Avoiding Christmas Crises for your Pets CHRISTMASis a happy time, but some dangers may arise causing potential problems for your pets. Here are some safety tips to ensure you can all enjoy a stress free (ish) Christmas! • CHOCOLATE– Not a myth, and fortunately much more recognised these days, chocolate contains Theobromine, which at best can make your dog very sick, and at worst can unfortunately kill them. The higher the cocoa content or the smaller the dog, the higher the risk, and any dog that eats chocolate MUST be taken to a vet as soon as possible. • OTHER TOXIC ITEMS– Onions, garlic, grapes and raisins (and mistletoe and poinsettias) are all around at Christmas, and are toxic to pets; do not feed them to your pets, even in small quantities, and seek veterinary advice if they get hold of them. • TURKEY BONES – Take care when storing and disposing of turkey carcasses and other bones, as if eaten they can cause severe damage to teeth and gums, or even worse to the internal digestive tract. • TINSEL – Tinsel and other decorations can prove very interesting to inquisitive pets, especially cats and young kittens and puppies, and can cause choking or internal blockages. • ANTIFREEZE – Antifreeze tastes sweet and is tempting for cats to drink. It is TOXIC and will KILL a cat that has ingested it. Take care with storage and mop any spillages immediately. Call the vet immediately if you suspect your pet has drunk Antifreeze. • SALT/GRIT ON PAWS – It is a good idea to wash your dogs paws after walks in the winter, as the frozen ground and grit can cause soreness and irritation. • FOREIGN BODIES– Small toys and batteries are often left lying around and can be very dangerous if chewed or swallowed. They can cause obstructions, or in the case of batteries, chemical burns, so ensure everything is picked up off the floor. • DIARRHOEA – Remember when you are tempted to give your pet their ‘Christmas dinner’ or treats, they are not used to such rich food, so may have some vomiting or diarrhoea as a consequence. • STRESS – There are many potential causes of stress for your pets at Christmas, such as lack of routine, crowds and fireworks. They may may just want to hide away from it all so make them a den in a safe area where they can escape if need be. Hopefully these tips will help towards a happy Christmas for all. Anna Tilley RVN Raring2go! Keep Pets Calm this Christmas 30 raring2go.co.uk Keeping Pets Calm 10 Tips to Enjoy a Stress-Free Christmas 6. Gifts and Advent Calendars Advent calendars or presents under the tree make the house look festive, but also can be an open invitation to cheeky pets! Make sure they are out of reach. Not only do you not want your furry friend to open your gift, the contents of some may also be harmful to them. 7. Be careful about decorations Young cats and dogs are especially inquisitive and may try to eat tinsel and other decorations, which can cause choking or sickness. Steer clear from putting lights or tinsel around a hamster cage, as it’s easy to be nibbled by a nosy rodent. Whilst looking cute, a tinsel collar can irritate your pets’ skin, (and could be eaten too) so buy a specific Christmas collar instead. 8. Christmas Toys Ensure that small toys and batteries are not left lying around. In a similar way to children, these items can cause injury, that could require urgent hospitalisation. 9. New Year Fireworks Remember that there may be fireworks over the festive period, so keep pets inside, with a safe place to hide. 10. Salt / Grit After a winter walk it’s always a good idea to wash your dog’s paws. Frozen salt and grit can cause irritation to their paws and pads. With visitors, decorations, lack of routine and excitable families, Christmas can be stressful for your pets. Plan ahead to ensure everyone has a fun, festive family time. Here are some safety tips to ensure you can all enjoy a stress free (ish) Christmas! 1. Try to stick to your usual routines Walk, feed and toilet your pet as close to their usual times as possible, and try not to leave pets at home for longer periods than you usually do. 2. Give your pets space If you have visitors, let your pet meet them when they are ready, and ensure there are safe hiding places, with bedding, where they can retreat to. 3. Outdoor animals may need extra bedding Provide lots of bedding, and ensure it stays dry - anything wet will freeze, which can harm your pet. Check that their water bottles aren’t frozen too. 4. Christmas Food Human food, including chocolate and turkey bones, can be harmful, or even toxic, to pets. To avoid an upset tummy, it’s best to stick to your pet’s usual food, and it avoids weight gain too! If you think your pet has eaten something it shouldn’t, please seek urgent veterinary advice. 5. Flowers and Plants Pets, especially kittens and puppies, can be inquisitive. Whilst plants such as Holly, Mistletoe and Poinsettia’s are part of Christmas, they can also cause nausea and irritation to your pet’s mouth. Lillies are toxic to both cats and dogs. Seek urgent attention if you believe that your pet has ingested something they shouldn’t have.
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