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Harmful foods include:

Pork or Ham
Can cause intense pain, pancreatitis and shock.

Fruit Cake
Currants, grapes and raisins – all common ingredients in a fruit cake – are toxic to a dog’s kidneys. Eating these can make your four-legged friend lethargic, and cause increased thirst and vomiting. Fruit cake also often contains alcohol, which can also be toxic.

Chocolate
For dogs, can cause diarrhoea, an elevated heart rate, seizures and vomiting.

Macadamia Nuts
Can cause severe abdominal pain, the inability to walk and an increased heart rate.

Alcohol
Can cause intoxication, lack of coordination, poor breathing, and even coma and/or death.

Avocado
Can cause diarrhoea, heart congestion and vomiting in dogs.

Coffee
Can be fatal to dogs, and cause seizures, heart problems and vomiting.

Onion
Can cause your pet’s red blood cells to burst, leading to anaemia.

Treats can be given sparingly and in small quantities. In general, human foods should not be used as treats, although some vegetables such as carrots or green beans make good treats. The best dog treats are very small, low-calorie but high-reward options, such as training treats. Large jerky-like treats such as Schmacko’s should be avoided as they are very high in calories. Also, treats that are too hard like hard bones, antlers, and some rawhide treats can cause tooth fractures – particularly to small teeth, or dogs that are enthusiastic chewers.

RSPCA NSW will still be up and running during the festive season, but will close on 25, and 26 December 2019 and 1 January 2020.

As always, RSPCA contact centre is open every day for emergencies and to report animal cruelty and can be reached on 1300 278 3589.

Dog image by Sven Lachmann from Pixabay, cat image by Gundula Vogel from Pixabay