The festive season! The time of year when tables are full with delicious treats, and everyone’s indulging in a little bit of extra cheer. But while we humans enjoy the season’s best, it’s important to remember that some of our favourite festive foods can be dangerous for your pups.
Your pooch might give you those big, pleading eyes when you’re nibbling on a mince pie or passing around the cheese board, but resist! Many foods that are perfectly safe for us can be harmful—or even toxic for dogs. Let’s take a look at what to keep out of your dog’s bowl this festive period.
Chocolate
We all know chocolate is a big no-no for dogs. But during the festive season when chocolates are seemingly everywhere, it's easy to forget. Advent calendars, chocolate coins, or that box of truffles under the tree – try to keep them well out of reach. Chocolate contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs and can lead to symptoms like vomiting, seizures, or even worse.
Raisins, grapes, and currants
Christmas pudding, mince pies, and fruitcake— just some of the classic festive treats that are full of raisins, grapes, and currants. These fruits might seem harmless, but they can cause kidney failure in dogs, even in small amounts. It’s best to keep anything fruity and sticky well away from your dog.
Onions, garlic, and leeks
You might be whipping up a festive feast complete with all the trimmings, but those roast onions, garlic bread, and leek-heavy dishes are a danger zone for dogs. These members of the allium family can damage your dog's red blood cells, leading to anaemia.
Alcohol
Holiday parties often come with a little bit of bubbly or a festive cocktail. But even a small amount of alcohol can cause serious health problems for your dog, from drowsiness to dangerously low body temperature. Make sure any mulled wine spills are quickly cleaned up, and keep an eye on those glasses left within sniffing range.
Fatty foods
Turkey skin, gravy, and buttery roast potatoes are tasty treats for us but can cause tummy trouble for dogs. High-fat foods can lead to pancreatitis, a painful condition that may need veterinary attention. So, while your dog might be hoping for some festive leftovers, it’s best to keep the fatty foods off their wish list.
Xylitol
Sugar-free doesn’t mean dog-friendly! Xylitol, a sweetener found in sugar-free gum, candies, and even some peanut butters, is highly toxic to dogs. It can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar levels, leading to seizures and liver failure.
Keeping your pup comfortable during the festivities
With so many tempting treats around, it’s easy for your dog to feel left out. Instead of sharing foods that could harm them, keep some dog-friendly treats on hand. If your dog manages to sneak a forbidden nibble, watch out for symptoms and consult your vet if they display any unusual behaviours or symptoms.
The festive period can be overwhelming for dogs—all the rich smells, extra noise, and new faces can affect their digestion. Clinipaw’s Advanced Support for Digestion can help keep things on track. Packed with probiotics, digestive enzymes, and prebiotics, it maintains gut health, while natural fibres like Pumpkin Seed, Apple Pectin, and Psyllium Husk optimise stool consistency. Even during peak excitement, these ingredients help keep your dog's digestion balanced, read more about this product here.
The Safe and tasty alternatives
Instead of sneaking scraps from the table, treat your dog to something made especially for them. You can make some simple, healthy dog biscuits with ingredients like pumpkin or sweet potato, or buy festive dog treats that are both delicious and safe. It’s a great way to include them in the festivities without risking their health.
A happy, healthy festive season for all
This festive season, keep the chocolate for yourself, pass on the pudding, and make sure your dog gets lots of love, walks, and maybe a new toy (or two). By keeping harmful foods out of paws’ reach and supporting their health with supplements, you’ll ensure your furry friend has a wonderful, festive season.
Happy holidays from all of us at Clinipaw! Remember, keeping your pet safe and healthy is the best gift you can give them!
