Pet owners should be cautious of the risk festive food could have to their dog's health this Christmas.

Pet food experts from website PurePetFood have told us of the seven types of food which are toxic to animals.

According to PurePetFood many of these could have a serious risk to a dogs’ health and can cause vomiting, convulsions and kidney failure.

A Pure Pet Food spokesperson said: “Christmas is the time to indulge in all our favourite festive foods and as they’re part of the family, dogs should be allowed to get in on some of the action too.

“But there are number of typical Christmas foods that present various hidden dangers.”

These are the food items which could put your pet at risk:

Christmas pudding and mince pies

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Grapes and dried fruits such as currants, sultanas and raisins are toxic to dogs.

Indigestion of small amounts could cause severe kidney failure.

These fruits are found in Christmas puddings and mince pies.

Chocolate

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Giving your dog chocolate, no matter the type or quantity, should be avoided.

The chemical, theobromine, is found in chocolate and is dangerous for them.

Small amounts can cause agitation, hyperexcitability, tremors, convulsions and heart problems.

Onions

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Vegetables such as onions, garlic, leeks, shallots and chives are dangerous whether they are eaten cooked or raw.

They can cause vomiting and diarrhoea. But the main damage can be caused to red blood cells, resulting in anaemia.

The symptoms may not show straight away and could take between two to four days.

As soon as you suspect poisoning, call your vet immediately.

Gravy

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If you tend to give your dog Christmas dinner leftovers smothered in gravy you want to be aware that it is high in salt and should be avoided.

Dairy products

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Dogs find it hard to consume and digest dairy products. They are intolerant to lactose product such as milk and cheese.

If your dog eats them it can cause stomach upsets, diarrhoea and vomiting.

Alcohol

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Alcohol should not be given to dogs as it can cause some of the same effects people have when they consume alcohol.

Small amounts found in cooked food should also not be given to your pet.

Call your vet it you think your dog accidentally ingested some.

Artificial Sweeteners

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Sugar free sweetener, xylitol, is found in sweets as well as chewing gum, mouthwashes and toothpastes.

It is toxic to dogs even though the amount of it varies in different products.

The sweetener can cause insulin to be released in the body resulting in low blood sugar and liver damage.

Signs of poisoning can either be quick or delayed.

Symptoms include vomiting, lethargy, convulsions and coma.