Pets at Christmas
Christmas is a time of pure indulgence for us all and it can be all too easy to fall into the trap of spoiling our pets too.
However, we need to be aware of toxic foods and plants at this time of year, that if ingested, can cause severe illness.
We’ve listed the foods and seasonal plants that pose the greatest risk to our four-legged and furry friends.
Dangerous foods
Chocolate – Theobromine, the chemical found in chocolate, can cause severe vomiting, diarrhoea, hyperexcitability, tremors, seizures and even death in very severe cases.
The darker the chocolate, the higher the level of theobromine. White chocolate contains low levels which is normally not toxic, but can be fatty, thus posing a risk to any dogs with pancreatitis.
It’s best to avoid putting any chocolate on the tree and keep your Advent calendars well out of reach of furry paws.
Christmas puddings and mince pies will normally contain currants, sultanas and raisins – even in small amounts these can cause severe kidney failure.
Onions (garlic, shallots, chives, leeks) – these belong to the Allium species of plant which can cause red blood cell damage and anaemia.
What do I do if my dog eats any of the above?
Contact your vet at the earliest opportunity!
Time is of the essence in these cases and treatment is best when given within an hour after the problem food has been ingested.
Where possible try to make a note of the quantity and type of food eaten as this will help your vet.
Plants
Ingestion of most of these plants will cause a stomach upset and can be toxic if ingested in large doses.
They’re best kept well out of reach.
- Lilies – the whole plant is particularly toxic to cats
- Holly
- Poinsettia
- Mistletoe
- Christmas Tree
- Ivy
What leftovers can I give my pet?
Leftovers are fine in small quantities as a treat, provided your dog is healthy and has no underlying conditions, eg allergies, pancreatitis.
These can include:
- Turkey meat – no skin (as this is very fatty) or bones
- Salmon – plain fillets preferable over smoked salmon
- Potatoes and some vegetables, like green beans, brussel sprouts, parsnips, carrots, peas
It’s important to avoid giving cooked carcasses or leftovers that may have turned mouldy as these can cause your pet to have a major tummy upset.
Other Christmas hazards to be aware of
- Wrapping paper and ribbon in particular
- Silica Gel
- Candles
- Christmas decorations
Unfortunately, these can all pose a risk if ingested and can sometimes cause damage to the intestinal tract or in the worst case scenario, a blockage.
We don’t want to put a damper on this wonderful time of the year, as Christmas is a time for joy and a great opportunity to have fun with your pets. Just be aware of the potential dangers and risks to keep you all safe.
