Christmas dinner is a big part of the festive season. While we enjoy turkey, stuffing and all the trimmings, most dogs are right beside us hoping for a bite. As a vet, this is also the time of year when I see more vomiting, diarrhoea, pancreatitis and toxic food cases than any other time of year.
The good news is that dogs can enjoy a small Christmas treat, but only if you choose the right foods and avoid the dangerous ones. Here is what you need to know to keep your dog safe this Christmas.
Safe Christmas Foods for Our Dogs
Turkey or Chicken (plain, no skin, no bones)
Lean cooked white meat is fine for dogs as long as it is completely plain. Avoid the skin because it is very fatty and can upset their stomach. Never give cooked bones because they can splinter.
Plain Vegetables
Carrots, peas, green beans, parsnips and Brussels sprouts are usually safe if cooked plain. Avoid seasoning, butter, honey glazes and oils.
Plain Potato
Dogs can have a small amount of boiled or mashed potato as long as it has no butter, cream, herbs or salt added.
Christmas Foods to Avoid Completely
Onions, Garlic, Leeks, Shallots
These are toxic to dogs and can damage their red blood cells. They are often hidden in stuffing, gravy and stock cubes.
Grapes, Raisins and Sultanas
These can cause kidney failure in dogs, even in very small amounts. This includes Christmas pudding, mince pies, fruitcake and stollen.
Chocolate
Chocolate contains theobromine, which is poisonous to dogs.Dark chocolate is especially dangerous.
Cooked Bones
Turkey and chicken bones can break into sharp pieces and cause choking or internal damage.
Rich or Fatty Foods
Pigs in blankets, roast potatoes cooked in oil, crackling, cheese boards and creamy sauces can trigger pancreatitis, a painful and serious condition.
Xylitol
This is a sweetener found in sugar free sweets, baked goods and some peanut butters. Even tiny amounts can cause a life threatening drop in blood sugar.
Alcohol
Dogs are very sensitive to alcohol, even small amounts.
A Safe Christmas Plate for Your Dog
A dog friendly festive meal could include:
- A small amount of plain turkey
- Some plain mashed potato
- A few cooked plain vegetables
This is more than enough for them to enjoy the celebration without risking their health.
Keeping Your Dog Safe Over Christmas
- Keep food out of reach
Many Christmas food emergencies happen when dogs steal food from counters, tables or gift bags.
- Remind guests
Well-meaning visitors often slip dogs treats under the table. Make sure they know what is safe and what is not.
- Know the warning signs
Contact your vet straight away if your dog shows vomiting, diarrhoea, trembling, restlessness, drooling, tummy pain or collapse.
- Know your emergency vet
Out of hours clinics are very busy at Christmas, so it is helpful to have their number handy.
- Need Advice Over Christmas? We Have You Covered
I am a co-owner at Ashwood Vets (Dundonald and Saintfield). We know Christmas can be a worrying time when pets get into things they shouldn’t. That is why all our registered clients get FREE 24/7 access to a fully qualified vet, right from their phone. You will always speak nto an experienced vet with at least five years of clinical practice, ready to give calm, clear advice whenever you need it.
This support is provided through VidiVet, our trusted partner service.The vets you speak to are not the Ashwood Vets team, but they are fully qualified and extremely experienced, and they work closely with us to make sure you get safe, reliable and consistent advice at any time of day or night.
Whether you are unsure about something your dog has eaten, worried about a new symptom, or simply want reassurance, help is always available. This service gives huge peace of mind and can often save an unnecessary (and stressful) trip to the emergency vet. It is just one of the ways we aim to make life easier and safer for you and your pets during the festive period.
Niall is Best Bark’s Resident Vet & Dog Safety Expert and a veterinary surgeon at Ashwood Vets. He holds the RCVS Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice in Small Animal Surgery and is passionate about helping owners keep their dogs safe and healthy.
Credentials: MVB CertAVP(GSAS) PGCertVPS MRCVS
