Christmas is a very all-encompassing time of year. Even if you don’t celebrate it to the extent that others do, you can’t escape it. People find it very easy to get swept up in the rigmarole of Christmas and can forget a few things along the way, such as what foods you can and can’t share with your four-legged friend (Click here to see the list).
There are so many things that can harm your dog that as owners and guardians, we must stay vigilant. It can be easy to be persuaded otherwise when your parents or grandparents spout the hole “We used to feed our dogs chocolate all the time and they were fine!” Well, you also used to lick lead paint and approved the use of asbestos amongst various other substances with no regard to its health impact. As guardians, we need to stay strong in the face of criticism!
Yes, some dogs will be absolutely fine eating/drinking small or even large amounts of the items listed below but for others, even the smallest amount could lead to a prolonged vet stay if not worse. And there is no real way of knowing until the dog eats some and you either end up at the vets or not. I know a cockerpoo that can eat a whole box of chocolates and be none the wiser apart from a few wrappers left behind. She has an iron stomach but for others, even the smallest chocolate chip could spell disaster. This is why it’s best to keep an eye on them and make sure any hazardous substances are kept out of the way.
It may also be a good idea, if you are having guests around for Christmas or visiting friends or family, to remind them as well that your dog cannot have certain foods.
THE LIST:
- grapes, raisins or sultanas (and wine!)
- chocolate – don’t forget chocolate decorations on the tree and in advent calendars that are easy pickings
- macadamia nuts
- mince pies
- Christmas pudding
- rich fatty foods/fat trimmings
- cooked bones from Christmas meats
- avocado
- onion
- holly berries
- alcohol
- xylitol – an artificial sweetener found in some sugar-free foods
The Dog Standard 