The festive season is here, and as we gather around the holiday table, please remember that not all indulgences are suitable for our four-legged friends.
Ham is a food that dogs find delicious, but it is best to resist the urge to share this Christmas food (and other fatty foods) with your furry companion.
While ham is not toxic to dogs, and a little treat or bite of ham is not likely to cause problems, a more significant amount can cause serious health issues.
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Ham is high in fat and this can cause digestive upsets such as vomiting and diarrhoea. The high-calorie content can contribute to weight gain and obesity in pets. Obesity predisposes pets to several medical issues, including diabetes and heart disease, and can exacerbate arthritis.
Fatty meals can trigger pancreatitis in dogs, which is inflammation of the pancreas. This extremely painful and potentially life-threatening condition can be triggered by fatty foods such as fatty ham, particularly offcuts and trimmings.
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While pancreatitis is commonly seen in pets with a consistently high-fat diet, sometimes just one high-fat meal causes pancreatitis.
Signs of pancreatitis include vomiting, salivating, depression and abdominal pain – it's essential to seek prompt veterinary advice if your dog is sick.
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Ham is usually high in salt, which can contribute to health problems such as hypertension and kidney disease.
Avoid feeding ham bones as cooked bones splinter easily and can lead to choking, gastrointestinal obstructions, or punctures in the digestive tract, requiring emergency veterinary intervention.
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Vet clinics are accustomed to seeing an influx of canine patients suffering from vomiting and diarrhea around Christmas. Most dogs have indulged in Christmas foods such as ham, lamb, turkey or seafood.
Remember, any sudden change in your dog's diet can cause tummy upsets, so human Christmas food should be given as a small treat only and if your dog has dietary or medical issues, always speak with your vet before you indulge them on Christmas Day.
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