Christmas is just around the corner, and many households will be looking forward to indulging in their festive feasts come December 25. And while many of us will be tempted to share some with our dogs - as they are indeed part of our family - there are a number of things that owners shouldn't share with their furry friends.

Pet insurance experts at Animal Friends Pet Insurance recently polled the UK, after seeing monthly toxic ingestion claims peak in December last year - with Christmas Eve seeing the most claims in the whole year, followed closely by Christmas Day. Google search volume data indicates a 1,257 per cent increase for '20 human foods dogs can eat' in the last month alone, with yearly searches spiking during the festive period.

And while this means that households are clearly preparing for their upcoming Christmas dinner, there are a number of foods which are frequently missed. To help guide people on what is safe for our four-legged friends to eat Animal Friends Pet Insurance have teamed up with Dr Sam Webster, Director of Clinical Operations at Joii Pet Care, to share exactly what you can and can't feed your dog next month.

• Read more: Wallsend man jailed after he failed to take seriously injured bulldog to vets after fight with other pet

• Keep up to date with all the latest breaking news and top stories from the North East with our free newsletter

1. Pigs in blankets (and other fatty meats):

Dr. Sam, said: "Pigs in blankets and other fatty meats could lead to pet obesity and pancreatitis. As much as your pup might beg for a meaty treat, it’s best to avoid giving them these. Instead, stick to unseasoned lean meat such as chicken or turkey."

2. Gravy

Dr. Sam, added: "Gravy often has high salt and fat content. You must avoid this, especially in dogs with heart disease or a history of pancreatitis."

3. Mince pies, stollen, Christmas Pudding (and other puddings):

Dr. Sam, shared: "Raisins, sultanas and grapes are extremely toxic for dogs and must always be avoided - even small amounts can be dangerous, so refrain from feeding your pup any dessert that has any of these ingredients. Mince pies and other puddings with a high nut and sugar content may also cause pancreatitis."

4. Cooked bones (e.g. chicken bones, or a roasted lamb bone):

The expert, said: "Cooked bones are not safe for dogs due to them commonly causing constipation, intestinal obstruction or even perforation, piercing a painful hole to internal organs which can be life-threatening."

5. Stuffing

Dr. Sam, explained: "Dogs should avoid stuffing as it has a high salt and fat content which can be difficult to digest, dogs with heart disease should especially avoid it. Stuffing also often contains onions which are highly toxic to dogs."

6. Bulb vegetables (or any onions and garlic):

The expert, went on: "Bulb vegetables such as onions and garlic are toxic for dogs, very small amounts may not cause issues but should always be avoided to be safe."

7. Yorkshire puddings:

Dr. Sam, said: "Yorkshire puddings can be challenging for dogs to digest due to their high fat and salt content."

8. Alcohol:

Dr. Sam, warned: "Alcohol is extremely toxic and can have long-lasting effects on their liver and brain. Dogs do not metabolise alcohol well and should never be given it - alcohol should also be stored out of a dog’s reach to avoid accidents."

9. Chocolate:

The expert, capped off: "Chocolate is highly toxic for dogs, it includes fat, sugar, caffeine and a bitter alkaloid, called theobromine, that can cause nervous system disorders as well as heart and kidney failure. Avoid any chocolate related products, e.g. hot chocolate, chocolate bars, chocolate cake."

Other food items that should be avoided include:

• Cured meat and smoked salmon

• Potatoes with added salt, butter or oil

• Nuts

• Sauces (e.g. mint or cranberry)

• Cheese or cream

• Sweets

The study revealed that two-thirds of pet owners (67%) share at least one toxic food with their dog over the Christmas season, with those aged 25 to 34 most likely to let their dog snack on something dangerous (79%).

Symptoms to look out for:

• Vomiting

• Diarrhoea

• Lethargy

• Convulsions

• Drooling

• Dehydration

• Tremors

• High temperature

• Agitation

• Pale gums

• Abnormal heart rhythm

• Hyperactivity

• High blood pressure

Catrin George, Animal Wellbeing Specialist at Animal Friends Pet Insurance, advised: "Not all foods at the Christmas dinner table are detrimental for your dog and you can still serve them a pup-appropriate festive meal. A safe dinner can include lean meats, like turkey and chicken, along with some vegetable favourites, such as carrots, parsnips, broccoli and cauliflower, all in moderation and without seasonings.

"Nevertheless, our research shows that only 36% of dog owners make an effort to keep food out of their dog’s reach and this is the easiest way to prevent them from getting their paws on anything harmful. Besides food and drink, other festive items could prove harmful to your pet too. Whilst poinsettia and mistletoe are popular Christmas decorations, if ingested, they can also have toxic consequences.

"If you spot your pet eating something they shouldn’t, contact your vet immediately and don’t wait until the symptoms start to appear. If you are unaware of any consumption, but notice any of the signs that we’ve shared, don’t hesitate to contact your vet."