Yahoo Finance 6 most dangerous foods for dogs at Christmas – and the vet costs if they eat them
Pancreatitis is the thing most gifted to dogs at Christmas.
‘Tis the season to be jolly but it will quickly turn jolly expensive – and sad – if your pet eats one of the many human festive foods that makes them sick… or even puts their life in danger.
You might know that chocolate is bad for pets, but you’re probably unaware just how many of our other Christmas food favourites are toxic to dogs. Perhaps you’re even a relatively new pooch parent who is still learning the ropes?
Australia’s pet population has boomed since the 2020 start of the pandemic and is now nearly 29 million across 6.9 million households, according to Pets in Australia: A national survey of pets and people. This represents 69 per cent of all households – much higher than the consistent 61 per cent recorded in 2016 and 2019.
Christmas foods that are unsafe for dogs
Below is a list of the six most dangerous Christmas foods for dogs that will put them at risk if you share your festive feast with your ‘best friend' or if their foraging sees them eat a poisonous ‘treat’.
Remember, you don’t just need to resist the urge to indulge your furry family member, but also be careful not to leave foods that are toxic to your pet lying around. Don’t forget to ask visitors not to feed them either.
Vets report that pancreatitis is, in fact, the thing most gifted to fur babies at Christmas.
And be aware that ham, which would be included under the second-most dangerous category on the list, is incredibly harmful to dogs – they simply cannot process the amount of fat and preservatives in one of our favourite festive fares.
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The 6 most dangerous foods for dogs to eat at Christmas
Dangerous foods | The health impact to your pet |
6. Chocolate | Methylxanthines found in cacao seeds cause chocolate toxicity. Even a single square of milk or dark chocolate can cause serious issues - the darker the chocolate, the worse it is for your dog. Symptoms of chocolate toxicity include vomiting, diarrhoea, trembling and staggering. |
5. Grapes, raisins and sultanas | These can cause kidney damage to dogs, whether raw or cooked in Christmas puddings, fruit mince tarts and other desserts, or in sauces. Even a small amount is potentially dangerous (it is unknown why). Symptoms include vomiting, not eating and depression. |
4. Macadamias | While eating macadamias is not usually fatal, your dog will feel very unwell. Symptoms include weakness, vomiting, tremors and depression and can last up to 48 hours. |
3. Onions and garlic | Even foods containing garlic or onion powder, like gravy, can be a problem for your pet. Onions and garlic potentially break down red blood cells and can therefore lead to anaemia and may also cause gastrointestinal upsets. Signs a dog has consumed onion or garlic are reduced appetite, weakness and lethargy, red or brown urine, vomiting and diarrhoea, and even ataxia (loss of coordination). |
2. Cooked bones and fatty meats | Fatty skin or offcuts from meat can inflame the pancreas because of the high fat content. Symptoms of pancreatitis include loss of appetite, dehydration, sickness, diarrhoea and abdominal pain. |
1. Xylitol | This artificial sweetener, common in lollies and some commercial baked goods, can lead to very low blood sugar. The implications are very serious: liver damage, seizure or possible death. Early symptoms include lethargy, vomiting and ataxia (loss of coordination). |
Source: Supplied
Vet bills you might face this Christmas
There was a 12.6 per cent year-on-year rise in pet insurance claims in December last year, according to Australia’s largest pet insurer PetSure (it administers 28 insurance brands). So, a festive slip-up could cost you as much as $610.
And there isn’t just the risk of ingestion of foods they can’t eat. Accidents, tissue damage and wounds are also very common this time of year.
Here’s a breakdown of the five biggest, extra safety risks for your furry family member during the festive season and the average cost of treatment.
Top 5 safety risks for your pet at Christmas and their vet costs
Pet health condition | % uplift on previous month (Dec vs Nov 2022) | Average treatment cost |
Toxin exposure - chocolate | 60.13% | $447 |
Toxin exposure – plant, grape/raisin | 56.46% | $451 |
Ingestion of foreign body – grass seed | 52.97% | $388 |
Gastrointestinal tract condition (hemorrhagic gastroenteritis) | 10.68% | $610 |
Accident – tissue damage or fracture (wound laceration) | 7.01% | $491 |
Source: PetSure
Where logical claims value was greater than 400, comparing the claims volume for December compared to November 2022 for seasonal conditions with the highest month-on-month percentage increase. ~~Average amount claimed for the condition, based on PetSure claims for the past 24 months.
Nicole Pedersen-McKinnon is the author of How to Get Mortgage-Free Like Me, available at www.nicolessmartmoney.com. Follow Nicole on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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