Cookies, Nuts, Cinnamon: What Dogs Can't Eat at Christmas

Cookie tins, stollen, nutshells and the roast on the table: during the holidays, your dog can get at more than usual. Most cookie ingredients are harmless, but some are toxic. Here are the most important ones, sorted by danger.

Toxic: keep these away from your dog

• Chocolate and cocoa. They contain theobromine. The darker the chocolate, the higher the risk (ASPCA). The chocolate calculator shows how dangerous the amount eaten is for your dog's weight.
• Raisins, sultanas and grapes in stollen, fruit bread and granola. According to the ASPCA, they can damage the kidneys (raisins, grapes).
• Macadamia nuts. In dogs, they can cause weakness, wobbly walking, vomiting, tremors and a raised body temperature (ASPCA). According to an article in Thieme Tiermedizin, as little as about 0.7 g per kg of body weight is enough.
• Xylitol in sugar-free baked goods, gum and candy. According to the ASPCA, it can cause low blood sugar and liver damage.
• Bitter almonds and bitter almond extract. They release hydrogen cyanide. Poisoning often starts just 10 to 60 minutes after eating (Merck Veterinary Manual).
• Alcohol in eggnog liqueur, rum balls, liqueur chocolates and punch. According to the ASPCA, it can cause vomiting and is absorbed quickly.
• Onions and garlic in gravy, stuffing and broth. According to the ASPCA, they damage red blood cells.

Only in moderation, or better not at all

• Cinnamon. A pinch is usually not a problem. According to the Pet Poison Helpline, the powder usually only causes trouble at more than a teaspoon. But according to the BfR, cassia cinnamon contains a lot of coumarin, which damages the liver. Inhaled powder irritates the lungs.
• Nuts. Sweet almonds aren't toxic, but nuts like almonds, pecans and walnuts are very fatty and, according to the ASPCA, can cause vomiting, diarrhea and pancreatitis.
• Leftover roast and fatty food. Large amounts of table scraps are a common trigger of pancreatitis (Merck Veterinary Manual).
• Salty snacks. Lots of salt makes dogs thirsty and, according to the ASPCA, can lead to vomiting, diarrhea and seizures.

What to do when the plate is empty

1. Clear away what's left so your dog can't keep eating.
2. Find the packaging or recipe: what was in it, and how much is missing?
3. Write down your dog's weight and the time.
4. Call your vet or the emergency vet. For chocolate, check the chocolate calculator first.
5. Don't make your dog vomit on your own. Your vet decides that.

Safe treats: bake your own

If you want to treat your dog at Christmas, bake your own cookies. You'll find a recipe with calories per cookie and a list of safe ingredients in Homemade dog treats.