Pets Corner

Christmas is the perfect time of year to treat our pets but can also result in an increase in potential toxins around the house.

Christmas plants like mistletoe and poinsettia can cause drooling, vomiting and diarrhoea if ingested and in large amounts, mistletoe may result in weakness, heart disturbances and seizures. Ensure these plants are kept out of reach of our furry friends.

With lots of yummy food we can be tempted to overindulge our pets, however fatty foods can result in vomiting, diarrhoea or even pancreatitis. Chocolate contains theobromine, a chemical similar to caffeine, which stimulates the nervous system and can cause agitation, seizures and heart disturbances. Christmas cake or pudding containing raisins, currants and sultanas can result in kidney failure. The toxic mechanism is unknown but even very small quantities can be a problem. Macadamia nuts can cause vomiting, weakness and a high temperature but again the toxic mechanism is unknown. Our pets must not be allowed to scavenge these Christmas foods.

As we all know, some animals will eat anything and gut obstruction as a result of consumption of tree and cake decorations, tinsel, wrapping ribbons, toys or cooked meat bones can result in the need for surgical removal.

If you are concerned your pet has eaten anything discussed in this article, please contact your vet immediately.

We wish you and your pets a very Merry Christmas! Tel: 01403 791011 www.maltmancosham.co.uk