RSPCA NSW asks pet owners to remain vigilant over what they feed their pets over the holidays.

In the spirit of giving, it can be tempting to sneak our pets a taste of the Christmas ham. However, it is important to remain pet smart this silly season and stay vigilant over what we are feeding our pets these holidays. 

You may think you are giving your pet a treat by giving them festive foods, but many of these foods can be toxic to animals or cause them to become unwell,” said RSPCA NSW Chief Veterinarian Liz Arnott. 

“There are other ways to make Christmas special for your pets, like providing them with long-lasting chews and taking the time to exercise and play with them before your guests arrive for lunch,” Dr. Arnott added.

Here are some festive foods to avoid giving your pets: 

• Pork/ham 
• Marinades 
• Gravy 
• Cooked bones 
• Chocolate 
• Christmas pudding 
• Fruit cake 
• Grapes/currants/raisins 
• Onion 
• Lollies 
• Alcohol 

We all must resist giving into those puppy dog eyes this Christmas

Pets might also jump on tables and maul through bags to get their paws on these forbidden foods, so keep temptations out of reach as best as possible and be aware of what your pet is doing throughout the day.

If you suspect your pet has eaten something they should not have, or notice diarrhoea, excessive panting, muscle twitching, lack of coordination or vomiting, take your pet to an RSPCA NSW veterinary hospital or your local veterinarian as soon as possible. 

To find your nearest RSPCA NSW Veterinary clinic and their holiday trading hours, visit the RSPCA NSW website.