Yahoo News Dog owners warned of dangerous Christmas foods that can cause kidney failure or even death
Dog owners are being warned about certain festive foods that could be life-threatening for pets.
In the run up to Christmas, families are stocking up their kitchens and fridges with the essentials needed for the big day. But there are certain food items that are dangerous for dogs.
Experts at the Kennel Store have listed some of the foods to be aware of and the consequences if dogs ingest them. Their advice is outlined below.
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1. Chocolate
Theobromine is the main toxin in chocolate, and it’s extremely similar to caffeine. Both chemicals are used as a blood vessel dilator, a smooth muscle relaxant and a heart stimulant in humans, but dogs aren’t able to process these in the same way. Ingestion can cause illness and even death.
Make sure selection boxes are sealed at all times, ideally store them up high – somewhere your pet can’t reach. This applies to chocolate of any kind, even chocolatey drinks.
2. Grapes and raisins
Grapes are very toxic to pets and can cause kidney failure if ingested, which can catch people off guard as dogs are able to eat other fruits. Be mindful of any Christmas cakes, Christmas pudding, fruitcakes and sweet mince pies, ensuring your dog isn't getting into them.
3. Xylitol (sweetener)
Xylitol is found in most sugar-free items such as chewing gum, sweets and some types of peanut butter. It can also be used in toothpaste/mouthwash and in certain baked goods. If your pet ingests any such product, this could result in vomiting, seizures, general discomfort, and even death.
4. Cooked bones
Avoid giving cooked bones to your dog, because they are prone to splitting, sometimes scratching or getting lodged into your dog's throat, which can cause slab fractures of their teeth. Raw bones can also cause salmonella, and are equally dangerous, so it’s best to avoid giving your dog bones this Christmas and stick with standard dog toys.
5. Corn on the cob
The cob can cause a blockage if your pet swallows it, and corn can be difficult to digest, so it’s best to avoid giving them to your dog.
6. Alcohol
Alcohol can cause an array of serious health problems, the most common symptoms being vomiting, visible dizziness, depression, and breathing difficulties. Monitor the location of your alcohol and prevent your pets from having access to any bottles or glasses that could lead to them ingesting alcohol.
7. Onions, garlic and chives
These ingredients are known to cause stomach and red blood cell damage to pets. Be mindful whilst cooking: it’s worth keeping your pets out of the kitchen in case anything is dropped onto the floor. Once all food is prepared, be sure to have a thorough clean up (especially of the floor) before allowing them back in.
8. Nuts
Certain types of nuts, macadamia nuts in particular, can cause pets to suffer with hyperthermia, vomiting, depression and if eaten, and also pose a risk for choking.
9. Fatty foods
Although harmless in small doses, fatty foods could give your pet an upset stomach and can sometimes lead to pancreatitis - a painful and debilitating condition that can be fatal in some cases. It’s worth avoiding food items such as sausages and turkey skin, as ingestion can result in health problems.
What to do if your dog ingests something dangerous
You should contact your vet or an out-of-hours service immediately. If a trip to the vets is necessary, take the packaging of what your pet has eaten with you. This will help the vet determine the amount eaten and what course of treatment is necessary.
