As the festive season gets into full swing, a professional dog trainer has issued an urgent warning to pet owners across the UK, highlighting eight common Christmas foods that pose a serious, and potentially fatal, risk to dogs.
The Festive Foods That Spell Danger for Dogs
Paul Haylock of Paul Haylock Dog Training in Benfleet, Essex, took to social media to share a crucial list of hazards. "Did you know these foods are extremely toxic to dogs?" he asked viewers, before detailing the dangers lurking on Christmas tables and in treat boxes.
Chocolate: A Well-Known but Grave Threat
While many know chocolate is bad for dogs, Paul Haylock reiterated the severe risk. The danger comes from a chemical called theobromine, which dogs process very slowly. This leads to a toxic build-up causing sickness, diarrhoea, seizures, and in the worst cases, death. The darker the chocolate, the higher the theobromine content, with cocoa powder and baker's chocolate being the most lethal.
Mince Pies and the Hidden Peril of Raisins
Next on the list are mince pies. "The sultanas and raisins are extremely toxic in small amounts and will cause kidney failure," Haylock explained. Grapes, raisins, sultanas, and currants can trigger acute kidney failure in dogs, potentially leading to death. Even a tiny amount is dangerous. Furthermore, the high fat and sugar content can cause stomach upset, and some pies may contain other toxic ingredients like chocolate or the sweetener xylitol. Vets Now advises contacting a vet immediately if your dog eats a mince pie, even if they seem fine.
Cheese Boards and Grapes: A Double Hazard
The Christmas cheeseboard presents two distinct dangers. Grapes, as mentioned, are highly toxic. The exact compound is unknown, but it may be tartaric acid. Symptoms of grape poisoning include vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, and excessive thirst.
Meanwhile, blue cheese contains a fungus that produces roquefortine C, a toxin harmful to dogs. This can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, tremors, and seizures, making it a festive item to keep well away from curious pups.
Xylitol: The Stealthy Sweetener
Paul Haylock also warned dog owners to be vigilant about xylitol, an artificial sweetener found in many sugar-free sweets, baked goods, and even some peanut butters. Xylitol is highly toxic, causing a rapid and dangerous drop in blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) and can lead to liver failure. Symptoms like vomiting, weakness, and seizures can appear within 30 minutes. Even a small amount can be deadly, especially for smaller breeds.
Avocado, Garlic, and Onion: More Common Culprits
Avocado contains a fungicidal toxin called persin, found in all parts of the fruit including the skin and pit. While dogs are somewhat resistant, it can still cause vomiting and diarrhoea, and the high fat content may lead to pancreatitis. The pit is also a choking hazard.
Finally, Haylock highlighted the danger of garlic and onions, whether cooked or raw. These common ingredients in festive stuffings and gravies can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and, more seriously, damage red blood cells leading to anaemia. Symptoms may take a few days to appear. The PDSA confirms that all members of the allium family, including leeks, are toxic to dogs.
"Just be mindful this Christmas when you're tucking into these things," Haylock concluded, urging owners to ensure their dogs don't get hold of these hazardous foods. With a little extra care, everyone—including our four-legged family members—can enjoy a safe and happy holiday.
