I’m a big fan of Christmas and going all out on food and decorations is a big family tradition. And who doesn’t like to treat their doggo with a few cheeky gifts under the tree?
Of course, there is nothing wrong with spoiling your dogs rotten at Christmas, but just be aware that there are many things we bring into the home at this time of year that can be hazardous.
Unfortunately, Christmas is one of the busiest times of year for vets Most of these emergencies involve your dog eating something that they shouldn’t have. Vets will be bracing themselves for the succession of pets with upset tums who have overeaten Christmas treats, or potentially consumed something that is dangerous or poisonous.
In order to avoid an unwelcome trip to the vets here is a list of the foods and seasonal items that pose a risk.
Food
- Chocolate
- Cooked meat bones
- Onion – allium species (garlic/leeks/shallots)
- Macadamia Nuts
- Walnuts
- Alcohol
- Grapes, Sultanas and Raisins (so no mince pies or Christmas Pud!)
- Mouldy food
- Potatoes/Potato peelings
- Mushrooms
- Nutmeg
- Xylitol- this is a sweetener used in baking, chocolate and sweets.
Seasonal decorations
- Holly and Mistletoe berries
- Pine needles
- Poinsettia plants
- Glass baubles
- Angel hair/tinsel
- Batteries-take particular care around button batteries which are easy to swallow
If you see your dog eat something on this list contact your vet immediately for advice. Quite often if caught quickly enough your vet can make your dog vomit which will halt the progression of any further symptoms.
With gastrointestinal upsets being the most common veterinary emergency over Christmas take care not to feed you dog unfamiliar or fatty foods. If you have guests coming to stay it would be wise to make them aware of the risks, just in case your pup pulls out those big irresistible puppy dog eyes at the dinner table.
With pet obesity being on the rise strictly speaking there is no need to feed your dog anything different from their usual diet. This is especially true if your dog is on a weight loss plan or specialist diet.
Christmas dinner isn’t completely out for our dogs though, so if you want to treat your dog to a festive meal you can safely feed them a small portion of:
- Lean white meat – no bones.
- Carrots or Swede (that have not been seasoned or glazed in butter or salt)
- Plain Cauliflower
- Plain peas
- Plain broccoli
- Plain Brussel sprouts (mashed is best to avoid the risk of obstruction)
Finally, don’t forget it is still the fireworks season. For my top tips on how to help your dog cope head to my last blog https://wagit.uk/dr-pauls-top-tips-for-firework-season/
