Festive foods, toxic to pets.
Lots of our festive treats are toxic to our pets, and you may be tempted to sneak a bit of food to them, however, it is best if you do
Onions, garlic and chives, whether they are dry, raw or cooked cause gastrointestinal irritation, which means the lining of your pets stomach becomes really sore and painful.
Chocolate contains a stimulant called theobromine, this can cause kidney failure, this means that the kidneys stop working and your pet will get very poorly.
Macadamia nuts contain a toxin that can affect your pets muscles and nervous system, your pet will show weakness, swollen limbs and panting. Your pet will feel very scared.
Corn on the cob. The corn (little yellow bits) are fine, as they can be digested, it is the cob that can be fatal if eaten by your pet. The cob can cause a blockage in the intestine of your pet. That will be very painful.
Avocados can cause vomiting and diarrhoea in your pet as the plants contain a substance called Persin which is in its leaves, fruit and seed.
Alcohol causes intoxication (Drunkenness, Tipsiness) in humans. Even the smallest amount can have the same affect in your pets. It can lead to sickness, diarrhoea and even central nervous system damage. So, it is best to keep yourself and your best fur friend away from alcohol.
Raw uncooked bones for dogs to chew on is great, but definitely not cooked bones. These can easily splinter (small pieces broken off) and if they have a lot it can cause constipation or at worst, a perforation (puncture or stab) of the gut which can be fatal.
Raisins are in many of the foods that we love to eat. Can you think of foods that you like with them in? I can think of mince pies, Christmas pudding, cakes, biscuits and breakfast cereals. The active ingredient which causes toxins in our pets is unknown, but both grapes and raisins may cause severe liver damage and kidney failure. If you drop any on the floor then you must pick it up straight away and put it in the bin.
If your pets have eaten any of these, even in the smallest amount, you must act immediately and either call or take them to the vets.
