Christmas is an important time to treat our furry friends but remember that not all festive food is healthy.
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Unfortunately many Christmas dishes enjoyed by the family aren't ideal for cats and dogs.
Common seasonal treats including chocolate, grapes and fatty foods can be deadly, according to Greencross Vets Port Macquarie nurse Gemma Rheinberger.
Other dangers to watch out for include avocado, macadamia nuts, dairy products, artificial sweeteners, fluoride, caffeine and human medications, said Ms Rheinberger.
"Grapes and raisins can be highly toxic so things like Christmas pudding and fruit mince pies are not to be fed to pets," she said.
"Onion, garlic and leeks are terrible for pets. Any sort of chocolate is bad and stone fruits which contain seeds can become obstructions in the gastrointestinal tract.
"Traditionally during Christmas we see puppies and cats who have eaten tinsel or fake snow. These can cut their mouths and if they manage to swallow it may require surgery to remove.
"Cooked bones are dangerous because they are quite brittle and can splinter easily. Ham and pork crackling are common high fat foods that can cause pancreatitis.
"I'd say many people are surprised by grapes and fatty foods. Most people know that garlic and chocolate is bad for dogs."
Pet owners should be also be wary of ticks, snakes, snail bait, rat bait and fertiliser.
Celebrations such as Christmas and New Year's Eve fireworks can also be unwelcome for pets, according to RSPCA NSW.
Breakable decorations such as plastic and glass Christmas decorations, tinsel, wrapping paper, candy canes or candles should also be kept out of reach from pets.
Floral arrangements containing holly, mistletoe, lilies and poinsettias are all potentially fatal to pets.
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