It's Christmas time and your pets are probably having the time of their lives.
Their humans have all inexplicably gathered in one place, which means lots of people to give them attention, and there's loads of food going about which means more chances you'll toss them some scraps.
Even if they don't know what Christmas is, your pets will have some notion that this is going to be a very good day for them provided their ability to beg for food.
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If you've got a dog, then you'll likely have thought about how to keep them away from the big food dishes being prepared all day, so they don't dive headfirst into a turkey that was supposed to be for everyone.
However, you might want to be careful before you toss them something more bite-sized like pigs in blankets as apparently it's bad for them.
You might think that a sausage wrapped in bacon would be a dog's second best friend after man, but according to a vet, Brits shouldn't give their beloved canine companion one as a festive treat today.
Dr. Sam, a vet from Animal Friends Pet Insurance, told the Mirror that they were far from the ideal food to be handing over because they were really unhealthy for your dog.
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He explained: "Pigs in blankets and other fatty meats could lead to pet obesity and pancreatitis.
“As much as your pup might beg for a meaty treat, it’s best to avoid giving them these.
“Instead, stick to unseasoned lean meat such as chicken or turkey."
Sorry pooch, just a bare bit of turkey breast for you it sounds like.
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There are plenty of other foods Brits have been warned not to pass to their pets at Christmas, including mince pies and Christmas pudding since the raisins, sultanas and grapes in them are toxic to dogs, and even small amounts could make Gromit vomit.
If you were thinking of giving your dog other trimmings from the main Christmas dinner then you ought to think again, since gravy, stuffing and Yorkshire puddings are all foods you'd best not feed your dogs.
Some of them are just unhealthy, others contain ingredients which are toxic to them or are foods which your dog will struggle to digest properly.
It's likely that you've heard this one before, but you should also resist the urge to give your dog any of the bones from the meat you've cooked since they can be chomped into shards and then pierce organs if swallowed.
If your dog is making those pleading eyes at you then your best bet is, as the vet suggested, to hand them unseasoned turkey.
Topics: Christmas, Food And Drink, Dogs, Animals
Joe Harker