PET SAFETY OVER THE FESTIVE PERIOD

Christmas. It is a time of year that we have many different items in the house that we would not normally have. Our naturally inquisitive pets can find themselves in trouble that may require a visit to the surgery. As much as we love to see our clients and their pets, we would prefer to enjoy a quiet, surgery free festive period! Of course, we are available at any time should you have a problem. Poisons come in many different forms and in many surprising ways. For instance, did you know that nuts and raisins are poisonous to your dog?

Chocolate

Chocolate contains Theobromine which is toxic to dogs. It can cause vomiting, excitability, seizures or muscle tremors and possibly coma or even death. Bakers chocolate is the worst as the concentration of cocoa is greater. Milk chocolate may appear safer but is still not advisable. If you must give your pet chocolate, purchase special dog chocolates available from pet shops.

Turkey

Turkey can give your pet an upset stomach if eaten in large amounts. Over indulgence can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy and flatulence.

Mistletoe and Holly

If the berries are eaten , your pet may have vomiting, diarrhoea, excessive salivation and weakness.

Nuts

Walnuts and Macadamia nuts are by far the worst and can cause muscle tremors, fitting and digestive upsets.

Alcohol

Rather than actually having a beer or G & T, your pet can ingest alcohol through sweets, puddings and drinks that have been left unattended. This may cause vomiting, disorientation, depression, hypothermia, tremors, seizures and coma.

Presents and Wrapping

Ribbons, bows, elastic bands, wire tags and wrapping paper can all cause problems if eaten. You may see choking, vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy and maybe collapse. These items can cause INTESTINAL BLOCKAGE resulting in an emergency operation. Please take care with these and any Christmas decorations.

Christmas Tree and decorations

We know it goes without saying but TRY to prevent your pet climbing the Christmas Tree! Pine needles (with a real tree) may become embedded in your pets pad (foot). If your pet chews the fairy lights or the electric lead, they may be electrocuted. It is advisable to use a circuit breaker to prevent accidents. Some baubles are made of glass and can shatter easily. If these are eaten, damage to your pets gut is likely. Tinsel can cause INTESTINAL BLOCKAGE if ingested.

Lillies

The pollen of Lilies is particularly poisonous. If you have Lilies in the house or outside in the summer, always remove the stamens as they appear. If your pet brushes against the pollen and then licks it off, this may cause kidney failure within 24-72 hours and may be irreversible. Cats are more prone to this as they are often allowed onto high surfaces where vases of flowers may be. All parts of the plant are toxic. They are beautiful flowers but please display them with care.

Poinsettia

This plant is not usually fatal but the sap can cause severe irritation in the mouth and occasional vomiting.

Onions, Garlic, Grapes, Raisins, Sultanas and Gravy

Onions and Garlic destroy red blood cells and may cause anaemia if your pet eats them. All parts of the onion/garlic are poisonous. Grapes, raisins and sultanas can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, lethargy and abdominal pain. In severe cases, they can cause kidney failure. Gravy often has lots of salt and this can cause kidney damage.

Bones

These may splinter and cause damage to you pets internal organs and intestines. Cooked bones are more prone to splintering so avoid giving your pet the Christmas carcase. Save it for the soup!

To sum up, we love our pets dearly but as we relax over the festive period, they could suffer inadvertently. As much as we would like to give them a Christmas dinner, realistically, their normal food with a little turkey would be a preferable option. At least that way your pet should avoid stomach upsets. Your stomach is up to you! Have a safe Christmas and a great New Year from us all at

ARCHENFIELD VETS!