Experts issue urgent 'list' all dog owners should read

The festive season is finally here, and some of us have already started stocking our cupboards in time for Christmas. But not all Christmas goodies are suitable for the whole family - and even some non-edible items can pose a risk to our four-legged companions.

Some Christmas treats contain ingredients that you may not know can be toxic to your dog, including onion, garlic or alcohol. Experts at Digital PR Agency have curated a list of food items popular around this time of year to keep away from your pets - along with a few other things that could prompt an emergency vet appointment.

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Chocolate

As we near the end of November, many people will have already bought their advent calendars ready to open a door each day in December. However, pet experts advise keeping them out of reach from our four-legged friends.

The chocolates inside contain theobromine, which is perfectly safe for humans but can be toxic to pets as it's difficult for them to digest. The toxicity levels vary between different types of chocolate; dark chocolate is the most harmful, followed by milk and white.

If your pet ingests any, you should contact a vet immediately. Experts suggest keeping the packaging so you can accurately report what they've eaten and how much.

Mince Pies

As December approaches, mince pies are being ticked off the shopping list and gradually filling our cupboards. However, they contain dried fruits like raisins, currants and sultanas - all of which are poisonous to dogs.

The tartaric acid in dried fruits can cause acute kidney failure in severe cases, while their high sugar and fat content can also lead to digestive problems, vomiting and diarrhoea. This warning follows an incident where a crossbreed named Murdo stole eight mince pies and had to be taken to an emergency pet hospital.

Fortunately, his owners acted swiftly and got him the help he needed. If your dog manages to get its paws on a mince pie, it's crucial to immediately contact your local vet and provide details of how much they've consumed, including any other items they may have ingested like foil packaging.

Onion & garlic recipes

Garlic and onion are key ingredients in some festive dishes whether it's caramelised onion chutney or garlic potatoes. These should be kept well out of reach from dogs and cats. This extends to all vegetables in the allium species, including shallots, leeks and spring onions.

Regardless of whether they're cooked or raw, these vegetables pose a risk to pets, potentially causing vomiting, abdominal pain and nausea. Early treatment can help prevent serious cases, but it's vital to contact an emergency vet as soon as you become aware of the issue.

Gravy

Whilst it might seem like a treat your dogs would enjoy, store-bought gravy should not be given to your pets. Its high sodium and fat content can lead to toxicity, decreased appetite, excessive thirst and lethargy. It may also contain garlic or onion, which as mentioned earlier, should be avoided.

Christmas Pudding

Similar to mince pies, Christmas pudding poses a threat due to the raisins it contains. Additionally, the alcohol often included in these puddings can cause its own set of problems for pets.

Alcohol can have severe effects on dogs, leading to coordination problems, vomiting, and breathing difficulties among other issues. Pets have a lower tolerance to alcohol than humans, so what might initially appear as manageable symptoms can rapidly escalate to more serious problems like seizures.

Poinsettias

The sap from the coloured leaves on poinsiettas can cause vomiting and diarrhoea. If your dog munches on the leaves from this plant a trip to the vet is unlikely to be necessary but they may be off-colour for a while.

Christmas trees

No-one is saying not to have a Christmas tree if you have a dog, but it's worth keeping them away from it. Munching on the pine needles can release oils which can cause stomach upsets.

Christmas scents

What better than to fill your home with the gorgeous scents of Christmas. But if you are a dog owner there are some you should definitely steer clear of. They include pine oil, cinnamon, wintergreen, clove, and peppermint. Most will potentially just lead to diarrhoea and/or vomiting, but some can lead to more serious complications. Pet-friendly Christmas scents according to the Daily Record include myrrh, ginger, lavendar, rosemary, chamomile, and frankincense.