Pet owners have been given an urgent warning about what types of Christmas leftovers are toxic to their dogs, with a trip to the vet emergency room likely to cost well over $1,000.
With new smells, tastes and other stimuli for dogs to investigate at this time of year, they often find themselves ingesting toxic foods that have fallen on the floor or been given to them by owners.
But certain foods and other items associated with Christmas can lead to serious issues such as stomach blockages during the holiday season.
‘Christmas is a time of giving, but many human foods can cause serious illness. So resist that pleading face, and exercise caution when choosing what treats to give your pet,’ the RSPCA NSW website advises.
Pet owners have been warned that common Christmas leftovers could be seriously toxic to dogs, with a trip to the vet emergency room easily costing owners over $1,000 (pictured, dog in Christmas decorations)
Most dog owners know that chocolate is toxic to dogs, however other Christmas leftovers such as cooked bones, fruit pies and Christmas pudding also pose a threat.
‘Cooked bones are brittle and can lodge in your pet’s windpipe or stomach,’ RSPCA NSW shelter manager, Emily Smith, told 7News.
‘Chocolate, fruit mince pies and Christmas pudding all contain ingredients that are toxic to dogs.’
Read Related Also: Anxious Donald Trump asked his aides if Ghislaine Maxwell had mentioned him after her arrest
While ham, turkey and chicken are safe for dogs to eat in small amounts, ensure the meat is free of accompaniments such as gravy or glazes which often contain toxic ingredients such as onions or garlic.
Alcohol also poses a risk for pets during the holiday period as friends and family leave drinks unattended for pooches to investigate and possibly digest.
‘Alcohol is another toxic ingredient that is in abundance at holiday parties, so watch your guests aren’t leaving glasses within reach of prying paws,’ Smith said.
Foods such as chocolate, fruit pies and gravy contain harmful toxins, while cooked bones are brittle and could lacerate mouths and stomachs (Pictured, dog eating Christmas leftovers)
It isn’t only foods that could pose a threat to pets. Christmas decorations such as gift wrapping and ornaments should also be monitored.
‘[Ingesting] things like wrapping paper and decorations can cause intestinal blockages, requiring emergency surgery,’ Smith said.
RSPCA NSW warns pet owners to not leave tinsel or other sparkly objects such as Christmas lights within reach of pets as they could create intestinal blockages and other complications.
They also warn of ’round, ball-like decorations, which may break in your pet’s mouth, causing lacerations to its intestines and tongue’.
