A POOLE veterinary practice is reminding pet owners about festive foods that are toxic to animals.

Vets4Pets Poole in Holes Bay, run by Dan Makin, says chocolate poisoning is one of the most commonly encountered poisonings seen throughout the year, but occurs most frequently during the Christmas period. Chocolate contains a toxic chemical called theobromine, which at certain levels can cause serious life threatening illness in dogs and cats.

If a pet is known to have eaten chocolate, even the smallest of amounts, owners should seek veterinary advice immediately.

According to Vets4Pets Poole raisin toxicity is also becoming an increasingly seen problem, especially as the effects of raisin toxicity are very unpredictable. In some cases the consumption of a single raisin can cause serious problems.

At Christmas, raisins are everywhere - mince pies, Christmas cake, Christmas pudding, and chocolate covered raisins.

Again, if a pet is known to have eaten any item containing raisins veterinary attention should be sought.

Cat owners are also warned that tinsel can be eaten and cause tremendous trouble with the cat’s gastrointestinal tract, so try to prevent cats playing with tinsel.