5 Toxic Christmas Foods To Keep Away From Your Pets

It may be the most wonderful time of year for humans, but the festive season can be the most dangerous for our four-legged friends. With all the chocolate, nuts and mince pies flying around, plus pine needles covering the floor and little decorations all over the house, the risks for dogs and cats shoot up around Christmas time. According to a recent study, dogs are 75 percent more likely to be treated by a vet for harmful food over the Christmas period than any other time of year – so how can we keep our pets safe? These are the toxic Christmas foods to protect your pets from this December.

Which Christmas Foods Are Toxic For Pets?

Advent Calendars

If you’ve got a traditional chocolate advent calendar this year, be sure to keep it somewhere your pet can’t reach. Chocolate contains theobromine, which can be highly toxic for both cats and dogs – dark is the most dangerous, followed by milk and then white. Similarly, be careful of chocolate coins on the tree.

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Mince Pies & Christmas Pudding

There are always mince pies knocking about the house over Christmas, but be sure to keep these stashed away in high cupboards. They usually contain raisins, currants or sultanas, which are toxic for cats and dogs, and in the worst cases can cause kidney failure due the high levels of tantric acid. The same goes for Christmas pudding, which often features similar ingredients.

Sage and Onion Stuffing

It’s a roast staple, but be wary of your stuffing this festive season. This traditional side dish often includes onions, garlic, leeks and shallots, which all belong to the allium family – and all contain sulfur-containing oxidants (SCOs) that can damage red blood cells in animals.

Macadamia Nuts

Macadamia nuts often pop up in recipes around this time of year, but they can be harmful for many animals, including cats and dogs. Although veterinarians haven’t identified the toxic substance, even small amounts of these nuts can cause symptoms like lethargy and vomiting.

Alcohol

Having guests round for a winter soiree? Watch out for people leaving their glasses unattended, particularly on the floor or low surfaces. It’s no surprise alcohol is very dangerous for pets – even a tiny amount can lead to intoxication. 

What To Do If Your Pet Has Eaten Something Toxic

UK veterinary charity PDSA advises getting in touch with your vet immediately if you suspect your dog or cat has eaten something poisonous. Its website reads: ‘Acting fast could save your dog’s life. Contact your vet immediately for an emergency appointment if your dog has eaten something harmful. Never wait to see if a problem develops – your dog could become very ill or even die without treatment.’ The advice is exactly the same for cats.