Christmas is synonymous with delicious food, festive treats, and family gatherings. But some of these Christmas foods can be harmful or even deadly for your dog. In this blog we list the most poisonous foods and what signs you need to look out for.
Ham
When you’re looking at all that leftover ham, giving some to your dog seems like a great idea. Unfortunately, it’s not! While small amounts may not cause immediate harm, ham is high in sodium and fat, which can lead to pancreatitis, dehydration, and even salt poisoning in dogs. If your dog consumes too much ham, you may notice symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy. Keep your ham securely out of reach, as the fatty meat can be very tempting for dogs.
Chocolate
Chocolate in all forms is dangerous for dogs. It contains theobromine, which dogs metabolize much more slowly than humans. This can lead to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, seizures, and, in severe cases, death. And the darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is as it has a higher theobromine content.
Macadamia nuts
While some nuts may be safe for dogs, macadamias are not. Even small amounts of macadamia nuts can cause symptoms like weakness, tremors, vomiting, and hyperthermia (elevated body temperature). Although the exact substance that makes macadamia nuts toxic to dogs is still unknown, the effects can be severe. If you suspect your dog has eaten macadamia nuts, contact your vet immediately.
Grapes and raisins
Grapes and raisins are one of the most dangerous Christmas foods for dogs. Even small amounts can lead to acute kidney failure, which is often fatal without treatment. Symptoms of grape or raisin poisoning in dogs include vomiting, lethargy, and loss of appetite. Because not all dogs are affected equally, it's better to avoid giving your dog any grapes or raisins altogether.
Mince pies
This classic Christmas treat contains several ingredients that are toxic to dogs. The most concerning are raisins and currants, which, as mentioned, can cause kidney failure in dogs. Many mince pies also contain alcohol, often in the form of brandy or rum, which is harmful to dogs. If your dog consumes a mince pie, watch for signs of poisoning, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or difficulty walking.
With all the delicious Christmas food around, it’s easy for dogs to sneak a bite of something harmful. Even the most well-trained pup may find it difficult to resist that juicy ham. To avoid any emergency visits to the vet this festive season – never leave the table unattended!
