Vet's stark warning over popular Christmas leftovers that could kill your pet

While Christmas is a time for giving, dog owners must remain mindful of how they spoil their pets during the festive season. A vet has issued a stark warning over the Christmas leftovers that could land pets in the emergency room before the table has even been cleared.

The Blue Cross has shared what food and drinks can and cannot be shared with dogs - while stressing all treats should be dished out sparingly. A statement reads: " Christmas is the time to indulge, celebrate and have fun – and as part of the family, our dogs will normally be enjoying some of the action too.

Dog owners are being urged to keep their chocolate, Christmas pudding and mince pies to themselves (stock photo) (Getty Images/500px Prime)

"But the festive season also presents a world of hidden dangers to our four-legged friends, from toxic foods to dangerous seasonal plants.

"To ensure your dog remains safe this Christmas, Blue Cross has teamed up with the Veterinary Poisons Information Service to ensure you’re in the know about what dangers to keep your dogs away from during the festive season."

Dog owners are being urged to keep their chocolate, Christmas pudding and mince pies, grapes and dried vine fruits, including currants, sultanas and raisins, to themselves to avoid a trip to the vets on the big day.

But that's not all because, as always, alcohol should be kept out of the way of pets because it could bring on "low body temperature, low blood sugar or a coma".

Giving your dog lots of new food can cause vomiting and diarrhoea (stock photo) (Getty Images)

The statement adds: "If there is any food left over at Christmas, be careful to dispose of it well and keep it out of the reach of your four-legged friend.

"Not only may the food include ingredients toxic to dogs, mould in leftovers (including yoghurt, bread and cheese) can produce toxins that cause rapid onset convulsions in dogs.".

However, there are a number of options for owners who want to give their dog a titbit at the Christmas table, these include:

• Turkey meat (no skin or bones)
• Salmon (fillets or cooked in spring water are preferable to smoked salmon)
• Lamb meat (no bones)
• Scrambled egg
• Green beans
• Brussel sprouts
• Parsnips
• Carrot
• Peas
• Swede
• Mash potato (best without additional butter)
• New potatoes
• Sweet potatoes
• Yogurt (but check the ingredients and don’t feed if xylitol is listed as this is toxic to dogs)

The statement adds: "Remember, giving your dog lots of new food can cause vomiting and diarrhoea!"

Do you have a dog story to share? Email paige.freshwater@reachplc.com.