Human chocolate for humans. Dog treats for dogs.
We always get asked is of chocolate okay for our dog? The answer? Zero chocolate is the right amount for a dog.
Chocolate contains theobromine (a compound poisonous to dogs). How dangerous chocolate is depends on the type and amount eaten and the size and health of your dog.
Chocolate coins, chocolate tree decorations, your favourite festive tin are all bad for your dog.
If your dog has eaten chocolate, the best course of action is to contact us as soon as possible for advice.
#ChristmasDanger
Supervise pets around Christmas decorations
Although Christmas decorations help to set the scene, certain decorations may pose a risk to our pets. For example, stringy decorations such as tinsel and decorative string can cause digestive blockages if eaten and glass baubles may cut paws if smashed. Christmas trees may resemble an exciting climbing frame to adventurous cats, so consider tethering them!
Keep inquisitive pets safe by supervising them and keeping them away from potential dangers.
Flood the comments with your pet's unique talent.
World Pet Memorial Day
Join us in lighting a candle to remember all the pets we have lost.
#WorldPetMemorialDay
Pet Travel Tips
Travelling with your pet can be stressful at the best of times, but in the summer, with the added heat and dehydration concerns, it’s vital that you have a plan before you set off.
Here’s a few things to think about which could make your life easier.
If you are very concerned, reach out to us for further advice.
Rabbit Welfare Tips
Rabbits are for life not just for Easter!
Rabbits may be cute, but they need a great deal of care to ensure they live long, happy and healthy lives.
This video gives you a run down of five essential rabbit needs. Research is key to ensure rabbits are the right pet for you.
If you have any questions around rabbit care, get in touch and #askus
Chocolate Poisoning
Chocolate… great for us. Not great for your pet.
Christina the Vet is here to drop some knowledge on why this is and what YOU can do to ensure your pet has a happy and healthy easter.
If you think your pet has got their paws on some chocolate, give us a ring.
National Pet Day
Happy #NationalPetDay
We’ve got an important question, that needs answering below!
Older Pet Tips
As a caring owner you’ll know that healthy food, enough exercise, loving attention, sleep, access to veterinary care and the occasional treat are all key to ensuring your pet lives a happy life.
But when they reach an older age, there’s ways to make them as comfy and happy as possible.
Day 11
Day #11 | 12 days of Christmas pet tips
Fireworks can be very scary for our pets. It’s sensible to keep cats and dogs inside after dark and close windows and curtains. Where possible keep the lights on and create some background noise by playing music or having the television on. Pets will often benefit from having a safe place to hide and stressed pets should not be left home alone. Speak to your veterinary team if you are worried about managing your pet’s firework stress.
Day 10
Day #10 | 12 days of Christmas pet tips
If you are entertaining guests this Christmas, there are likely to be more people going in and out of your home. Take care to ensure your guests know how to interact with your pets and that pets have somewhere quiet to go if they need time alone. Having pets microchipped brings peace of mind that they can be traced back to you if they are accidentally let out or escape.
Day 9
Day #9 | 12 days of Christmas pet tips
As the weather gets colder paths and roads are commonly gritted to melt the ice. However, this grit can sometimes irritate dogs’ paws causing mild to, in some cases, more severe discomfort. It’s sensible to avoid heavily gritted areas where possible and thoroughly wipe your dog’s paws after walks or give their feet a quick rinse if needed. If your dog is distressed after a walk or seems to be in pain, contact your veterinary practice for further advice.
Day 8
Day #8 | 12 days of Christmas pet tips
Grapes and their dried varieties are common at Christmas but toxic to dogs. The dried varieties of these fruits are often found in mince pies, Christmas pudding, stollen and fruit and nut mix, so keep all these treats out of reach! If your dog does accidentally eat something containing these foods, call you veterinary practice as soon as possible for advice.
Day 7
Day #7 | 12 days of Christmas pet tips
Did you know that certain Christmas plants can make your pets unwell if eaten? Keep poinsettia, ivy, holly and mistletoe out of reach to avoid stomach upsets. Also discourage pets from chewing on the Christmas tree as this too can cause digestive issues and sharp pine needles may cause irritation and damage. If your eats something they shouldn’t, or develops vomiting or diarrhoea, then contact your veterinary practice for further support.
Day 6
Day #6 | 12 days of Christmas pet tips
Ethylene glycol found in antifreeze is poisonous to cats and dogs and can be fatal if left untreated, so as a pet owner it is important to be aware of this as the weather gets colder. Signs of antifreeze poisoning are vomiting, drooling, seeming drunk, having seizures, and drinking and weeing more. If you are worried that your pet is unwell or may have ingested antifreeze contact your veterinary team as soon as possible for advice.
Day 5
Day #5 | 12 days of Christmas pet tips
Although Christmas decorations help to set the scene, certain decorations may pose a risk to our pets. For example, stringy decorations such as tinsel and decorative string can cause digestive blockages if eaten and glass baubles may cut paws if smashed. Christmas trees may resemble an exciting climbing frame to adventurous cats, so consider tethering them! Keep inquisitive pets safe by supervising them and keeping them away from potential dangers.
Day 4
Day #4 | 12 days of Christmas pet tips
Keep your Christmas candles covered! Any flames should be on a stable surface and well out of reach of pets to avoid the risk of burns or accidental fire.
Day 3
Day #3 | 12 days of Christmas pet tips
Be cautious about sharing Christmas food. Turkey bones can potentially cause blockages and damage to your pet’s digestive tract. High fat foods such as pigs in blankets can sometimes cause pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) and onions (as part of the allium family of plants) are toxic to cats and dogs. Alcohol is also toxic, so spills and left-over drinks should be cleaned away and safely disposed of. If in doubt, the safest option is to feed pet safe treats instead!
Day 2
Day #2 | 12 days of Christmas pet tips
During any celebration it is sensible to ensure our pets have a safe place in which they can hide. Examples include allowing cats to hide under a bed or for dogs, creating a den by placing a blanket over their crate. The main thing is to ensure that pets have a quiet place they can take themselves off to, which allows them to feel secure and where they won’t be disturbed.
Day 1
Day #1 | 12 days of Christmas pet tips
Chocolate contains theobromine (a compound poisonous to dogs). How dangerous chocolate is depends on the type and amount eaten and the size and health of your dog. If your dog has eaten chocolate, the best course of action is to contact your vet as soon as possible for advice.
