-looking fruits can cause kidney failure in dogs. Even small amounts can be harmful, so it's best to keep all grape and raisin-containing foods out of your dog's reach.

While Christmas is a time for celebration and indulgence, it's crucial to prioritise the well-being of our canine companions. By being aware of the foods that dogs should avoid, we can ensure a safe and joyful time for everyone in the family. Choose dog-friendly treats, keep potentially harmful foods out of reach, and enjoy the festivities with the peace of mind that comes from keeping our furry friends healthy and happy.