Xmas is typically a busy time of year at emergency veterinary hospitals when dogs consume items or food they should not have, whether given by someone, stolen or scavenged left overs. Even the Xmas tree is a cause for a few vet visits, with tummy upsets from chewing pine needles, bowel obstruction after eating tinsel, baubles, ornaments, wrapping and ribbon. Electrocution is a risk if Xmas tree lights are chewed.

Typical Xmas plants such as poinsettias, lilies, cactus, berries, holly leaves and mistletoe are all poisonous. Swallowed batteries can be very dangerous, a common emergency with young children.

Food overindulgence and pancreatitis – just a little bit of Xmas foods can’t hurt, right? Well, a little here and there adds up. Eating too much of something outside the dog’s normal diet, especially if high in fat, is a very common cause of illness. Overindulgence can cause stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhoea and pancreatitis, which often requires hospitalisation, and can be fatal. Some of the worst offenders are:
- Alcohol – this is a no-brainer as there is no safe amount, including food products containing alcohol. It can cause vomiting and diarrhoea and lead to abnormal blood acidity, coma and death.
- Ham – is high in fat and salt.
- Onions & Garlic – if eaten to excess, they can cause issues with a dog’s red blood cells, which may lead to anaemia.
- Raisins, grapes, sultanas – can cause vomiting and in severe cases kidney failure. It is unknown what constituent is so toxic.
- Cooked bones – only give dogs raw bones, because cocked bones are brittle and can splinter, causing internal damage and intestinal obstruction. Don’t underestimate your scavenger pooch; a BBQ should not be left unattended, scraps and fat removed.
- Xylitol – a sweetener found in lollies, gum and some baked goods. It can cause a drop in a dog’s blood sugar and lead to hypoglycaemia (dangerously low blood sugar).
- Chocolate – the darker the chocolate the more dangerous because of theobromine, which can cause abnormal heart rhythm, tremors and seizures.
- Macadamia nuts – may cause vomiting, tremors, hyperthermia, in severe cases paralysis. Most nuts including, almonds, pecans and walnuts contain high amounts of oils which can cause vomiting and diarrhoea in dogs and that can escalate to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.

Pam Brandis,
Dip. Canine Prac.