December in South Africa is synonymous with abundance. It’s the season of sun, swimming, and, most importantly, feasting. From the glazed gammon and roast turkey to the potato bakes and trifle, our tables are groaning with delicious treats. In the midst of this festive cheer, with the family gathered and the mood high, it is incredibly difficult to resist those pleading puppy dog eyes staring up from under the tablecloth.
However, the urge to “spoil” our dogs with a plate of Christmas leftovers is one of the leading causes of veterinary emergencies during the holiday season. What tastes like a treat to us can be a toxic ticking time bomb for them. To ensure your festive season remains merry and doesn’t end in an emergency room, here is the essential “Christmas Table Ban” list for your dog.
1. The Bone Collector: Gammon and Braai Chops
This is the most common Christmas danger in South Africa. We often assume that because dogs chew bones in the wild, they can handle the leftover gammon bone or the T-bone from the braai. This is a dangerous myth. Cooked bones are brittle. They do not break cleanly; they splinter into sharp shards that can pierce the gums, throat, stomach, or intestines. This can cause fatal internal bleeding or blockages that require surgery. Additionally, the fatty rind or trimmings from the gammon can trigger pancreatitis—an agonizing and potentially life-threatening inflammation of the pancreas caused by consuming too much fat.
2. The Silent Assassins: Onions, Garlic, and Chives
That rich gravy, the stuffing inside the chicken, or the seasoned potato bake often contain onions and garlic. While they add flavour for us, for dogs, plants in the Allium family are toxic. They attack a dog’s red blood cells, leading to anaemia. Symptoms like lethargy, pale gums, and weakness might not show up immediately, making it a “silent” poison. Even the powder form found in spice rubs and chips is dangerous.
3. The Fruit Cake Trap: Grapes and Raisins
Traditional Christmas cake, mince pies, and fruit puddings are staples on the South African table. These are loaded with raisins, sultanas, and currants (dried grapes). Many owners are unaware that grapes and their dried counterparts are highly toxic to dogs and can cause sudden, acute kidney failure. Even a small handful can be fatal to a small dog.
4. The Sweet Danger: Xylitol and Chocolate
Most owners know chocolate is bad, but fewer are aware of Xylitol. This artificial sweetener is found in many “sugar-free” desserts, peanut butters, and baking goods. In dogs, Xylitol causes a rapid drop in blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and liver failure. It acts fast and is deadly. Keep all desserts, especially the diabetic-friendly ones, well out of reach.
How to Spoil Them Safely
We don’t want to be the Grinch; we want your dog to be part of the family! If you really want to treat them, stick to safe, bland options. A small piece of boneless, skinless turkey or chicken breast is fine. A distinct chunk of raw carrot or a piece of pumpkin (without sugar or cinnamon) is also safe.
However, the best gift you can give them is gut health. Stick to their regular, high-quality dog food routine to prevent an upset stomach. If you want to make it special, buy a specific dog-safe treat or puzzle toy to keep them occupied while the humans eat.
This December, show your love by keeping their bowl safe. Keep the vet’s number on the fridge, just in case, but let’s aim for a holiday season where the only thing your dog devours is their dinner—and maybe a new chew toy.
