Holiday Hazards: Toxic Christmas Foods For Dogs
Christmas is a time for joy, celebration, and delicious food. However, dog owners must be aware of certain toxic Christmas foods for dogs that can be dangerous or even fatal to our furry friends.
For a more comprehensive list and free advice regarding toxicity, visit the Australian Animal Poisons Hotline.
Chocolate
Chocolate is perhaps the most well-known pet toxin and is the classic Christmas hazard.
It contains theobromine and caffeine, both of which can be toxic to cats and dogs. The darker the chocolate, the higher the concentration of these harmful substances.
Chocolate can also hide other toxic ingredients such as sultanas, macadamia nuts and Xylitol.
- Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, anxiety, heart problems, increased thirst and urination, seizures, and, in severe cases, death. Even small amounts can upset a dog’s digestive system.
Onions & Garlic
Onions and similar foods such as garlic, chives, and leeks are harmful to cats and dogs as they contain N-propyl disulfide.
This compound causes anemia by destroying red blood cells, resulting in a range of health issues. It’s important to note that all parts of the onion can be toxic, regardless of whether raw, cooked, or dried.
- Symptoms: Hemolytic anemia is a condition in which red blood cells are destroyed, leading to symptoms such as pale gums, lethargy, red/brown urine, and difficulty breathing. In severe cases, this can result in organ failure and death.
Grapes/Raisins/Sultanas
Grapes, sultanas, and raisins are commonly found in holiday treats like fruit cakes and buns.
The exact reason for their toxicity is unknown. The toxic dose is also unclear, and not all pets react the same way to the same amount of grapes.
- Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, and potentially kidney damage or failure in dogs and cats. The signs of kidney damage may not be present at first, but they can include lethargy, increased thirst and urination, decreased appetite, abdominal pain, and dehydration.
Mince Pies and Christmas Puddings
Mince pies and Christmas puddings contain sultanas, raisins, or currants, which can be toxic to dogs and cats as mentioned above. So, there might be more for you to enjoy!
Xylitol
It’s an artificial sweetener that is not so sweet for pets. It can be found in many sugar-free products, including candies, gum, and baked goods. It can trigger the release of excessive insulin, causing dangerously low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia) and potentially damaging the liver or causing death.
Always check ingredient labels and keep xylitol-containing products far out of reach.
- Symptoms: Vomiting, lethargy, weakness, staggering, tremors, seizures, and coma. Signs of liver damage may appear later and include vomiting, lethargy, yellowing of the skin and gums, and abnormal bleeding or bruising.
Hot Cross Buns
A big no-no for dogs and cats! Hot Cross Buns can contain a combination of dangerous ingredients such as raisins, chocolate and xylitol (sugar-free versions). Even spices like nutmeg, in high doses, can be fatal for dogs.
- Symptoms: Vary depending on the ingredients in the buns
Macadamia Nuts
Macadamia nuts, often enjoyed during the Christmas season, can be harmful to dogs. While other nuts are high in fat and can lead to pancreatitis if consumed in large quantities, they are not typically as toxic as macadamia nuts.
- Symptoms: Tremors, hind limb weakness, pain, and lameness.
Meat & Bones
Meats like salami, fritz, ham, bacon, sausages, and other delicious-smelling meats can be very enticing for dogs, but it’s best to keep them out of reach. Too much fatty food can cause pancreatitis in dogs. Cooked bones should also be avoided as they can splinter and cause damage or tears to their digestive tract, or cause blockages in the intestines that require surgery. The same can occur with BBQ skewers, so ensure dogs don’t have access to bins containing scraps.
Avocado
Avocados contain a toxin called persin throughout the fruit, with higher levels found in unripe avocados. While severe poisoning is uncommon, some animals are more sensitive. Additionally, excessive avocado consumption can lead to pancreatitis due to its high-fat content.
- Symptoms: Digestive upset, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Alcohol
Alcohol can be found in many common Christmas drinks and desserts, and should not be given to dogs under any circumstances. In dogs, alcohol can cause intoxication, gastrointestinal issues, coma, or even death.
What To Do If They Eat Something Toxic
The required treatment or preventative measures will depend on what and when they ate a potentially toxic food. If they have eaten it recently, they may be given medication to induce vomiting.
Treatment also depends on the symptoms they are displaying.
If you notice that they have eaten something they shouldn’t, or if they seem unwell, contact your vet for further instructions. Visit Emergency Vets to find your closest emergency vet in Adelaide.
Be Prepared
- Keep all toxic foods out of reach: Store all potentially toxic foods in secure containers and out of reach of dogs and cats
- Supervise children: Ensure children are not dropping food on the floor
- Educate your family and guests: Inform visitors about the dangers of feeding pets potentially toxic foods
- Know who can help: Keep the contact details and opening times of an urgent veterinary clinic handy. We created a list of the designated emergency veterinary clinics in Adelaide. Visit Emergency Vets to find your closest location.
Emergency App
We recommend downloading the ‘First Aid for Pets’ app. It provides a comprehensive list of toxic substances and guidance on how to respond if you suspect your pet has ingested them.
The app also offers first aid advice for various illnesses and injuries, as well as links to 24/7 emergency vet clinics.
