Mistletoe, onion and dried fruits can be fatal to dogs and cats.

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has issued a warning to pet owners of the dangers that food and other festive items pose at Christmas.

The group warns that food such as chocolate, dried fruit, onion and garlic are toxic when ingested by a dog or cat. Seasonal decorations such as mistletoe and holly can also be dangerous, or fatal, if eaten by a pet.

The guidance comes as the BVA releases statistics showing that 82 per cent of veterinary surgeons treated at least one case of toxic ingestion in dogs during the 2021 festive period. The survey, conducted January 2022, also highlighted that 76 per cent of veterinary surgeons had seen cases of chocolate poisoning and 69 per cent saw dogs that had consumed raisins and sultanas.

As well as traditional Christmas foods, the veterinary association has also identified Xylitol, an artificial sweetener, as a threat to canine health. Nineteen per cent of veterinary surgeons had seen poisoning cases caused by Xylitol.

Cats were also observed to require emergency treatment during the festive season, with 27 per cent of veterinary surgeons reporting cases of toxic ingestion. Seasonal plants, such as holly and mistletoe, posed the most threat to cats.

Other potential threats to animals at winter included small parts of toys and decorations, wrapping paper and antifreeze.

Pet owners are advised to keep toxic foods away from their pets, and not to feed them food from the Christmas table.

Even non-toxic foods can trigger sickness and diarrhoea due to their high levels of fat. Cooked bones can also splinter in the digestive tract.

Small items such as toys, decorations and wrapping paper should be tidied away and out of reach of animals.

BVA recommends that all pet owners stay aware of their veterinary practice’s emergency cover provision and holiday opening hours, and have a plan if you spend Christmas away from home.

Liz Mullineaux, BVA junior vice president, said: “Unfortunately, the fun human festivities include a lot of potential perils for pets.

“So we strongly recommend being vigilant and taking a few key precautions to keep your pets happy and healthy over the festive period.”

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