Christmas is a time for indulgence, with delicious festive treats gracing tables and filling our homes. While it’s tempting to share these delights with your furry friend, many Christmas foods can be harmful to your pets. At Village Vets, your trusted provider of veterinary care and pet health services, we want to help you keep your pets safe and healthy during the holiday season. 

Let’s explore the Christmas foods you should avoid giving to your pets and how to keep them safe.

Toxic Christmas Foods for Pets

Chocolate: A Common Culprit

Chocolate is one of the most dangerous festive foods for pets, particularly dogs. It contains theobromine, a compound toxic to dogs that can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and in severe cases, seizures or even death. The risk is highest during December, with more chocolate in homes than at any other time of the year. Even the wrappers can pose a hazard, as they may cause blockages if ingested.

To keep your pet safe:

• Avoid placing chocolate coins on your Christmas tree.
• Keep advent calendars and chocolate boxes out of reach.
• Ensure wrapped chocolatey presents are stored securely, as pets can sniff them out.

If your pet consumes chocolate, call your vet immediately. Your vet will need details about the type and amount eaten to assess the risk. Never attempt to make your pet sick without veterinary advice, as this can sometimes worsen the situation.

Dried Fruits in Christmas Treats

Festive favourites like mince pies, Christmas cake, and Christmas pudding are laden with raisins, sultanas, and currants, all of which are toxic to dogs. Even small amounts of these dried fruits can cause kidney failure. Other culprits include stollen and chocolate-covered raisins.

If your dog eats any of these:

• Contact your vet as soon as possible, even if your pet appears fine initially. The effects of these toxins can be delayed by days.
• Do not induce vomiting, as it can make matters worse.

Sage and Onion Stuffing: A Hidden Danger

Stuffing, a staple of Christmas dinners, often contains onions, garlic, leeks, and chives—all members of the allium family, which are harmful to dogs. These ingredients can damage red blood cells, potentially leading to life-threatening anaemia.

Signs of poisoning may take a few days to appear and can include vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and lethargy. If your pet eats any stuffing or onion-based gravy, seek veterinary advice immediately.

How to Keep Your Pets Safe This Christmas

Keeping pets safe during the festive season requires vigilance and preparation. Here’s a quick guide to protecting your furry friends:

• Store toxic foods like chocolate, mince pies, and stuffing well out of your pet’s reach.
• Monitor your pet during gatherings to ensure they don’t sneak scraps from guests.
• Educate visitors about the risks of feeding pets human food.
• Provide your pet with safe, pet-friendly treats so they can join in the festive fun without risk.

Trust Village Vets for Expert Pet Healthcare

At Village Vets, we understand the importance of your pet’s health and well-being. If your pet ingests any toxic foods or shows signs of distress, contact your vet immediately. Our team is here to provide advice, care, and emergency veterinary services when you need them most.

This Christmas, let’s keep our furry companions safe and healthy while celebrating the season. For expert guidance and support, trust Village Vets—your partner in pet healthcare and pet wellness.

Wishing you and your pets a joyful and safe Christmas!