Festive Foods to Avoid Giving Your Dog This Christmas 🎄

The holiday season is a magical time filled with family, friends, and lots of delicious food. But while we enjoy the festive treats, it’s essential to remember that some of these foods can be dangerous for our furry friends. To keep your dog safe and happy this Christmas, here’s a guide to the foods you should avoid sharing with them—and some dog-safe alternatives to keep their tails wagging! 🐾

🚫 Chocolate

Chocolate is a classic festive treat for humans but a dangerous toxin for dogs. It contains theobromine, which dogs cannot metabolize effectively. Even small amounts can cause:

• Vomiting

• Diarrhoea

• Increased heart rate

• Seizures or, in severe cases, death

Dark chocolate and baking chocolate have the highest levels of theobromine, making them even more toxic. Keep all chocolates, including cocoa powder, well out of reach.

🚫 Mince Pies & Christmas Pudding

These traditional Christmas desserts often contain raisins, currants, and sultanas, all of which are highly toxic to dogs. Even a small amount can lead to kidney failure. Symptoms may include:

• Vomiting

• Lethargy

• Loss of appetite

It’s not worth the risk—keep these festive desserts for human enjoyment only.

🚫 Cooked Bones

While raw bones can be a safe treat in moderation, cooked bones are a significant hazard. Cooking makes bones brittle, causing them to splinter easily. This can result in:

• Choking

• Tears in the digestive tract

• Intestinal blockages

If you want to treat your dog to a bone, ensure it’s raw and appropriately sized for their breed.

🚫 Onions, Shallots, & Leeks

These ingredients, often hidden in stuffing, gravy, or other holiday dishes, are toxic to dogs. They can damage red blood cells, leading to anaemia. Symptoms of onion toxicity include:

• Weakness

• Rapid breathing

• Pale gums

Keep your dog away from any dishes containing these ingredients.

🚫 Macadamia Nuts

Macadamia nuts are another unexpected hazard. Ingesting even a small amount can cause:

• Weakness

• Vomiting

• Tremors

• Hyperthermia (increased body temperature)

These nuts often appear in festive cookies and snacks, so be extra cautious.

🚫 Alcohol

Whether it’s mulled wine, eggnog, or festive cocktails, alcohol is extremely toxic to dogs. Even a small amount can lead to:

• Drops in blood sugar, blood pressure, and body temperature

• Vomiting

• Seizures

Never leave alcoholic beverages unattended around your pup.

🚫 Rawhide Chews

Rawhide may seem like a dog-friendly treat, but it’s best avoided. These chews can:

• Cause choking or blockages if large pieces are swallowed

• Be processed with chemicals that upset your dog’s stomach

Opt for natural chews made from single ingredients instead.

What Can You Give Instead? 🎁

Don’t worry—your dog doesn’t have to miss out on festive fun! Here are some safe and healthy treats:

• Carrot sticks: A crunchy, low-calorie snack your dog will love.

• Plain cooked turkey: Ensure it’s skinless, unseasoned, and boneless.

• Natural dog treats: Choose high-quality, dog-safe treats made with natural ingredients.

Final Thoughts

Christmas is a time for celebration, but keeping your dog safe should always be a priority. By avoiding these harmful foods and choosing safe alternatives, you’ll ensure your furry friend has a happy, healthy holiday season. 🐶❤️

From all of us at Pawsonal Health, we wish you and your pups a Pawsome Christmas and a Happy New Year! 🎄🐾