Christmas is an exciting time for pets, as they are surrounded by new smells, sights and sounds.
It can be a challenging time for pet owners, however, as many of the items we see as Christmas treats have the potential to be hazardous to our pets.
Owners are often unaware of the risks that Christmas food, decorations and gifts can present to pets until they become unwell.
Here, our practice manager Rhiannon Cartwright shares her expert advice on how to keep your dog happy and healthy, while avoiding an emergency trip to your local vet this Christmas.
The biggest Christmas hazards for dogs
Do you know what the biggest cause of a Christmas trip to the vet is for dogs?
It’s chocolate.
With so many treats on the tree and underneath it, it’s no surprise that our four-legged friends manage to sniff them out.
Online queries related to dogs eating chocolate see a huge spike in December, with concerned owners seeking online advice on what to do when their dog has eaten chocolate.
In fact, Google searches for ‘dog ate chocolate’ more than double in December, compared to other months, demonstrating how widespread the problem is.
Our Maggie and Marlow experts also confirm that most enquiries received during the Christmas period relate to dogs eating chocolate.
If you suspect your dog has eaten chocolate, follow our advice below.
And check out our other recommendations for keeping your dog safe this Christmas.
Can dogs eat chocolate?
No, chocolate is toxic to dogs and should not be consumed in any quantity.
Chocolate contains a chemical called theobromine, which is toxic to dogs.
The type and quantity of chocolate, as well as the weight of your pet, will impact its level of toxicity when consumed.
What are the signs my dog has eaten chocolate?
Gastric changes are the typical telltale signs that a dog has consumed chocolate.
For example, vomiting and / or diarrhea are the most common symptoms.
These can be coupled with a change in behaviour, as dogs can become hyper excited or really dull depending on the size of the dog and the quantity and type of chocolate they have eaten.
These factors also impact the time it takes to display symptoms, but you can expect to see the signs between four and 24 hours after ingestion.
What to do if your dog has eaten chocolate
If your dog has eaten chocolate, then we recommend contacting a veterinary professional for advice.
Having the packaging to hand and being able to share the following information with your vet will enable them to accurately assess and treat your pet.
Your vet will need to know:
- The type of chocolate – white, milk or dark
- The weight of the chocolate that has been consumed
- Your pet’s weight – be aware that if you are contacting an out of hours vet, they may not have access to your dog’s records
- How long ago they ate the chocolate
If you suspect your dog has eaten chocolate and you need help and advice, contact our team today.
Dog Christmas jumpers
The trend for dressing dogs in Christmas jumpers and festive outfits continues to gather pace.
UK online searches peaked in December 2022 at 32,000, followed by their second highest year of popularity in 2023 at 29,000.
With social media helping to drive the trend, we are predicting another big year for Christmas jumpers on dogs.
But with this big trend comes some big risks.
Is it safe for dogs to wear Christmas jumpers?
We always advise against the use of jumpers, outfits or accessories on dogs as they are too risky.
Fabrics can be flammable, restrictive and noisy, and therefore stressful for dogs, but they can also cause overheating, particularly for dogs with thick fur.
Pet owners should also avoid anything that could potentially be chewed, such as reindeer antlers, bells or decorations - swallowing any of these items could lead to an emergency visit to the vet.
If your dog isn’t used to wearing a coat, then a jumper is likely to be uncomfortable for them.
Warning signs
The key warning signs that a dog is uncomfortable in a Christmas jumper:
- Panting
- Reluctance to move
- Pacing
If you notice any of these symptoms, remove clothing and accessories immediately.
Are real Christmas trees safe for dogs?
Most real Christmas trees are not poisonous or toxic to dogs however, they do still pose a risk if branches and needles are chewed or swallowed.
Pine needles can cause irritation or even an obstruction if swallowed.
Are fake Christmas trees poisonous to dogs?
Most fake Christmas trees are manufactured from a combination of plastics and metals, which can cause irritation or even an obstruction if chewed or swallowed.
Some types of fake snow used on artificial Christmas trees can be toxic to dogs, so preventing access is advisable.
Can dogs drink Christmas tree water?
No, it is best to keep all pets away from Christmas tree water.
Sap from the Christmas tree can seep into the water, creating a hazardous drink for dogs, and loose pine needles could also fall into it and be consumed.
We recommend preventing access to the water at all times.
How to dog-proof your Christmas tree
Be mindful of what you are putting on the tree, as well as underneath it. If you have any food items as decorations, or wrapped gifts containing food, then your dog will quickly sniff them out. We recommend removing these items and placing them out of reach of your dog.
If you have a real tree, then we recommend daily hoovering to pick up fallen needles to avoid any stray needles getting stuck in paws.
When putting your tree and decorations up, try to discourage pets from going near them. Putting a children’s play pen or similar item around the bottom of the tree can help to distract them from this unfamiliar decor.
What Christmas foods can dogs eat?
It is best to try to keep to your pet’s usual diet over the Christmas period.
You should not feed your dog any of the following:
- Bones
- Gravy
- Stuffing
- Onions
- Nuts
- Pigs in blankets
- Christmas pudding
- Christmas cake
- Mince pies
- Chocolate
- Alcoholic drinks
Can dogs eat mince pies?
No, dogs cannot eat mince pies because they contain raisins and sultanas. These are toxic to dogs and consumption can potentially lead to renal damage.
While pastry is not toxic to dogs, it is high in fat and therefore best avoided.
Can dogs eat Christmas cake or Christmas pudding?
No, Christmas cake contains raisins and sultanas, which are both toxic to dogs. Dried fruit can potentially cause kidney and renal damage in dogs.
Additional ingredients such as alcohol, nuts and chocolate can also be harmful to dogs.
Christmas cake is the second biggest cause of an emergency trip to the vet during the Christmas holidays.
Can dogs drink alcohol?
No. Alcohol can cause dogs to vomit and become unstable on their feet.
Always keep alcohol out of the reach of pets and do not leave drinks on the floor where they can be easily sniffed out and accessed.
Tips for keeping your dog healthy at Christmas
Be aware that more people will try to give your dog treats over the Christmas period.
With guests popping in and children off from school, it’s likely that your dog will go from having the occasional treat to having a high quantity of unhealthy foods.
If your dog has a sensitive stomach or they are an older dog, rich or unusual foods can cause an upset stomach.
Avoid this issue by making sure your guests do not feed your pet unhealthy or hazardous treats.
Christmas hazards – the symptoms to look out for
With Christmas presenting so many potential hazards for your pet, it can be difficult to monitor your dog at all times.
Here are the key symptoms that may indicate that your dog has eaten something they shouldn’t.
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Hunched with abdominal pain
- Wobbly or unsteady on their feet
If your dog starts to display any of these symptoms, contact our vets for professional advice.
