Christmas treats are something we all look forward to, but for our furry friends, some of these can be extremely toxic, so it is important to keep them out of reach. If you have a pet with a penchant for opening gifts, this may mean not putting wrapped treats under the tree!
Some festive foods to be cautious of around pets include:
1. Chocolate
Why it's toxic: Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, which are stimulants of the central nervous system and heart. They also act as diuretics, which can lead to dehydration.
Type of chocolate: Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are particularly dangerous, as they contain higher levels of theobromine than milk chocolate.
Symptoms of poisoning: Vomiting, diarrhoea, increased thirst and urination, restlessness, increased respiratory rate, increased heart rate and potential arrythmias, seizures, tremors, incoordination, fever, coma and death.
2. Xylitol (sugar substitute)
Why it's toxic: Xylitol, found in sugar-free gum, candy, baked goods, and some peanut butters, can cause a rapid insulin release, leading to dangerously low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). In severe cases, it can lead to liver failure.
Symptoms of poisoning: Vomiting, lethargy, loss of coordination, and seizures.
3. Grapes and raisins
Why they’re toxic: These fruits can cause acute kidney failure in some dogs and cats, even in small amounts.
Symptoms of poisoning: Vomiting, diarrheoa, lethargy, and loss of appetite.
4. Alcohol
Why it's toxic: Alcohol is extremely dangerous for pets, even in small amounts. Ingestion can cause a drop in blood sugar, blood pressure and body temperature.
Symptoms of poisoning: Lethargy, confusion, drooling and vomiting. Severely intoxicated animals can experience seizures and respiratory failure.
5. Nuts (especially macadamia nuts)
Why they're toxic: The mechanism of toxicity in dogs is unknown but macadamia nuts in particular cause neurological signs.
Symptoms of poisoning: Muscle weakness, vomiting, tremors, and hyperthermia (elevated body temperature).
Other nuts to be wary of: Walnuts, pecans, and almonds can also cause digestive upset in pets.
6. Onions, garlic and chives
Why they're toxic: These foods, especially in large amounts, can cause damage to red blood cells, leading to anemia.
Symptoms of poisoning: Vomiting, diarrheoa, abdominal pain, lethargy, and pale gums.
7. Cooked bones
Why they're dangerous: Cooked bones can splinter and cause choking, blockages, or puncture injuries in the gastrointestinal tract.
Symptoms of injury: Vomiting, lethargy, pain, and difficulty defecating.
8. Avocados
Why they’re dangerous: Avocado contains a toxin called persin. Dogs and cats are rarely affected by persin, however avocado poisoning can be deadly to birds and large animals (such as cows, goats and sheep). The biggest risk to dogs and cats is a foreign body obstruction if part or all of a large avocado seed is swallowed. Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) is also possible due to the high fat content in avocados.
Symptoms of poisoning: Signs of poisoning in birds include inability to perch, difficulty breathing, fluid accumulation around the bird’s heart and lungs, liver and kidney failure, and sudden death.
9. Corn cobs and stone fruit stones
Why they’re dangerous: Ingestion may result in obstruction of the oesophagus, stomach outflow or small intestinal tract.
Symptoms of ingestion: Drooling, gagging, nausea, inappetence or vomiting after eating/drinking, abdominal pain or hunched stance
This list is just the most common toxicities and obstructions we come across during the festive period; it is by no means exhaustive.
If you have any concerns regarding potential ingestion of a toxin or foreign body, please contact your nearest clinic as soon as possible. Delays in treatment may limit what we are able to do to help your pet and result in a poorer outcome in the long term.
