For many of us Christmas is a busy and exciting time of year! However for your pet, the festive period can be fraught with potential dangers to their health and wellbeing.
Reduce the risk of an emergency trip to the vet and ensure the whole family has a very merry Christmas by taking note of the advice below.
1. Real Trees
The oils found in fur trees are mildly toxic to pets and can cause a tummy upset if ingested. The needles can easily become lodged in a paw or throat so make sure fallen needles are cleared up promptly and ensure pets aren’t left unsupervised near the tree.
2. Decorations & Lights
Rabbits, cats and dogs have all been known to chew through wires so make sure your cables are tucked away safely. Baubles can look just like toys to pets! They may want to play with them – resulting in broken glass and potential damage to paws, chew them or even eat them which can often mean a visit to the vet. Also, ensure any chocolate tree decorations are out of reach!
3. Dangerous Foods
- Chocolate – Many of us know that chocolate is toxic to animals so make sure it is kept out of the way but also don’t forget to check that there are no confectionary gifts under the tree because they might well be sniffed out and devoured!
- Mince Pies, Christmas Pudding and Christmas Cake – These all contain vast amounts of currants and raisins which are highly toxic to dogs. Eating even a few raisins or currants can cause vomiting and sometimes even kidney failure.
- Nuts – Macadamia nuts in particular are highly toxic and can cause weakness and vomiting.
- Onions – Anything containing onions, such as gravy is likely to cause stomach irritation to your pet and may result in vomiting and diarrhoea.
- Bones – Cooked bones can splinter into sharp shards that can easily get caught in a dog’s throat or bowel. Make sure the turkey carcass is inaccessible!
- Alcohol – Just a small amount of alcohol can create levels of toxicity in a pet that can cause tremors, difficulty breathing and sometimes even death.
4. Poisonous Floral Decorations
Poinsettia, Mistletoe, Amaryllis and Holly are Christmas favourites but they are dangerous for pets. With varying levels of toxicity, the side effects depend on how much of the plant is consumed. Display them well out of reach to avoid any tummy troubles.
5. Keep Pets Happy
Christmas time often means a busy home, with friends and family coming together to celebrate. Unfamiliar people and more noise can be frightening for your pet so it’s a good idea to provide them with a safe room where they can escape and feel at ease if it all becomes too much. Pheromone diffusers can often provide comfort in these circumstances.
It’s really important to maintain your pet’s normal routines, especially with feeding and exercise. This can be helpful in ensuring that they don’t become too unsettled and are able to enjoy the festive season too!
If you need any advice during the Festive period, please call us on:
St Kitts Veterinary Centre: 01252 844044
Basingstoke Veterinary Centre: 01256 844944
Crookham Park Veterinary Centre: 01252 913990
Firgrove Veterinary Centre: 01252 877799
Opening times:
Monday 23rd – Normal Opening Hours
Tuesday 24th – 6pm Close
Wednesday 25th – Vets Now Farnham 01252 737555
Thursday 26th – Vets Now Farnham 01252 737555
Friday 27th – Monday 30th December – Normal Opening Hours
Tuesday 31st – 6pm Close
Wednesday 1st January – Vets Now Farnham 01252 737555
Thursday 2nd January – Normal Opening Hours
