Vets Warn People Not To Feed Their Dogs Christmas Treats

It’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas, with the decorations up, presents wrapped and menu planning is done for the big day. Many dog owners love to include their canine pal in the celebrations by offering them festive treats and including them in holiday dining. However, according to vets, dog owners should be careful what they feed their fur babies during the holidays.

No Christmas treats for the dogs

As everyone gets ready for Christmas, families are looking forward to their festive meal, including turkey, stuffing and delicious gravy. However, vets are urging dog owners to be careful about what they feed their dogs over the holidays. It turns out festive treats like stuffing and gravy can have a detrimental effect and can even be lethal for dogs to eat.

According to vets, one major no-no for dogs is chocolate, something that is usually available in the home over the holidays. In fact, dog insurance experts at Animal Friends Pet Insurance have revealed that Christmas is the period that sees the most toxic ingestion claims during 2021. Patricia Gardiner, CMO at Animal Friends revealed why chocolate is so toxic to our fur babies. She said:

Chocolate is made from cocoa, and within this cocoa is a chemical called theobromine. Dogs are unable to break down this chemical unlike humans, and the slower rate of metabolism can have drastic effects on their bodies.

More toxic Christmas foods for dogs

While chocolate is a major health problem for dogs, Gardiner revealed four toxic foods that should never be given to our pets.

1. Gravy

According to Patricia, roast turkey gravy can be harmful to pets due to one specific ingredient. She said:

Avoid pouring gravy over your dog’s portion of dinner as it’s not typically only high in fats and salts but can also contain onions which can be toxic for dogs.

2. Pigs in Blankets

Pigs in Blankets and other food high in fat can be very harmful to dogs.  Gardiner said that ideally, any foods containing bacon, cheese, and cranberry sauce should be avoided. She added that these types of food can lead to obesity and other associated conditions in dogs.

3. Stuffing

Most of us enjoy Christmas stuffing and while it’s fine for humans, it isn’t good for dogs. Patricia explains:

While a favorite amongst most humans, dogs shouldn’t be given stuffing as it often contain onions and garlic, the latter of which is poisonous to dogs due to a compound called thiosulfate that causes damage to their red blood cells.

4. Mince pies and other puddings

According to Gardiner, dogs should never be given sweet treats. She said that while currants, raisins, sultanas and mincemeat are popular in Christmas desserts, they are very toxic to dogs. Patricia added:

So while those puppy-dog eyes can be a killer, don’t be tempted to give them any mince pies over the Christmas period.

She said dog owners also need to avoid Christmas puddings and fruit cake as they have a mixture of dangerous dried fruits, as well as alcohol.

What are the signs of food poisoning in dogs?

The following symptoms point to food poisoning in dogs:

• Hyperactivity or irritability
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Increased drinking and urination
• Tummy pain
• Muscle tremors or twitching
• Seizures
• Warm to the touch

Meanwhile, Kate Costaras, a vet at Joii Pet Care shared what dog owners should do should their pets show symptoms of poisoning.

Even if you haven’t seen your pet eating something they shouldn’t, it can take several hours for symptoms to appear so do keep a good eye on them.

Typically, they can develop any time between 4 and 24 hours after consumption so it is important to spot them as soon as they occur.

Healthy Christmas treats for dogs

Most pet shops stock a range of healthy dog treats, many of which your dog already enjoys. While they might be begging for some of what is on your plate, a quality dog treat will keep your pets both healthy and happy.