Have you got Christmas all wrapped up? Don’t forget that this can be a difficult time for your pets – the change in routine can be stressful for them and the festivities can present a hazard too. So here are our top five tips for a safe, fun Christmas with your pet: 1. Fix decorations securely out of reach and take care if your pet is a sock-chewer! – Our vets say that digestive foreign bodies are a common problem at Christmas as our cats and dogs chew and swallow all manner of interesting new objects, from visitor’s socks and new toys to baubles and tinsel 2. Don’t leave chocolate under the tree! It is just too tempting and can be highly toxic for dogs, depending on the type and amount eaten. While you’re at it hide the mince pies too, and any other food rich in dried fruit, as raisins can cause renal problems for dogs. Keep macadamia nuts away from the dog, as they can cause toxicity, and consider plants and flowers – lillies are poisonous for cats and the berries from festive plants can cause irritation if consumed. 3. Stick to your pet’s normal diet – Overindulgence is not just a consideration for us – lots of titbits and too much fatty food could cause your pet a nasty stomach upset and or even a bout of pancreatitis. 4. Defrost the turkey somewhere safe! Both cats and dogs might help themselves otherwise - remember that raw meat presents a food hygiene risk for your pets and that bones could cause damage to the mouth and digestive tract. And Christmas lunch would be ruined! 5. Keep your vet’s number handy – and contact them for advice straight away if your pet eats something they shouldn’t or if they seem unwell. It’s a good idea to check your vet’s Christmas opening hours but remember that they will be available to help you out-of-hours for emergencies and will be able to give you quick advice over the phone that could make all the difference. Here’s to a happy and safe Christmas!
Posted on: Sat, 20 Dec 2014 10:40:07 +0000
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