11/12/2022
Christmas is a wonderful time to relax with family and friends, both two and four legged friends. It can however be a scary and dangerous time for our pets.
Did you know that vets typically report the festive season as being one of their busiest times of year!
The top reasons pets visit a Veterinarian on Christmas Day:
- Foreign body ingestion (Christmas decorations, tinsel)
- Gastritis / Enteritis (eating rich Christmas foods)
- Chocolate poisoning
- Lacerations
Knowing the dangers is key!
1. Chocolate contains a stimulant called theobromine, a bit like caffeine, which, while tasty, is severely poisonous to cats and dogs.
2. Mince Pies and Christmas Puddings all contain grapes, raisins, currants and sultanas which are toxic to dogs; as are foods that contain them – which means no mince pies for your pooch.
3.Tinsel , while it might look like a lot of fun to play with, tinsel can cause dangerous blockages in an animal's stomach.
4. Fairy Lights, cats and dogs are curious and will try to chew on anything, including fairy lights – which can burn and even electrocute them.
5. Alcohol can cause severe liver and brain damage in animals. As little as a tablespoon can lead to problems for your cat or dogs
6. Wrapping paper , eating a large amount of paper could cause an obstruction in the stomach.
Christmas is a time of year to celebrate and be with family, the last thing anyone would want is to be stuck in a Veterinary Clinic on Christmas day. Taking precautions with pets during these festive times can help ensure that you and your family will enjoy a happy and healthy holiday season!
