Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! From the whole Goddard Veterinary Group Team 💙 💙 💙
Day 24: Sugar-free sweets
Sugar-free sweets and mints often contain xylitol, a chemical toxic to pets. Ingesting xylitol can lead to insulin release, causing hypoglycemia, seizures, and even liver failure in dogs. Swift veterinary attention is crucial if accidental ingestion occurs, making it imperative to keep these treats out of reach from pets during the holidays.
Day 23: Salt
Due to the high levels of salt needed to make salt dough, ingestion of just one of these homemade decorations is enough to cause serious poisoning. Also, be cautious of salt-gritted pavements when walking your dog, always wipe their feet thoroughly once home.
Day 22: Safe space
If your house is full of guests, ensure that your pets have a quiet area where they won’t be disturbed. Options include allowing cats to hide under a bed or creating a den for dogs by placing a blanket over their crate. Having pets microchipped also brings peace of mind, as they can be traced back to you if they are accidentally let out or escape.
Day 21: Raisins and sultanas
Grapes and the dried fruit found in mince pies, fruit and nut mix, stollen and Christmas pudding are toxic to dogs, so keep these treats out of reach! If your dog does accidentally eat something containing these foods, call us as soon as possible.
Day 20: Onions and garlic
Did you know that onions and their relatives are toxic to dogs and cats? Even one or two garlic cloves can be enough to cause serious problems in a cat. Gravy is often a sneaky culprit at Christmas time as instant gravy can contain a high amount of onion/garlic powder.
Day 19: Nicotine
Nicotine poisoning can occur in pets so keep cigarettes and vapes out of reach — the flavoured liquid used in E-cigarettes can be particularly attractive to dogs.
Day 18: Mouldy food
Mould ingestion can be lethal to pets. It usually happens when dogs raid the kitchen waste recycling caddy, so keep them out of reach this Christmas period when there is likely to be an increase in food waste.
Day 17: Mistletoe
Causes stomach problems and may cause skin irritation.
Day 16: Holly berries
Can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, excessive salivation and weakness in dogs.
Day 15: Human medication
Pets near human medications during the festive season face serious hazards. Open pill bottles or unattended medications pose risks of accidental ingestion, leading to toxicity. Common holiday medications, like pain relievers or cold remedies, can be harmful to pets.
Day 14: Gifts containing food
Keep pets away from food-containing gifts to avoid potential hazards. Festive treats may contain ingredients harmful to pets, posing risks like digestive issues or choking. Store these gifts securely to ensure a safe and joyful holiday season for everyone.
