Christmas in Bundaberg is a time for family, celebration, and, of course, an abundance of delicious food. As we gather around the table for our festive lunch or a backyard BBQ, it is only natural to want to include our four-legged family members in the fun. Seeing those puppy dog eyes looking up at a plate of leftovers can be hard to resist.
However, the festive season is actually one of the busiest times for veterinary emergency rooms. Many of the foods that we enjoy during Christmas are not just unhealthy for pets; they can be downright dangerous or even deadly. A moment of generosity under the table can lead to serious illness. To help you navigate the holiday safely, we have compiled a guide to the “Naughty List”—the dangerous Christmas foods you must keep out of paw’s reach.
The Naughty List Foods to Avoid
While some foods cause a simple upset tummy, others contain toxins that can cause organ failure. Here are the biggest culprits to watch out for.
1. Christmas Pudding, Mince Pies, and Fruit Cake
These staples of the Aussie Christmas table are packed with
grapes, raisins, sultanas, and currants. Whether fresh or dried, these fruits are highly toxic to dogs and can cause sudden, acute kidney failure. The exact toxic mechanism isn’t fully understood, which means there is no “safe dose.” Even a small amount of fruit cake can be dangerous.
2. Chocolate
Most pet owners know chocolate is bad, but Christmas often brings more of it into the house. Chocolate contains theobromine, a stimulant that affects the heart and nervous system.
- Dark and Cooking Chocolate contain higher levels of theobromine and are the most dangerous.
- Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea, rapid breathing, increased heart rate, and seizures.
3. Cooked Bones
Whether it’s the leftover turkey frame or the ham bone,
never give cooked bones to your pet. Cooking makes bones brittle, causing them to splinter easily. These sharp shards can pierce the mouth, throat, or intestines, or cause a serious blockage requiring emergency surgery.
4. Onions, Garlic, and Chives
These ingredients are often hidden in stuffing, gravy, and marinades. They damage red blood cells, leading to anaemia. Cats are particularly sensitive, but dogs are also at risk if they consume enough (like licking up a spill of gravy or eating stuffing).
5. Macadamia Nuts
Often found in bowls of mixed nuts or coated in chocolate, macadamias are uniquely toxic to dogs. Ingestion can cause weakness (especially in the back legs), depression, vomiting, tremors, and hyperthermia.
6. Fatty Foods (Ham and Turkey Skin)
While not “toxic” in the chemical sense, high-fat foods like ham fat, turkey skin, or sausages can trigger
Pancreatitis. This is a painful and potentially life-threatening inflammation of the pancreas. Symptoms often appear a day or two after the meal and include severe vomiting, a hunched back (from pain), and lethargy.
7. Xylitol (Artificial Sweetener)
Be wary of sugar-free lollies, gum, or peanut butter used in baking. Xylitol causes a rapid drop in blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) and can lead to liver failure in dogs.
Signs of Food Poisoning in Pets
If your pet has managed to sneak a treat from the counter, keep a close eye on them. Symptoms can vary depending on what they ate, but general warning signs include:
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Excessive drooling
- Restlessness or hyperactivity (common with chocolate)
- Lethargy or weakness
- Tremors or seizures
- Pale gums
- Difficulty breathing
What to Do If Your Pet Eats Something Toxic
Time is critical. If you suspect your pet has eaten something from the list above,
do not wait for symptoms to appear. By the time they are showing signs of illness, the toxin has already been absorbed.
- Remove the source Take the food away immediately to prevent them from eating more.
- Gather information Check what they ate, how much, and how long ago. Keep the packaging if possible.
- Call us immediately Contact your veterinarian straight away. We can often induce vomiting if we catch it early enough, preventing the toxin from doing damage.
Safe Christmas Treats for Pets
You don’t have to be a Scrooge! There are plenty of safe ways to treat your pet.
- Carrot Sticks Crunchy and sweet.
- Plain, White Meat Small amounts of cooked turkey or chicken (no skin, bones, or gravy).
- Green Beans A healthy, low-calorie treat.
- Pet-Specific Treats Stick to treats made specifically for dogs or cats.
