Staying Safe At Christmas

The Festive Treats that Pose a Peril for Pooches: Mince Pies and Chocolate
The holiday season is a time of merriment and indulgence, often accompanied by an array of delicious treats. While we humans enjoy the festive foods like mince pies and chocolate, it's crucial to remember that these delights can spell danger for our pups.

In this blog post, we'll explore why these seemingly harmless goodies can be harmful to our dogs and discuss the potential risks associated with sharing our festive feasts with them.

1. Mince Pies: A Hidden Hazard
Mince pies, a quintessential part of British holiday traditions, are brimming with ingredients that can be harmful to dogs. The rich fruit filling often contains raisins and currants, which, when ingested by dogs, can lead to severe health issues. Even in small amounts, these dried fruits can cause kidney failure for dogs.

Moreover, mince pies are often laced with alcohol, another substance that is toxic to dogs. It's imperative to keep these festive treats out of reach and resist the urge to share them with our canine companions.

2. The Chocolate Conundrum:
Chocolate is another festive favourite that poses a significant threat to dogs. The culprit in chocolate is theobromine, a stimulant that affects the central nervous system and cardiovascular system of our furry friends. Dogs metabolise theobromine more slowly than humans, making even small amounts of chocolate potentially lethal for them.

Dark chocolate and cocoa powder contain higher concentrations of theobromine, making them even more dangerous for dogs. Ingesting chocolate can lead to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, increased heart rate, and, in severe cases, seizures. In extreme situations, chocolate poisoning can be fatal.

3. Recognising the Signs of Toxicity:
It's essential for dog owners to be vigilant and aware of the signs of toxicity if their pet has ingested mince pies or chocolate. Symptoms may include restlessness, vomiting, diarrhoea, increased heart rate, and tremors. In the case of chocolate toxicity, these symptoms can escalate rapidly, and immediate veterinary attention is crucial.


While the holiday season is a time of joy and celebration, it's crucial to prioritise the well-being of our dogs by steering clear of treats that can be harmful to them. Mince pies and chocolate may be festive delights for us, but they pose a hidden peril to our four-legged friends.

As responsible pet owners, let's ensure a safe and joyous holiday season by keeping these tempting treats out of reach and opting for dog-friendly alternatives to share with our beloved pets.