Veterinarians warn: these Christmas dishes are deadly dangerous for dogs.

According to ТСН: During the holiday season, many families share food with their pets. However, experts warn that some Christmas dishes can be very dangerous for dogs. This is especially true for those animals that receive scraps of human food without their owners' control.

Dangerous foods for dogs

Veterinary nurse Carolann Chichero advises caution when it comes to food containing dried fruits:

“One of the biggest risks at Christmas is anything containing dried fruits, such as raisins, dried currants, or cranberries. There is no safe dose for dogs, and even one raisin can cause serious kidney problems.”

She notes that these products can cause acute poisoning, requiring immediate veterinary attention.

It is also important to be careful with Christmas desserts and sweets.

“From late November to January, the number of cases of dogs poisoning from theobromine increases sharply. They eat chocolate calendars, gift sets, and chocolate Santas.”

Symptoms of poisoning may include rapid breathing, muscle tremors, and seizures. Veterinarians recommend avoiding any chocolate, even in small amounts.

Festive food

Many traditional festive dishes, such as pigs in blankets and gravies, contain salt, fat, and onion, which can be harmful to dogs:

“The stuffing can include onions and butter, which can cause anemia, vomiting, and diarrhea,” says Chichero. “Cooked turkey bones can splinter and injure the animal's digestive system.”

She points out that it is these dishes that often lead to veterinary visits during the holiday season.

How to keep pets safe

Chichero offers a few simple tips:

• Keep food out of reach of dogs. Even small scraps can be dangerous.
• Choose a safe place for the dog during the meal to reduce the risk of consuming dangerous products.
• Opt for safe festive dishes, such as lean white turkey or chicken meat, vegetables like carrots, parsnips, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts.
• Avoid sauces and gravies, as they may contain harmful ingredients.

“When preparing a festive meal for your dog, use checked ingredients that it has already eaten without issues,” adds the veterinarian.

If your dog accidentally eats something dangerous, don’t panic and contact your veterinarian. If you can't quickly get to the clinic, call the animal poisoning hotline. Do not give human medications without consulting a specialist.

“Prevention is always more effective than treatment.”

It is important to remember that the health of your four-legged friends is in your hands. To keep your pets safe during the holiday season, follow veterinarians' recommendations. It is also worth reminding all owners that some human products can be dangerous for animals, so it is better not to risk the health of your pets during the festive days.