Caution urged for Winter Warmers threatening our pets

With winter just a couple of weeks away, Lort Smith Animal Hospital is urging pet families to take care when considering feeding pets left over ‘’winter warmers’’.

Lort Smith Chief Veterinarian, Dr Jessica Wilde, said with the cooler weather now here, it was likely more people would turn to staying home and cooking meals traditionally referred to ‘’winter warmers’’ or ‘’comfort food’’ which could contain ingredients toxic to pets.

‘’Dogs in particular, can be very opportunistic when it comes to swiping ingredients and food of a bench or table,’’ said Dr Wilde.

‘’Because these dishes are often slow-cooked, the aromatic smells can be particularly tempting for “counter-surfing” animals.’’

Recent cases include Suki the Groodle who managed to devour 12 mini sausage rolls when their human wasn’t looking and Lucky the beagle who demolished almost an entire pork knuckle.

‘’Thankfully both Suki and Lucky have made full recoveries but we really do need to take extra care in the kitchen and around the home this winter,’’ said Dr Jess.

If you suspect your dog has ingested any toxic food, contact your local emergency vet immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to appear.’’

 

Lort Smith Animal Hospital has released its Top Ten Dangerous Winter Warmers for Pets according to admission data.

Onion and Garlic

  • Why: Can damage pets’ red blood cells and lead to serious illness, even in small amounts.
  • Winter Threat: Common in soups, casseroles, gravies and roast dinners.

Cooked Bones

  • Why: Cooked bones can splinter, causing choking, internal injuries or digestive blockages.
  • Winter Threat: Leftover chicken, lamb, pork, ham and beef bones from roasts.

Sausages

  • Why: Often high in fat, salt and seasonings that are harmful to pets.
  • Winter Threat: Sausage rolls, party pies

Stuffing

  • Why: Frequently contains onion, garlic and rich fats that are toxic or difficult for pets to digest.
  • Winter Threat: Roast dinners and stuffed poultry dishes.

Chocolate

  • Why: Contains theobromine and caffeine, which are toxic to dogs and cats.
  • Winter Threat: Hot chocolates, desserts, baked treats and winter snacks.

Alcohol

  • Why: Even small amounts can cause vomiting, breathing difficulties, tremors and potentially life-threatening complications.
  • Winter Threat: Mulled wine, liqueur desserts and unattended drinks at gatherings.

Poultry Skin

  • Why: High-fat foods can lead to vomiting, diarrhoea and pancreatitis.
  • Winter Threat: Skin from roast chicken or turkey dinners.

Pork Crackling

  • Why: Extremely fatty and salty, making it difficult and dangerous for pets to digest.
  • Winter Threat: Roast pork meals and leftover crackling scraps

Stews

  • Why: Often contains toxic ingredients like garlic, onion and cooked bones.
  • Winter Threat: Slow-cooked winter meals.

Casseroles

  • Why: Commonly prepared with onion, garlic and rich sauces that can upset pets or cause poisoning.
  • Winter Threat: Family casseroles and baked dishes.

 

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Suzana Talevski: Head of Media and Digital Content, Lort Smith
Mobile: 0403 047 945
Email: stalevski@lortsmith.com