14/12/2023
Some information we wanted to share
🎅🎁 5 Christmas dangers every pet owner needs to be aware of this silly season 👇
🐾 Christmas decorations
If your dog has the spirit of an excited Christmas elf, it’s best to keep them away from Christmas decorations like bauble and tinsel, which can be a choking hazard and cause intestinal issues if swallowed.
Place Christmas decorations up high where their paws can’t reach and cat-proof your Christmas tree so your festive feline can’t hurt themselves.
🐾 Consuming human food
Some foods we enjoy (a bit too much of) during the festive season can be harmful to our furry friends, including:
➖ Nuts
➖ Chocolate
➖ Onions
➖ Garlic
➖ Sultanas
➖ Grapes
➖ Alcohol
🐾 Fireworks
The loud bangs caused by fireworks can easily scare our furry friends. Check your local council listings and Facebook community groups to find out if any local events will include fireworks.
If you hear fireworks nearby, bring your pets inside and make sure your gates and doors are securely locked. You can also consider a consultation with your vet to see if they can prescribe any calming medication that will help your anxious pets get through the night.
🐾 Heatstroke
If Summer does what she does best, Christmas in Australia can be HOT! While we can jump in the pool and sit in front of the aircon to cool down, our pets have a harder time getting rid of excessive heat.
On hot days, keep your dog in full shade, in an airconditioned room or in front of a fan. Make sure they have access to plenty of fresh water and keep an eye out for any symptoms of heatstroke. It can take as little as 10 minutes for a dog to severely overheat.
The early signs of heatstroke are:
➖ Excessive panting
➖ Noisy breathing
➖ Restlessness
➖ Pacing
➖ Drooling
BONUS TIP 👉 Check your vet’s Christmas trading hours
Before the silly season begins, check in with your vet’s trading hours. Some vets are open all day, every day, whilst others close for the Christmas break.
Also make sure you have the phone number of an emergency or after-hours vet clinic on speed dial in case your regular vet isn’t available. This way, you’ll be prepared for any pet emergencies that may arise while Santa’s in town.
Have a very merry Christmas 🎅 🌲
