Vet warns dog owners to avoid one food ‘at all costs’ at Christmas

A vet has warned that dog owners should avoid giving their beloved hounds grapes because even a small amount could kill their pet.

Speaking to Cope, Rafael Esteban warned that alongside grapes, sultanas, macadamia nuts, and chocolate could also be problematic.

He explained: “Especially grapes, sultanas, chocolate, sugar-free treats (because they contain xylitol), macadamia nuts and alcoholic beverages. A quarter of a kilo of grapes can even cause the death of our dog.”

As well as warning about the dangers of consuming foods, Rafael also said that owners should not let their pets eat Christmas decorations as the festive periods continues.

Rafael isn’t the only vet to warn about the threats to dogs from traditional Christmas treats with pet expert for Canine Cottages Dr Emma Scales-Theobald telling the Express about the dangers of macadamia nuts to dogs and symptoms they can trigger.

They said: “The mechanism of this toxicity is unknown, but within one to six hours, signs may be seen even if your dog has eaten a very small number of nuts (0.7 g/kg).

“The most common signs to notice include weakness, depression, vomiting, ataxia (poor coordination and balance), tremors, high body temperature, joint/muscle pain, and an inability to rise. Typically, patients improve within 48 hours but may require supportive care and a chance to cool down.”

Alongside macadamia nuts, Dr Emma also said other fruits from the Vitis family could also prove dangerous, explaining: “These may cause a significant toxicity in some pets. However, the mechanism of the toxicity is not currently known and could be due to tartaric acid/potassium bitartrate, intolerance to tannins/flavinoids/monosaccharides, or contamination with an unknown toxin.

“Signs of ingestion may initially include lethargy, reduced appetite, vomiting and diarrhoea. Kidney failure or liver failure may develop and any changes in water intake or urination should be discussed with your local vet.”

Outside of fruits, The Kennel Club has warned that even Christmas dinner staples like goose or turkey could be dangerous to dogs because of the bones within the meat.

They said: “Christmas dinner involves a large amount of dangerous foods for your dog, either through being toxic, too salty or too fatty. 

“Be wary of feeding them traditional turkey, goose and chicken as bones can easily splinter, particularly when cooked, causing an obstruction and possibly even piercing your dog’s tummy. 

“If you think your dog may have eaten something that they shouldn’t or have symptoms including sickness and diarrhoea, speak to your vet straight away.”