It may be tempting to allow your dog to join in with the festivities at Christmas time, whether that's sharing your Christmas meal, decorating your pet's space or allowing them to sport novelty fashion items - but there are several things you need to be wary of during the festive season.
According to previous research by GoCompare Pet Insurance, 70 per cent of UK dog owners could be putting their dogs in danger over Christmas, with everything from toxic foods to dangerous plants posing a threat to our furry friends over the holidays.
Data shows just 22% of dog owners realise poinsettia plants can be toxic, while a third knew that Christmas pudding is dangerous, and a staggering half of owners thought that they could safely feed their dogs chocolate.
Read on to discover the hazards to look out for this Christmas time to keep your dogs as safe as possible over the festive season.
The darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it can be for your pet. Cocoa contains the toxic chemical theobromine, which dogs can't digest properly.
Many sweets are made with an artificial sweetener called xylitol which is also poisonous to dogs. Plus, the small size of most sweets makes them a choking hazard.
Hannah Isitt, pet expert at GoCompare said: "If you want your pet to join in the Christmas festivities safely, you might like to try Carob 'chocolate' for dogs or look for festive themed treats from your pet’s preferred food brand."
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Christmas pudding and mince pies can be toxic to dogs
Many Christmas cakes and mince pies contain raisins or currants, which are highly toxic to dogs.
Even if your dog doesn't have immediate symptoms, you should always take them to the vet immediately if you know they've eaten raisins, as they can develop acute kidney injury which may lead to liver failure.
Though it may be tempting to let your pup lick the brandy butter bowl clean, pets can’t digest alcohol as quickly as we can, so even a small amount can have a huge effect.
Your pet can experience the feeling of being drunk and even get alcohol poisoning, which is painful and confusing for your canine.
"It’s also important to consider other hazards this festive season, such as some plants like Mistletoe, Holly, Lilies, Amaryllis and Poinsettia, which can all make your pet ill," explained Hannah.
"Even decorations like tinsel, lights and candles can be dangerous if consumed or inhaled by your pet, along with small gifts and wrapping paper."
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