One of the best things about Christmas has got to be the food! But this isn’t the case for our pets…
It can be tempting to give our cats and dogs extra treats this time of year, especially when they give us those begging eyes, but did you know that some Christmas food can actually be toxic to them?
To ensure everyone has a merry Christmas be careful you don’t accidently feed them something harmful by avoiding these foods.
Stuffing and gravy often contain onions and garlic which are particularly toxic to dogs and cats and can cause gastrointestinal irritation and red blood cell damage.
Signs of illness are not always immediate and can occur up to a few days later.
Chocolate is the most common item that dogs tend to steal at this time of year, in particular Terry’s Chocolate Orange, Miniature Heroes, and Celebrations.
Chocolate contains a stimulant called theobromine (dark chocolate has the highest content of this) which is toxic to dogs and cats and can cause kidney failure.
Hidden dried fruit, sultanas, currants, raisins and nuts in our favourite festive foods, such as Christmas pudding, cake and mince pies, can be toxic and cause fatal kidney problems for dogs.
Macadamia nuts contain a toxin that can affect your dog’s muscles and nervous system resulting in weakness, swollen limbs and panting.
Despite the fact many dogs and cats love cheese and milk, they’re actually not supposed to consume them. Dogs and cats unfortunately do not have a sufficient amount of the enzyme lactase, which breaks down the lactose in milk. As a result, consumption of dairy can lead to diarrhoea.
Best to avoid all together, especially as dairy products are high in sugar and fat.
Alcohol in any quantity has a huge impact on our pets. The drink not only causes intoxication as it does in humans, but it can lead to sickness, diarrhoea and even central nervous system damage.
According to the survey, liqueur chocolates, Baileys, and Brandy sauce were the most common alcoholic items pets have eaten that have made them unwell.
Raw bones are great for dogs however avoid cooked bones. These are more likely to splinter and cause constipation or at worst, a perforation of the gut which can be fatal.
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