Christmas treats for my dog seem like a good idea, at the time. However, the festive period is one where we often introduce all manner of exciting items into the house that we don’t normally have. Some of these things can be potentially harmful to our dogs and it’s worth knowing some of the common pitfalls. Do you know the types of human food you must avoid getting to the jaws of your beloved pet? Christmas is a great time of year and should be fun for all the family, dogs included. Many of us are already aware of some of the potential toxic foods our dogs can come across and take steps to avoid them. Latest NEWS addition – PDSA Have announce the winner of their Pet Fit Club 2016. Some great advise. 25.11.16
Scraps from the Table
Try not to weaken your resolve not to give them scraps from the table. So when our dogs, and their beautiful big eyes are rubbing against your leg under the table. The only way to be safe is to keep the treats/foods listed below out of reach of your dog and have a quiet word with your visitors should they start to “drop food” from the table.What alot of people do not realise, or gloss over, is the lovely scraps from our human meals, or the delicious Christmas dinner.
Worst Offenders: I am sure you know people who visit who want to make friends and say “a little bit won’t do any harm”. How many little bits of fatty food does it take to upset the balance of the flora in your dog’s tummy?
We all know that it is best to introduce any changes in dog food diet is, slowly. Mixing the usual feed with the new one so that the tummy bacteria can adjust.
We have tried to give you a few of the most common Christmas poisonings below. It goes without saying, if in doubt contact your vet and they will be able to advise you.
Christmas foods to avoid for your dog.
Christmas Pudding, Christmas Cake, Mince Pies and Grapes
These Christmas fancies are bad for dogs – especially due to the currents, raisins and sultanas. Then there is the fat content which is probably saturated or suet. Finally there is usually alchol in these Christmas treats.
Chocolate coins and other choccy decorations
Most people are aware of the dangers for dogs from eating chocolate and take steps to avoid leaving any near their dogs. However, it is not uncommon for people to forget about the chocolate coins or decorations and leave them in an irresistible location. As well as the dangers of the chocolate the actual wrapping foil can get stuck in the stomach.
- The toxic component of chocolate is theobromine. Humans easily metabolize theobromine, but dogs process it much more slowly, allowing it to build up to toxic levels in their system
- A small amount of chocolate can give your dog an upset stomach with vomiting or diarrhea.
- The size of your dog will also be a factor in the negative effect.
- Different chocolate types have different theobromine levels. Cocoa, cooking chocolate and dark chocolate contain the highest levels, while milk chocolate and white chocolate have the lowest. If you’re dealing with any quantity of dark or bitter chocolate, err on the side of caution. The high level of theobromine in dark chocolate means it takes only a very small amount to poison a dog. Less than an ounce of dark chocolate may be enough to poison a 44-pound dog.
Bones
Cooked bones become brittle and splinter easily. This can lead to larger fragments getting ‘stuck’ causing obstructions but also smaller pieces can cause gut irritation and perforation or even just difficulty toileting. I know our Staglers customers will already be aware of this as they have opted for the longlasting deer antler chews. Just remember how resourceful a dog can be if the joint bone ends up, unattended, on a side on the way to the bin or if a bin can be knocked over by a BIG dog
N.B. Birds (turkey/chicken/goose) are all hollow boned animals and as such these bones will splinter either raw or cooked and so must not be given to your dog under any circumstances.
Macadamia nuts
Within 12 hours of ingestion macadamia nuts can cause dogs to experience weakness, depression, tremors, vomiting and hyperthermia (increased body temperature). These symptoms tend to last for approximately 12 to 48 hours, and as with all the other food groups mentioned if you suspect your dog has consumed macadamia nuts note the possible quantity consumed and contact your vet.
Alchol
As it is for people, alcohol is also intoxicating for dogs and can cause similar unpleasant side effects. If your dog does get into mischief and consumes any of these things then the first thing to do is quickly contact your local vet for advice. The old saying prevention is better than cure is still true!
Please note:We all know that it is best to introduce any changes in dog food diet is, slowly. Mixing the usual feed with the new one so that the tummy bacteria can adjust.