17 - Toys
Festive Hazard:
While we all love to spoil our pets with gifts, it’s important to remember to be mindful of toys with small parts! These can be a choking hazard or cause other safety concerns 🎁🐾
Holly advice:
Make sure to choose toys that are the right size and free of small parts! Always inspect toys for wear and tear and supervise playtime to keep your furry friend safe.
Fun fact:
Did you know that dogs love squeaky toys because the sound mimics the high-pitched noise of prey animals? It triggers their natural hunting instincts, making them even more fun (and exciting)! 🧸🐶
16 - Fireworks
Festive Hazard:
The loud noises caused by fireworks can trigger fear and anxiety in pets, leading them to hide or even try to run away 🎆🐾
Holly advice:
If your pet is scared of festive fireworks, talk to your vet for advice ahead of time. Keep them safely indoors, close the curtains, and turn on the TV to help block out the noise. A calm and cozy environment will help them feel safe 🥰
Fun fact:
Did you know that dogs have an incredible sense of hearing and can hear sounds up to 4 times farther away than humans? That's why fireworks can sound so much louder and scarier to them!
15- Sweets
Festive Hazard:
Sweets and baked goods may contain ingredients like xylitol, chocolate, raisins and alcohol, which can cause serious harm if consumed. Even sugar and fat in large amounts can upset their tummies or lead to long-term health issues 🍪🐾
Holly advice:
Always offer pet-safe treats and store baking ingredients out of reach. Stay alert for signs of poisoning, and, if you suspect your pet has ingested something harmful, contact your vet immediately!
Fun fact:
Did you know that dogs have up to 300 million scent receptors in their noses, making them excellent at sniffing out food? That means they can easily find those tempting sweets, making it so important to store any of them out of curious paws' reach 🐾🍬
14 - Antifreeze
Festive Hazard:
Watch out for Antifreeze! This common winter chemical contains toxic ethylene glycol, which is found in radiator coolants, motor oils, and more. Even a tiny taste may be fatal to pets 🚗 ⚠
Holly advice:
Store antifreeze securely, clean up spills right away, opt for pet-safe alternatives and always supervise your furry friends around driveways and garages.
Fun fact:
Did you know that dogs have about 1,700 taste buds, while cats have only 470? That means dogs might be more likely to find antifreeze sweet and be attracted to it more than cats. Always keep antifreeze well out of reach 🐾❄️
13 - Decorations
Festive Hazard:
While decking the halls, remember that our furry friends love shiny lights, tinsel and baubles. These can be tempting but may pose dangers like cuts, blockages, or even electrocution if chewed 🐾
Holly advice:
Opt for shatterproof ornaments, secure cords out of reach, and skip the tinsel to prevent any festive mishaps. Supervise curious paws around the tree and give them plenty of toys to keep the season safe and sound! 🎅
Fun fact:
Cats are often drawn to Christmas trees because they mimic the climbing and perching opportunities of a real tree. 🎄 🐱
Pets, Festivities and Hazards
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! 🎄🎁
With Christmas just around the corner, do you know the hidden pet hazards that come with all the festive cheer? Stay tuned as we uncover daily tips to keep your furry companions safe and your holidays worry-free! Can you guess what the first hazard will be? 🐾🤔
Compulsory microchipping for cats
🚨 Calling all UK cat parents 🚨 The deadline to microchip your feline friends is soon approaching!
Recently The Fox Project in Kent had a call from a member of the public in Warlingham who reported a collapsed baby fox in their garden. Geoff from the Fox Project picked up the fox cub and brought it to us immediately as she was extremely poorly 🥺
Miguel our vet took the cub in and assessed her. Her temperature was so low that it wasn’t reading on the thermometer. The team urgently started to warm her and got her eating and stable to transfer to The Fox Project 🦊
We recently had an update and it was reported that her name is Berry and she is doing extremely well. She has been placed with two other cubs Tizz and Fizz who are also being rehabilitated to be released into the wild in August 😎
We’re so pleased she is doing well 💪
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.
