MILLIONS of dogs may be in danger if they share their owner’s Christmas dinner this year, a charity warns.

Everyone is guilty of indulging over the festive season but for owners who share this experience with their dogs there could be fatal consequences, they say.

Stubbington Ark Animal Shelter is warning pet owners of the risks of feeding a dog human food, following a survey by a pet food company.

In the south-east 45 per cent of residents admit to treating their dog to a few trimmings after dinner and a further 59 per cent admit to knowing that can be harmful.

These figures come after a study by the Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association and pet food company Forthglade revealed that 5.5 million UK dogs will share their owners’ Christmas dinner this year.

A spokesman for the Fareham-based shelter, said: “As a rule it is not a good idea to feed your dog human food but the majority of pet owners do and you will never be able to stop the practice.

“Some people give turkey to their dog but you should not for fear of the dog choking on the bones.”

The most popular foods dished up to dogs on Christmas Day are turkey, gravy and stuffing, served by almost 70 per cent of dog owners.

Daily Echo:

Stuffing and gravy normally contain onion, which can be toxic to dogs.

One in ten people surveyed admitted to sharing mince pies, unaware that the majority of Christmas puddings contain raisins or sultanas, which can lead to canine kidney failure.

Festive food dangers for dogs include splinters from poultry bones which can become stuck in throats or pierce intestinal tracts, and chocolate, which contains theobromine which can can be toxic.

Mouldy leftovers including yoghurt, bread and cheese also contain toxins produced by the mould, causing the rapid onset of convulsions in dogs.