The Christmas treats that could kill your dog this festive season

Pet owners are being warned to watch what they feed their furry friends this Christmas if they want to avoid a costly trip to the vet.

A recent national survey showed that 69% of Australians have pets, and the majority will get food poisoning at least once in their lives.

There are six foods in particular that are particularly dangerous for dogs, who often scavenge leftovers from festive feasts.

Even the traditional Christmas ham is too dangerous for dogs, who cannot process copious amounts of fat and preservatives.

Knowing the difference between a treat and a trap will be essential to avoiding vet bills worth over a hundred dollars this Christmas.

Pancreatitis is the most common condition among veterinarians around the holidays, with experts warning that even simple foods can be toxic to pets.

Here, Daily Mail Australia reveals the six most dangerous foods for your pets.

chocolate

Methylxanthine in the cocoa seeds used to make chocolate is particularly toxic to animals.

Just one square of milk or dark chocolate can cause vomiting, diarrhea, shivering, and stupor.

The darker the chocolate, the worse it is for your dog.

Grapes, raisins and raisins

Grapes, whether juiced or dried, can cause kidney damage in dogs.

Even if cooked into Christmas puddings, chopped fruit pies, other desserts, or in sauces, a small amount is potentially dangerous.

Although veterinarians do not realize why it is toxic to animals, obvious symptoms such as vomiting, not eating, and depression indicate whether your dog is suffering from food poisoning.

Macadamia

Macadamia is not fatal to dogs, but it causes severe discomfort to the animal.

If they eat they develop one or more symptoms including weakness, vomiting, tremors and depression which can last up to 48 hours.

Onions and garlic

A packet of garlic, onions, or even broth that contains onion powder Red blood cells can potentially break down and lead to anemia in pets.

Gastrointestinal disorders are also common after consumption.

Obvious signs that your dog has eaten any of these substances can cause decreased appetite, weakness, lethargy, red or brown urine, vomiting, diarrhea, and even ataxia — loss of muscle control in the arms and legs.

Cooked bones and fatty meat

Ham, cuts of meat, skin like pork rinds, and anything else prepared specifically for Christmas can wreak havoc on pets' tummies.

Because animals' digestive systems are not equipped to handle the rich fats and preservatives they can develop pancreatitis.

Symptoms include loss of appetite, dehydration, illness, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

xylitol

Xylitol, an artificial sweetener, is found in processed candy and baked goods.

These sweets can lead to Severe low blood sugar levels in animals, and symptoms can be serious, including lethargy, vomiting, and ataxia.

If the sweetener is digested by animals, it can cause liver damage, seizures, or death.