It’s tempting to treat your pets during the festive season, especially when we are surrounded by so much food!
We often show our love by giving others tasty food, which is fine every once in a while – but we all need to be aware which foods to keep away from our furry family members.
Eleanor Stevenson, of Rowcliffe House Vets Limited, based in Penrith, has put together a guide to help you and your pet make the most of this Christmas.
What food is off limits?
Chocolate
The higher the cocoa content, the more toxic the chocolate.
A useful tool to know about is the VetsNow chocolate toxicity calculator – it assesses the risk to your dog based on their weight and the amount of chocolate consumed.
Raisins and other dried fruits
Found in mince pies, Christmas cake and Christmas puddings, these foods can cause severe kidney disease.
Grapes
Keep those cheese boards out of reach. If eaten they can cause gut problems and in serious cases, kidney failure.
Onions, garlic, and related vegetables
These plants are toxic both cooked and uncooked.
Alcohol
Consumption can result in dizziness, vomiting, depression and breathing difficulties.
Xylitol
A sweetener commonly found in Christmas treats like candy canes, as well as in some brands of peanut butter and baked goods. Xylitol can cause hypoglycaemia – low blood sugar levels – as a dog’s pancreas will confuse it with real sugar, which makes it release more insulin.
Blue cheese
Moulds produce substances that are toxic to animals, so care should be taken around leftovers too.
Bones
Cooked bones can easily splinter, risking damage to the digestive tract. Uncooked bones could be contaminated with bacteria like salmonella, so are best avoided.
Macadamia nuts
Consumption can result in weakness and depression.
Fatty foods
Although not technically toxic, fatty foods can cause digestive upset or even lead to pancreatitis which is very painful.
What can I give my pet as a treat this Christmas?
Plenty of foods are safe to share with your pets – think lean cooked meats, carrots, peas, and cooked potatoes – so if you want to give them a treat, go for the things you are confident in.
Of course, the dangers around Christmas include choking hazards like decorations, and stress-elated to a change in routine and extra guests in the house.
Try to keep decorations and presents out of reach and create a routine that works for you and your pet to help them release any pent-up energy during the festivities.
Do not hesitate to contact your vet if you have any concerns over your pet’s health this Christmas, there will always be a vet available to help you.
As a practice, and as part of the veterinary profession, we strive to deliver the message that pets are for life, never just for Christmas.
But if you are bringing a new pet home this winter, consider signing up to our Pet Care Health Plan to save money on routine parasite treatments, routine vaccines, and neutering.
We offer a range of plans for dogs, dependent on size, and a plan for cats. Please go to www.rowcliffehousevets.co.uk/pets/pet-care-health-scheme/ or call us on 01768 865661 to find out more.
