We all have the urge to spoil our loved ones at Christmas, but sometimes common sense flies out the window when it comes to giving our beloved dogs something off the plate or kitchen bench. So let’s take a look at some of the no-no’s:
- Grapes, Raisins, Currants, and Sultanas – used in cakes and puddings and mince pies.
- Chocolate and Chocolate Coated anything – it manages to get into all sorts of Christmas treats somehow. Best to keep all confectionary and lollies out of harms way unless you want possible vomiting, trembling, and seizures to take place.
- Cooked Meat Bones – we all know the effects of cooked brittle bones.
- Fat Trimmings – especially from Ham can cause Pancreatitis.
- Stuffing – it usually consists of onion and other herbs and seasoning not recommended.
- Mince Pies, Christmas Cake and Christmas Pudding – the Dried Fruit, Sugar and Alcohol are bad enough.
- Macadamia Nuts – have a negative effect on the dogs nervous system, particularly control of movement.
- Biscuits – Sugar, Flour, Dried Fruits, Macadamias, and Alcohol may all be part.
- Onions, Chives, Leeks, Garlic – Some breeds of dog, particularly some Japanese breeds, such as the Akita and Shiba Anu appear to have a higher sensitivity towards the effects of onion, garlic, leeks and chives.
- Mushrooms – Some forms can be extremely dangerous for dogs causing liver and kidney failure, so it’s best to avoid them altogether.
- Blue Cheese – You probably don’t give your dog a lot of dairy products, but having fungus-related cheese is not a good idea. Try not to leave your tray of cheese and crackers on the coffee table or somewhere your dog or dogs could get at it.
- Alcohol – We know not to give dogs alcohol on its own, but alcohol is included in a lot of Christmas treats (sometimes disguised) such as Trifles, Unbaked Bread Dough (which ferments in the stomach), Sauces, and other treats listed above.
We all want our loved ones to be happy, so let’s all apply some common sense these festive holidays.