10/12/2024
Check out Gavin Russell's write up on keeping your pet safe this Christmas. Featured in a West Cork Christmas.
Christmas is a wonderful time of the year. A time for giving and a time for receiving. A time for relaxing with family, friends, and
pets. At Riverview Veterinary Group it can be a busy time
of the year looking after pets. We have vets on call
throughout the festive period looking after pets who have
over indulged or even tried to eat part of the Christmas
tree. This Christmas let us give a little thought to keeping
our pets safe. Let us look at some potential pitfalls and
hazards Christmas brings.
Probably out in front is chocolate a favorite all year round
but especially at Christmas. Chocolate contains
theobromine which causes problems in pets and the
darker the chocolate the deadlier. Chocolate can cause
a rapid heart rate seizures and upset stomachs. White
chocolate can also cause problems. Chocolate is not for
pets. It can cause a real emergency necessitating prompt
veterinary care. Do not leave chocolate near your pets.
In addition to chocolate there are lots of food hazards.
Let us have a quick whistle stop tour over some of the
usual suspects. Food is a big part of Christmas
celebrations. Some pet owners like to give their pets
treats for Christmas including parts of Christmas
Dinners. Lots of foods in Christmas dinners can cause
problems for our pets. Bones both raw and cooked
including turkey bones can cause choking, constipation,
and damage to your pets' stomach. Let us not give Rover
a turkey tummy. Avoid giving your pets any leftovers.
Nuts, raisins, grapes, and onions are all potentially toxic
to our pets. Avoid giving your pet Christmas
pudding ,cake and mince pies. It probably goes without
saying but just in case do not give your pet alcoholβyou
would be amazed ! Keep those boozy treats out of reach.
Dairy products contain lactose which causes tummy
upsets and diarrhoea. Sausages may seem like a
harmless treat, but sausages can contain a lot of fat.
This can cause inflammation of the pancreas. Dogs can
become very unwell with vomiting ,diarrhea fever and
abdominal pain. Different dogs have different
sensitivities. Cockers and miniature schnauzers can be
particularly sensitive. But excess fat in any diet can
cause issues for our pets.
It is preferable to use pet approved treats.
Do not forget Christmas decorations. Keep all
decorations out of the reach of curious pets. Tinsel is a
particular problem. It is bright shiny and catches light
arousing pets' interest. It can be a nasty foreign body. It is
not easy to see on an x-ray meaning that it is radio
invisible. Pets can show great interest in decorations
hanging from Christmas trees. Make sure your tree is well
anchored. Brush up pine needles regularly. These can
end up in foot pads and mouths. Do not leave batteries
from toys lying around. Batteries contain heavy metals
and can cause burns and obstructions in our pets'
stomachs.
Watch out for all things plant like. Holly mistletoe
poinsettia and lilies can cause vomiting, drooling
diarrhoea and kidney problems.
Remember to watch open fires and burning candles.
How about a calm quiet area where a pet can retreat to
over Christmas. When there are extra visitors, noise,
music and bright light some pets can feel overwhelmed.
Create a safe space where pets can go. For anxious pets
our clinics can provide calming plug-in diffusers. These
are available for both cats and dogs. They can help pets
feel calmer amidst all the buzz at Christmas. There are
nonprescription anti-anxiety supplements which may
help. For particularly anxious pets we can prescribe
more specialised medication following a consultation
with one of our vets.
Let us make Christmas wonderful and safe for our pets.
Spoil your pets with safe treats, safe toys and lots of
walks. Remember our vets at Riverview Veterinary Group
are available over the Christmas period if your pet is
unwell. Hopefully with the above points in mind it will be
a safe happy time for all. If you have any questions,
please do not hesitate to contact me.
Happy Christmas to all our readers.
Gavin Russell MVB GP CERT SAM
Riverview Veterinary Group
Distillery Road
Bandon
023 8841503
[email protected]