Sweet danger for dogs at Christmas
What pets can and cannot snack on
During Advent and Christmas, people enjoy many treats traditionally served on festively set tables. Whether sweet or savory, chocolate cookies or roast goose: what is a culinary highlight for us can be dangerous for dogs and cats. Animal lovers are better off giving their pets treats with animal-friendly snacks.
Dogs should not eat chocolate.
Christmas - Dog nibbles chocolate. For dogs, the most popular sweet poses a significant danger. Chocolate contains theobromine, a substance that is metabolized much more slowly by animals than by humans. Even small amounts can cause vomiting, diarrhea, rapid heartbeat, or seizures in dogs, and in the worst case, can be life-threatening. Dark chocolate contains more theobromine than milk or white chocolate. This means that the darker the chocolate, the more severe the symptoms, or the smaller the amount needed to produce them.
Raisins and cinnamon are poisonous for dogs.
Grapes and raisins, such as those used in Christmas stolen, are also off-limits for animals. Even small amounts can damage their kidneys or even cause acute kidney failure. "Anyone who notices their dog has eaten raisins should immediately consult a veterinarian and have their kidney values checked," advises Dörfelt (Head of Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine at the Small Animal Clinic of LMU Munich). Vomiting and neurological symptoms such as difficulty walking (ataxia) can indicate raisin poisoning.
Further risks lurk in the ingredients of cookies and gingerbread: bitter almonds, macadamia nuts, or spices such as nutmeg and cinnamon can cause health problems in pets. Special caution is also advised with xylitol: this sugar substitute can trigger a life-threatening drop in blood sugar levels in dogs.
Animal-friendly treats instead of goose leg.
Giving your begging furry friend a morsel of the festive meal here and there? Better not! Pet owners should stand firm, as fatty, spiced foods can quickly upset their pets' stomachs. Leftovers from the Christmas goose also have no place in the food bowl: cooked poultry bones splinter easily and can cause internal injuries.
Anyone wanting to pamper their pet during the holidays should opt for pet-friendly treats. Pet stores offer a wide selection of suitable snacks for dogs and cats, such as chew bones, treat balls, biscuits, vitamin pastes, and chew strips, which often provide additional benefits. For example, they support dental hygiene, reduce bad breath, or are a healthy dietary supplement. It's important to remember that even these small extras are included in the calculated daily ration. Snacks and chews often contain more energy than you might think and, therefore, frequently make up a significant portion of a pet's daily needs.
If poisoning is suspected, take your pet to the vet.
To ensure that the "most wonderful time of the year" remains relaxed for pets, the ZZF advises paying special attention in the household: Do not leave cookies, sweets, or leftover food unattended – and also ask guests to refrain from offering well-intentioned treats.
Anyone who notices possible symptoms of poisoning, such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, tremors, or breathing difficulties, should contact their veterinarian or the emergency veterinary service. Poison control centers can also provide advice if animal poisoning is suspected.