By Deanne Jeffers
Christmas food is the gift that keeps on giving, with an abundance of leftovers to feast upon following the merry day. You may decide to share leftovers with your pets, but animal lovers should take caution, as many human-foods are not safe for pet consumption.
NEVER FEED YOUR PETS:
Meat bones, as they become brittle and splinter easily once cooked and raw bones can also pose certain risks to pets and should be avoided
Garlic, onions, shallots and leeks are ingredients found in popular Christmas dishes, but they are all toxic to dogs in the right quantities. Be cautious feeding leftovers like stuffing and gravy to pets, which may contain these ingredients
Alcohol like wine, beer and spirits are not pet-friendly, and while most people would understand this, please remember many traditional dishes also contain alcohol, such as rum balls, eggnog, and desserts topped with bourbon sauce
Nuts can cause an upset stomach or severe throat obstruction when consumed by pets. Some nuts, like walnuts and macadamias, are toxic to animals and can cause seizures and neurological problems
Chocolate has long been known to be toxic to pets, causing harm to their intestinal system, neurological system and heart. Avoid giving your dog any desserts containing chocolate, such as Christmas cakes, puddings or other desserts. In addition, avoid desserts that contain raisins, mincemeats, or sultanas, as they can make your pet seriously ill.
If your pet does consume something that has made it sick, or you beloved animal requires medical attention over Christmas, please note that local vets, like GV Vets, are available to help.
