At the festive table it's all too tempting to slip that leftover turkey titbit into the pet's bowl.

Or even share a few chocolates for a real treat.

But pet owners be warned. The RSPCA says they should resist the temptation to feed pet any leftovers.

Much of our food including poultry bones and rich foods such as cakes have a detrimental affect on animal health.

Karen Loadwick, of the RSPCA in Great Ayton, says: "Be very careful with chicken and turkey bones.

"Don't give them to your pets and make sure they're wrapped up properly and put in the dustbin with the lid on to stop stray cats and dogs trying to eat them."

Poultry bones can splinter and cause internal damage. They can also cause an animal to choke.

A survey by Saga Pet Insurance found that a fifth of pet owners (19pc) will feed their dogs normal chocolate, often not realising that this is poisonous and can seriously affect their digestive system.

Karen says: "Normal chocolate shouldn't be given to any animal because it is poisonous.

"Small amounts may cause vomiting and diarrhoea as it upsets the digestive system.

"But larger amounts can be much more serious and even kill animals."

Karen also advises against giving pets rich food like cakes and puddings.

"It really is best for animals to be kept to their regular routine and normal diet," she says.

"Feeding animals at different times to usual can give them tummy upsets and a lot of food is too rich for them.

"A little bit of chicken or turkey is fine for cats and dogs.

"Some raw vegetables are good for rabbits and a small piece of apple is fine for rodents."

But, according to, allergic reactions to certain types of foods including turkey, chicken and rice are becoming increasingly common in dogs.

Signs of an allergy affecting a dog include itching, excessive licking, hair loss, low stamina and energy levels, diarrhoea, skin problems and even behavioural problems.

Yorktest Veterinary Services, based in York, provides a unique testing service for veterinary practices worldwide.

Paula Peacock says: "The TLC Allergy Test is very simple.

"Your vet takes a blood sample, sends the sample to Yorktest's laboratories and then receives test results back within two weeks.

"Pet owners can then discuss with their vet the type of therapy needed, ranging from dietary changes through to immunotherapy, a series of vaccinations which helps build up a pet's immune system against pollen and insects."

For more details, call their helpline on 0800 1691958 or visit the website.

Another potential hazard to animals during the festive season is Christmas decorations.

Fasten tree decorations securely, taking care to put more fragile ones towards the top as wagging tails can cause damage.

"If you have pets don't put tinsel on your tree where they can get at it," says Karen.

"Cats can chew on tinsel and swallow it.

"It can become knotted in the gut and in the intestines and block them up leading to a major operation.

"You can't see tinsel on an x-ray."

Place mystery packages out of reach as dogs often rip open packages in which they can smell food.

If you are setting off fireworks as part of new year celebrations, ensure that your pet is kept safely in doors.

Display candles on high shelves to avoid singed tails and whiskers.