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 holiday treats 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 Australian Animal Poisons Hotline

Here’s a list of common Christmas foods that you should keep away from your dog and cat:

Chocolate

Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, which dogs can’t metabolise as efficiently as humans. This makes chocolate potentially harmful to pets, especially darker varieties with higher theobromine levels. Dogs’ fondness for sweets often leads to chocolate poisoning, which can cause symptoms like 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 due to disulfides and thiosulphates. These compounds can cause a variety of health problems, including digestive upset, vomiting, diarrhea, and hemolytic anemia. Hemolytic anemia is a condition where red blood cells are destroyed, leading to symptoms like pale gums, lethargy, and difficulty breathing. It’s important to note that onions in any form, whether raw, cooked, or dried, can be toxic.

Macadamia Nuts

Macadamia nuts, often enjoyed during the Christmas season, can be harmful to dogs. These nuts can cause hind limb weakness, pain, and lameness. 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.

Grapes, Sultanas and Raisins

Grapes, sultanas, and raisins are commonly found in holiday treats like fruit cakes and buns. While the exact reason for their toxicity is unknown, these fruits can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and potentially kidney damage or failure in dogs and cats. Not all pets are affected the same way, but it’s best to keep these fruits away from your furry friends to be safe.

Mince Pies and Christmas Puddings

Mince pies and Christmas puddings, which contain sultanas, raisins, or currants, can be toxic to dogs and cats as mentioned above. So, there might be more for you to enjoy!

Xylitol

Xylitol, an artificial sweetener often used in sugar-free treats, is extremely harmful to dogs. It can trigger the release of excessive insulin, causing dangerously low blood sugar levels and potentially damaging the liver. Symptoms of xylitol poisoning include vomiting, lethargy, and difficulty coordinating movements.

Meats & Bones

Meats like salami, fritz, ham, 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. Symptoms include digestive upset, vomiting, and diarrhea. Additionally, excessive avocado consumption can lead to pancreatitis due to its high-fat content.

Alcohol

Alcohol can be found in many common Christmas drinks and desserts. 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 you notice that they have eaten something they shouldn’t, or if they seem unwell, contact your vet for further instructions. If they have eaten it recently, they may be given medication to induce vomiting.