Holiday Hazards!

Most people know that chocolate can be toxic to dogs, but that is not the only danger over the festive period!

All of the onion family, including shallots, leeks, garlic & chives whether they are cooked, dried or raw can be poisonous to dogs. By checking pack labels you will find onions in gravy, ready meals and takeaways as well as in some of your home cooked favourites. It is advisable not to offer table scraps to your dog and to call the vet if an accident should happen!

Many over the counter and prescription drugs for humans are toxic to cats and dogs. If you think your cat or dog may have eaten something they shouldn’t have, call your vet ASAP! Symptoms can vary depending on what they have eaten, it is important to get them treated as soon as you can, and to give the vet as much information about the medication so they can ensure your loved one is treated correctly.

Many people know small, cooked bones especially from poultry can fragment into pieces with very sharp edges when chewed by dogs. Look out for small toys, decorations and wrapped presents that could harm your pet if swallowed, this could be either from sharp edges, or by causing a blockage in their digestive system.

Antifreeze and pets do not mix! While humans may find the smell of it unpleasant, to animals it smells delicious, and they are more than happy to lap it up! Consumption of anti-freeze can lead to fatal renal failure, so please, call us immediately if you think your pet has had access to any. Symptoms of poisoning include vomiting, lethargy, diarrhoea, panting, drinking more or seeming unsteady and un-coordinated.

Most species of Christmas trees are low toxicity but they may cause vomiting and/or diarrhoea if chewed. Pine needles in themselves can get stuck in paws and cause irritation. Mistletoe and Holly can cause mild stomach upsets or skin irritations, and the amaryllis bulbs can be fatal! Try to keep your furry loved ones away from these is you can!  If you have a real tree, it's a good idea to sweep up any needles that have fallen on the floor to prevent any accidents and ideally keep plenty of water in the bucket to help reduce the number of fallen needles. Eating any part of the lily – flowers, leaves, stem or pollen – is extremely dangerous to cats and can cause kidney damage and even death.

Some people know not to give alcoholic drinks to their pets; however, alcohol poisoning in pets is more common than you think! Ingestion of alcohol can cause dangerous drops in blood sugar levels, blood pressure and body temperature. Intoxicated animals can experience seizures and respiratory failure.

Raisins, currants and sultanas can be poisonous to dogs, so please take care to keep cakes and snacks away from them! While some individual pets do not show any signs, poisoning can occur with as few as 8 raisins in a Yorkshire Terrier. Don’t wait for symptoms to appear, just call your vet immediately!

If you unsure about anything your pet may have eaten over the festive period, please just call! The V.E.T.S team are there all over the Christmas period whenever your normal vets is shut!