Keeping your dog safe at Christmas
Christmas celebrations
Christmas is a time to spend with your family which normally includes celebrations and indulging in festive treats. Most of our customers consider their pet’s to be part of the family and are keen to involve them in their Christmas celebrations too!
It’s important to remember that the festive period can also present hidden dangers to your dog in the form of toxic foods. Below are some foods you should avoid sharing to keep your dog safe this Christmas:
Chocolate
Chocolate should be avoided at all costs as the chemical theobromine is toxic to dogs, even in small amounts. The darker the chocolate, the more potent the levels of theobromine. Symptoms can include vomiting, diarrhoea, increased thirst, restlessness, excessive urination, and a racing heart. In severe cases, muscle tremors, seizures, and heart failure can be seen.
Grapes, Currants, Sultanas & Raisins
Grapes and their dried forms are also toxic, as even small quantities can cause severe kidney failure. Other symptoms can be loss of appetite, lethargy, dehydration, vomiting and diarrhoea. Foods such as mince pies and Christmas puddings will include these ingredients.
Onions, Garlic, Leeks, Shallots & Chives (Allium species)
Even when cooked, foods such as onions (and other allium species) can cause toxicity. These plants contain organosulphur compounds, which are what gives these plants their distinctive flavours and smells. Unfortunately these compounds can lead to damaging effects of the red blood cells in dogs, resulting in anaemia. The onset is typically delayed by several days, however symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea and digestive upset may be visible beforehand.
Artificial Sweeteners
The sweetener xylitol is often found in sweet treats consumed around Christmas and is thought to be even more dangerous than chocolate for dogs. Only a very small amount is needed to stimulate the release of insulin, leading to dangerously low blood sugar levels. Toxicity can lead to seizures, comas and fatal liver failure. Xylitol is becoming popular in things such as peanut butter, which many people use as an occasional sweet treat for their pet.
Turkey or Chicken Bones
Turkey and chicken bones can easily splinter, especially when cooked, which can cause obstructions, gut irritation or may penetrate the stomach or intestinal wall. As long as the meat is pulled from the bone.
Adult – Grain Free Turkey, Sweet Potato & Cranberry
The Dog Man’s Choice Grain Free Turkey with Sweet Potato & Cranberry is the perfect Christmas meal for dogs to join in the celebrations.
Our Grain Free Turkey recipes include a selection of the finest prepared nutritious and highly digestible animal protein sources. They are also natural, complete and balanced with no added colours and preservatives.
To order your Grain Free Turkey recipes, simply click the button below
