Dog owners given urgent warning to keep their pets safe this Christmas
DOG owners have been issued an urgent warning to keep their pets safe this Christmas by keeping their paws off festive treats.
Although 'tis the season of giving, animal lovers have been told to make sure their pooches aren't handed anything dangerous to eat over the Christmas period.
And we're not just talking about keeping them away from gifts and the turkey - as dogs can fall ill if they consume any toxic foodstuffs, from chocolate to raisins.
The Dogs Trust has urged owners to remain vigilant over Christmas, as pups may be exposed to a wider range of temptations to chow down on.
It told Brits: "Most of us like to indulge over Christmas – and so do our dogs, but you need to make sure they stick to dog-friendly treats.
"With less than a week to go until Christmas, here's some useful info to keep your dog safe this festive season!"
The animal welfare charity warned people to ensure human treats are out of sight, reach and smell of their dogs.
The Dogs Trust suggests teaching the "all-important leave it lesson", so that your pet pooch is well aware of what you allow him to eat and what they must leave alone.
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Despite thinking this one may be obvious, dogs are not allowed to drink ANY alcohol, mulled wine, drinking chocolate, or any other festive beverages.
Christmas cake, pudding, mince pies and chocolate are also off the menu.
And leftover Christmas dinner is also an inappropriate treat for your dog, as onions, garlic, leaks, shallots and chives can wreak havoc on their digestive system.
Fat trimmings and cooked bones from Christmas meats are also a big no-no.
They can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and damage to red blood cells.
The job doesn't end there for eagle-eyed owners either, as they need to beware of holly berries and mistletoe during this time of year.
Dogs can suffer from vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy if they mistakenly consume the Christmas plants.
If your dog does consume any of these treats, even in small amounts, it is important to act quickly and owners are advised to take the dog to the vet.
So pooches don't feel too left out over the festive period, Dogs Trust have came up with a recipe using leftovers from your Christmas dinner to instead.
Simply save some plain chicken or turkey - making sure there are no bones - grab some leftover veg, add a sprinkling of cheddar cheese and cram it into your pastry.
But Brits have to be on the ball with their pet's eating habits all year round too.
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Grapes, raisins, sultanas, avocado, onion and macadamia nuts are all unsafe for your dogs to eat.
Corn on the cob could even make your fur baby unwell, as it can cause a blockage in their intestine.