Expert issues warning to pet owners over Christmas foods that could be fatal for dogs

If there's one thing we can all count on Christmas for, it's good food.

Whether it's mince pies, turkey, or more chocolate than you could ever need, the festive season is good to our taste buds.

And if you have a pet pooch sitting by your knee, it's tempting to toss a few scraps under the table.

After all, it is the season for giving ,and who could deny a dog giving those big puppy eyes?

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However, not all Christmas food is safe for dogs. In fact, some can be downright fatal.

An expert has spoken out about the food items that dog owners should refrain from leaving near the dog bowl.

Over on Daily Star, Sean McCormack, head vet at Tails.com, has compiled a list of festive dishes to keep away from your furry friend.

Chocolate

Advent calendars may be used to count down to Christmas, but chocolate is a big no-no for dogs.

Although tasty to us humans, chocolate is highly toxic for dogs as they're physically incapable of metabolizing it.

Therefore, their heart rates would increase dramatically.

McCormack said: "Suppose your dog eats even a small amount of chocolate.

"You should arrange an immediate appointment with your veterinarian, and in the meantime, monitor their behaviour very closely for any symptoms or sickness."

Mince pies and Christmas puddings

What would Christmas be without mince pies and Christmas puddings?

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But for dogs, these festive treats can prove deadly.

The amount of dried fruit in a mince pie could lead to severe kidney failure in dogs.

It's a similar story with the puddings, although in that case, it's exacerbated by the alcohol often included.

Table scraps

If you have a dog, you know how they act at meal times.

While you're trying to enjoy your turkey and stuffing, your trusty mutt will be underneath the table, keeping an eye out for scraps.

McCormack has warned about dogs finding leftovers that have gone bad.

He said: "We know that our pups love to sniff out forgotten scraps days after Christmas has passed.

"But when food gets left for too long it can become a breeding ground for mould and bacteria, with bread, meat and dairy products being particularly susceptible."

Turkey

Turkeys are usually the bird of choice at a Crimbo meal, but chicken and goose can also substitute, if you're feeling fancy.

Either way, the skin and bones of these birds can be harmful to dogs if ingested.

McCormack explained: "Turkey skin is far too fatty for your pooch, and eating greasy foods like this can lead to pancreatic issues and obesity, especially in smaller dogs.

"Not only that, but meat bones are a potential choking hazard for your dog and can cause internal damage to their organs, as they are too hard to digest properly."

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Onions, garlic and leeks

Onions, garlic, and leeks all belong to the allium plant family.

This trio of siblings have one common denominator - they're poisonous to dogs.

"Foods like onions and garlic contain a chemical compound called thiosulfate which can be toxic for dogs as it causes damage to their red blood cells," said McCormack.

Nuts

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire may evoke warm fuzzy feelings, but the thought of them going down your dog's throat should make your blood run cold.

Even a small amount can lead to diarrhoea, vomiting, and weakness in the hind legs -none of which are anything you want to be dealing with in between opening your presents.