7 foods from the Christmas table never to give your pets

Ho, ho, ho! Playing Santa with your fur babies from the Christmas buffet can be downright dangerous.

There are foods we serve over the holidays that can be toxic to our pets, according to ourfitpets.com.

Sure, there will certainly be heaps of leftovers that will end up in the garbage bin. The temptation will be great to slip a morsel or two to a grateful dog or cat.

Don’t do it.

Always check the ingredients in food packaging to make sure your pets are not ingesting poison.

7 Christmas foods that are poisonous to your pets

• Christmas pudding and mince pies — Contains dried fruits such as raisins, sultanas and currents, all of which are toxic for cats and dogs. These ingredients can cause kidney failure if consumed. Vomiting, increased thirst and less frequent urination are signs of poisoning.

• Sage, onion stuffing and onion gravy — Dishes that contain garlic, onions, leeks, chives, scallions, and shallots should be off the menu for pets. These allium vegetables contain N-propyl disulfide which is damaging to your pet’s red blood cells and can cause them to develop anemia. Signs of poisoning include diarrhea, stomach pain, lethargy and weakness, as if they’re off their regular food.

• Chocolate — Theobromine in chocolate is a compound neither cats nor dogs can easily metabolize, causing overstimulation of muscles and the heart. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are the worst because they contain the highest levels of theobromine. Signs of poisoning include vomiting, hyperactivity, muscle twitching and an elevated heart rate.

• Macadamia nuts — Consuming macadamia nuts can make pets appear weak and drowsy. It can stiffen joints, making it difficult to walk. Signs include vomiting and raised body temperature that can last up to two days.

• Blue cheese — Contains a Compound called roquefortine C that is known to cause tremors and seizures in cats and dogs for up to two days.

• Alcohol — Animals are more sensitive to the ethanol in alcoholic beverages than humans. It will cause pets to become drowsy and unstable. It can also lead to a drop in body temperature and low blood sugar causing seizures or coma.

• Turkey bones and fat — Turkey bones, while not necessarily toxic, can splinter and lodge in the throat or stomach. Fatty foods, if ingested in large quantities, can cause stomach discomfort and diarrhea.

What to do if your pet eats something toxic?

• Call your veterinarian – Do not wait for symptoms to show. The sooner you speak to a professional, the sooner you can receive good advice.

• Note the time and quantity of the poison.

• Do not try and induce vomiting – Wait for your veterinarian.