Dog owners are often tempted to feed their four-legged friends leftovers – even more so at Christmas so they can join in the festive fun.
But did you know some popular treats can be poisonous to canines? According to research, 47% of Brits say they wouldn’t recognise the symptoms if their dog had eaten something poisonous; whilst nearly 29% admit to feeding their dogs something toxic in the past.
Many dog owners are aware of the dangers, with several taking to TikTok to share how to make Christmas dinners safe for pets, but it’s important that others know which foods can make their dogs ill. Dr Emma Scales-Theobald, the resident pet expert for Canine Cottages, has revealed which foods are poisonous to dogs, highlighting which symptoms to look out for should your pet ingest something toxic.
Macadamia Nuts
Nuts are a popular Christmas treat for humans but be aware that macadamias are toxic to dogs. “The mechanism of this toxicity is unknown, but within one to six hours, signs may be seen even if your dog has eaten a very small number of nuts (0.7 g/kg),” Dr Scales-Theobald explains.
“The most common signs to notice include weakness, depression, vomiting, ataxia (poor coordination and balance), tremors, high body temperature, joint/muscle pain, and an inability to rise. Typically, patients improve within 48 hours but may require supportive care and a chance to cool down.”
Gravy
Whilst a small amount of some gravy may be safe, ones that contain onion powder should never be fed to dogs. “Small volumes are unlikely to cause significant harm – however, onions contain a toxin called n-propyl disulphide and thiosulfates,” the doctor says. These toxins cause oxidative damage to haemoglobin, which is a key component of the red blood cell. This means that it damages the cells and may cause a breakdown of the red blood cells, leading to anaemia (low red blood cells). Abnormal types of haemoglobin may also form and impact the ability of blood to transport oxygen.”
She adds: “Other systems, including gastrointestinal, urinary, cardiovascular, respiratory, can all be affected as a result of the toxic process. All forms of onion (and garlic) are toxic. In fact, garlic can be up to five times more toxic than onions.”
TikTok user Peanut and Pablo, meanwhile, whose account is devoted to her two loving pets, also shares a pointer about cranberry sauce. “For cranberry sauce, ensure it’s just pure cranberry (nothing else added),” she says. Her video shows her creating a Christmas dinner for her dogs made up of turkey trimmings, carrots, broccoli, sprouts and pigs in blankets, peas and plain potato – all fine for consumption.
Christmas Pudding and Mince Pies
Your dog should avoid ingesting fruits of the Vitis family which includes grapes, raisins, sultanas, and currants. Dr Scales-Theobald reveals: “These may cause a significant toxicity in some pets. However, the mechanism of the toxicity is not currently known and could be due to tartaric acid/potassium bitartrate, intolerance to tannins/flavinoids/
“Signs of ingestion may initially include lethargy, reduced appetite, vomiting and diarrhoea. Kidney failure or liver failure may develop and any changes in water intake or urination should be discussed with your local vet.”
Chocolate and Sweets
Chocolate contains theobromine, a stimulant similar to caffeine. The degree of toxicity will depend on the type of chocolate eaten, but generally, the higher the cocoa percentage the more dangerous the consumption level will be.
The doctor continues her advice: “If your dog has eaten chocolate you will often see a transformation in their behaviour. These may include gastrointestinal upset, cardiovascular abnormalities, such as an abnormal heart rate and rhythm, urinary incontinence, increased drinking and urination, hyperexcitability, ataxia (poor co-ordination and balance) and seizures. Symptoms usually appear around two-to-four hours after ingestion and chocolate may be smelt in the vomit/diarrhoea.”
She also explains: “It is highly recommended that you keep the packaging of any chocolate products for your vet, as it can be used to estimate the amount eaten. There are also guidelines that can be found online to help vets identify the amount of theobromine in different types of chocolate. For example, some dark chocolate may be 135 mg/oz compared to 0.25 mg/oz for white chocolate
Blue Cheese
It’s no secret that dogs love a bit of cheese now and then – just look at TikTok’s cheese tax trend. However, one of the most popular Christmas cheeses could be toxic to your dog. Blue cheese is made with a fungus that contains roquefortine C, which is poisonous for dogs.
Closing, Dr Theobald-Scales warns: “Symptoms of roquefortine poisoning includes vomiting, diarrhoea, high temperatures and tremors. If you notice any of these symptoms you should contact your vet straight away.”
