Pets

Keep your pets safe at Christmas

Christmas is a time of 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. See below our list of the foods and seasonal plants that pose the greatest risk to our four-legged friends. Dangerous food 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. Avoid putting any chocolate on the tree and keep your Advent calendars well out of reach of furry paws. Christmas puddings and mince pies may 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 to do if your 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. Turkey meat – no skin (very fatty) or bones Salmon – plain fillets preferable over smoked 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 a major tummy upset.

Other Christmas hazards Wrapping paper and ribbon Silica Gel Candles Christmas decorations

These can all pose a risk if ingested by your furry friend and can sometimes cause damage to the intestinal tract or even a blockage. Christmas is a time for joy and a great opportunity to have fun with your pets, so looking out for any potential dangers will help keep you all safe. www.vetsmiths.co.uk

Pets for sale/wanted

Pretty kittens For sale. Fluffy, very tame, wormed, litter trained, ready 4/12/21 Tel 07887 692394

250 hybrid hens 18 weeks old. Fully vaccinated and ready to go- mixture of blue, brown, white and dark brown layers. Call 07813 564146 for more information Canaries £12 each (13 for sale) 01963548563

German Shepherd pups for sale, ready now Tel 07852 457230

English Springer Spaniel puppies born 30/9/21 micro chipped, vet checked and first immunisation, beautiful fun, clever puppies £1,000 each Tel 07867 116038 Terrier Wanted. Dog or Bitch, not puppy, experienced country home 01747 811048

Lurcher pups boys and girls microchipped long and short coats both parents can be seen £350 Tel 07710 795806

Cool for cats...

Volunteers at Cats Protection Wimborne are holding their annual jumble sale on Saturday, December 11. The event – which was cancelled last year – takes place at the town’s British Legion Club from noon to 3pm. All monies raised will help look after local cats and kittens.

YORKIEPOO PUPPIES FOR SALE Tel 07734 447833 ready Christmas week, loving families only