Although we may want to include our four-legged friends in our Christmas celebrations, there are several human foods that can be poisonous for dogs.

Stats show that in December, dogs are 75% more likely to be treated by a vet for eating human food that is poisonous for them, compared to any other month.

Foods enjoyed by us at Christmas time that can be harmful to your dog include:

Chocolate

Chocolate is a favourite treat at Christmas time and the number of chocolate poisoning cases in dogs is highest in December than any other time of year and is one of the most common reasons dogs visit the vets around the festive season.

As tempting as it may be to share your chocolate treats with your dog, it’s important to keep them well out of reach. Chocolate contains theobromine which is toxic to dogs. If you are worried that your dog has eaten some chocolate not meant for them, even a small amount, contact your vet right away.

Christmas cake, mince pies and Christmas pudding

There are many festive treats that contain dried grapes in the form or raisins, currants, or sultana. Grapes and all the dried versions of them are known to be toxic to dogs, in fact these dried fruits are more toxic than fresh grapes themselves. Other Christmas dried fruit treats which are dangerous to dogs include: stollen, chocolate covered raisins and fruit cake.

Onions and onion gravy

It can be tempting to give your pet a taste of your Christmas dinner, but if there are onions on your dinner or in the gravy they can cause a breakdown of red blood cells, leading to anaemia. As a side note, some gravies can contain high levels of salt, especially instant gravy. So, if you want to share some with your pooch, avoid using the gravy and stick to lean meat and vegetables in small amounts.

Macadamia nuts

These are the nut that is highest in fat. Macadamias can lead to gastrointestinal upset, causing vomiting and diarrhoea. To prevent any tummy upsets for your dog, be sure to keep any of these well out of reach of those paws.

Alcohol

Cats and dogs absorb alcohol quicker than human bodies. Make sure your dog cannot help themselves to any unattended leftover alcohol that is left out.

Bones

Cooked bones can easily splinter and create all kind of nasty problems from the mouth right the way through the digestive system. Raw meats can carry a bacteria that could make your cat or dog poorly, but you also risk broken teeth, constipation and digestive blockages from raw bones.

Fatty foods

Although harmless in smaller doses, fatty foods could give your pet an upset stomach and can sometimes lead to pancreatitis. The ones to stay away from are sausage and turkey skin.

Leftovers

Don’t be tempted to give your dog leftover Christmas food as they can include hidden ingredients that are toxic to dogs, and mould in leftovers (especially bread products) could make them ill.

Candy canes

Sweets that we enjoy over the festive period, such as candy canes contain sugar-free sweetener called xylitol which is poisonous to dogs.

If you’re worried about your pet and think they may have consumed any of the above, speak to your vet who is best placed to offer advice.