One of the most popular ways for owners to treat their pets at Christmas is with food from their own Christmas menu. However, there are several food items humans enjoy, which are poisonous to dogs. 

Here’s a list of food that you should keep out of your dog’s way during the festive season:

Chocolate

A chemical called Theobromine, which is a bit like caffeine, is found in chocolate and is toxic to dogs. Even a small amount of this chemical can cause agitation, hyper-excitability, tremors, convulsions and problems with the heart. The darker the chocolate, the more potent Theobromine becomes. The Veterinary Poisons Information Service recommends that veterinary treatment should be sought for any dog ingesting more than 20 mg/kg of Theobromine.  Whether the amount is toxic or not depends on the type of chocolate, the amount eaten and the size of your dog, so get in touch with your veterinary practice to check if there is any doubt. White chocolate does not contain enough Theobromine to cause toxicity, but it can be fatty and can lead to an upset digestion.

Christmas pudding and mince pies which contain grapes, currants, sultanas and raisins

Grapes and food which contains currants, sultanas or raisins are toxic to dogs. Even a small amount can cause kidney failure. Food that contain these ingredients – such as Christmas pudding or mince pies – can be extremely toxic. 

Onions (and garlic, leeks, shallots and chives)

Onions, garlic, leeks, shallots and chives all belong to the Allium species of plants and can be toxic to dogs. Uncooked or cooked, these types of food can cause vomiting and diarrhoea. But the main effect is red blood cell damage, which can cause anaemia.

Alcohol

Alcohol can have the same effect on dogs as their owners! They can become wobbly and sleepy, but in the most severe cases there’s risk of them developing low blood sugar and slipping into a coma. Dogs may be tempted to help themselves to alcohol left lying around over Christmas, so always make sure it’s kept out of their reach.

Turkey or chicken bones

Don’t be tempted to treat your dog to a turkey or chicken bone.  This can result in choking and cause severe internal damage to the stomach and intestines. Dispose of bones safely before you sit down to your Christmas dinner.

Xylitol

Watch out for the artificial sweetner, Xylitol, found in some peanut butters, cakes and biscuits as it is extremely toxic to dogs.  Keep any foods containing Xylitol well away from puppies and dogs, and prompt contact with the vet is needed if even a small amount is accidentally eaten.

If you would like your dog to be able to enjoy a festive feast, there are plenty of things can eat, as long as they don’t have any allergies. The food you can give your dog at Christmas include:

•  Scrambled egg
•  Turkey or chicken meat (no cooked bones)
•  Green beans
•  Brussels sprouts
•  Carrots
•  Peas
•  Swede

It’s best to avoid food that is high in calories. This includes cheese sauces, bacon, potatoes and desserts. And don’t overdo it by giving your dog lots of new and different food. This can cause vomiting and diarrhoea, which is the last thing you need on Christmas Day. 

Decorative Christmas plants such as poinsettia, holly berries and mistletoe add to the festive feeling but they can be toxic if eaten by dogs. They can cause irritation to their mouths and stomach upsets. The pines from a Christmas tree can also be toxic – with the sharp tips causing internal damage. Pine needles can cause an injury to the pad on a dog’s foot.

Always supervise your dog if you have a Christmas tree in the house.   If you have a puppy, a wire play pen guard around the tree will help to avoid any temptation to gnaw on the branches, play with the glass baubles or chew on the electric lights.

Since curious hounds may try to investigate and eat gifts – including the non-edible ones that have been left under the Christmas tree - it is best not to leave them alone in the same room.

We all know Christmas can be stressful, but did you know that it can also be stressful for our dogs? A change in routine, visitors, loud music and even decorations can leave dogs feeling anxious. This may be particularly the case if it’s your puppy’s first Christmas. Here’s what you can do to make sure they have a happy time: 

• Dogs can become overwhelmed by Christmas so make sure they have a quiet space to escape to if they want to take a break from the festivities. If you use a crate for your puppy or dog, cover with a blanket and give them something to play with, such as a Kong or favourite toy. 

• Try to keep food, exercise and toilet training routines the same. Consistency can help your dog feel more secure. 

• If people are going to be visiting you, let your dog meet people at their own pace. Excitable children in particular can be overwhelming for dogs. 

• Don’t forget that dogs can get anxious if left alone, so if you’re planning to visit lots of people, take your dog with your or keep the amount of time they are left alone to a minimum. 

• If you’re spending Christmas day with friends or family and your dog is coming with you, take along something which smells familiar, like their bed, to help them feel secure. Add to that some of their favourite toys and chews to keep them entertained.

• Know what to do in an emergency if your dog choked on a bone, ate or drank something poisonous. 
• Keep the phone number for your veterinary surgeon or an emergency vet to hand. Always contact your vet if you have any concerns about your dog.
• If your dog is on medication, stock up before the festive period so you don’t go short.
• Heading away over Christmas? Make sure you have planned for your puppy or dog. If you’re going to by travelling by car with a dog, plan toilet breaks and exercise stops. If you need need help with caring for your dog over the festive season, make sure you book early.