Pet owners are being warned to watch what they feed their furry friends this holiday season if they want to avoid a costly trip to the vet.
A recent national survey showed that 69 per cent of Aussies have pets and that the majority will be struck down with food poisoning at least once.
Six foods in particular are especially dangerous to dogs who often go foraging for scraps left over from festive feasts.
Even the traditional yuletide ham is considered extremely dangerous for dogs, who are unable to process the copious amounts of fats and preservatives.
Telling the difference between a treat and a trap will be essential for avoiding hundred-dollar-plus vet bills this Christmas.
Pancreatitis is the most common condition reported among vets over the festive period with experts warning even simple foods can be poisonous to pets.
Here, Daily Mail Australia reveals the six most dangerous foods for your pets.
Pet owners are being warned to watch what they feed their furry friends this holiday season if they want to avoid a costly trip to the vet (stock image)
Even the traditional yuletide ham is considered extremely dangerous for dogs, who are unable to process the copious amounts of fats and preservatives (stock image)
Chocolate
The Methylxanthines found in the cacao seeds used to make chocolate are especially toxic for animals.
Just one square of milk or dark chocolate can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, trembling and staggering.
The darker the chocolate, the worse it is for your dog.
Grapes, raisins and sultanas
Grapes, both juicy and dried, can cause kidney damage in dogs.
Even if they are cooked in Christmas puddings, fruit mince tarts, other desserts, or in sauces, a small amount is potentially dangerous.
Despite vets being unaware of why they are so toxic for animals, obvious symptoms like vomiting, not eating and depression indicate if a dog is experiencing food poisoning.
Macadamias
Macadamias are not fatal for dogs, but do cause severe discomfort for the animal.
If they eat one or more symptoms including weakness, vomiting, tremors and depression appear which can last for up to 48 hours.
Grapes, macadamias, fatty meats and chocolate can lead to trips to the vet that could cost owners hundreds of dollars (stock image)
Onions and garlic
Garlic, onions, or even gravy which contains onion powder can potentially break down red blood cells and make pets anaemia.
Gastrointestinal upsets are also common after consumption.
Telltale signs that a dog has eaten any of these substances can cause reduced appetite, weakness and lethargy, red or brown urine, vomiting and diarrhoea, and even ataxia – the loss of muscle control in arms and legs.
Cooked bones and fatty meats
Hams, offcuts, skin like pork rind, and anything else especially prepared for a Christmas feast can also wreak havoc in pet’s bellies.
Because animals digestive systems are not equipped to handle the rich fats and preservatives they can develop pancreatitis.
Symptoms include a loss of appetite, dehydration, sickness, diarrhoea and abdominal pain.
Xylitol
An artificial sweetener, Xylitol is found in candy and processed baked goods.
These sweets can lead to very low blood sugar in animals and the symptoms, which include lethargy, vomiting and ataxia, are serious.
If the sweetener is digested by animals, it can cause liver damage, seizure or death.
