FestiveDangers For Your Furry Friend.

Winter and the festive season both presents a world of hidden dangers to our four-legged friends, from poisionous plants to battery powered problems.

Many owners are blissfully unaware of just how many of our festive favourites spell out trouble on many levels for our beloved pets. Here are a few hidden festive dangers:

Sub zero temperatures and candle light walks.

Most of us will struggle to walk you dog in day light hours at the moment so the use of illuminated collars, reflective leads and fluorescent jackets is vital to making sure both traffic and pedestrians can see both you and your dog. Also, take note of the temperature and how many extra layers you put on, then take a moment to consider your dog. Geriatric, pediatric, and fine coated dogs are more susceptible to losing heat and suffering from hypotherima, so a dog jacket may be a great Christmas present (a fluorescent one will serve two purposes). Should you get separated from your friend, they will be more visible to all and have more chance of maintaining a reasonable body temperature too.

Now for festive foods....top of the list...Chocolate!

The chemical theobromine, is found in chocolate is very toxic to dogs. Even small amounts can cause agitation, hyperexcitability, tremors, convulsions and problems with the heart. The darker the chocolate, the more higher the levels of theobromine become( cooking chocolate is the most dangerous) Avoid putting any chocolate on or under the Christmas tree.

One of the most overlooked....Grapes

Grapes and their dried products (currants, sultanas and raisins) are toxic to dogs. Ingestion of even a small quantity can cause severe kidney failure. Beware!

Bones

Once cooked all bones become brittle and splinter easily. This can lead to fragments potentially getting ‘stuck’, causing gut irritation and perforation or even just difficulty toileting . Take all bones and carcasses straight outside into a sealed bin to avoid any problems.

Onions (and garlic, leeks, shallots and chives)

These can cause toxicity, whether uncooked or cooked. Initially there can be vomiting and diarrhoea but the main effect is damage to red blood cells, resulting in anaemia. Do not give your pet any left overs!

Decorations

Whilst not often toxic they can still cause significant problems if ingested. Baubles will tend to splinter or smash into shards which can cause irritation, perforation

BE AWARE OF FESTIVE DANGERS FOR YOUR FURRY FRIEND! by Meg Dale

or blockages and dogs and cats tend to enjoy playing with and eating tinsel. This can bunch up and cause blockages. Your dog or cat may also get a nasty shock if they chew through the electrical cable for your Christmas lights - and don’t forget the fire hazard.

Christmas trees, holly, mistletoe and poinsettia

These are all mildly toxic if ingested and can cause vomiting, drooling, diarrhoea to name a few. Pine needles can get stuck in paws and cause irritation as well as potentially causing irritation or perforation of the intestines if eaten. Vacuum daily and keep plenty of water in the bucket to help reduce the number that fall.

Batteries

If a battery is chewed and pierced it can cause chemical burns and metal poisoning. If swallowed whole it is possible they will cause an obstruction. All batteries are potentially toxic so if you suspect your dog has chewed or swallowed a battery speak to your vet.

Presents

Be sure to keep any presents that may contain chocolate/alcohol/batteries out of reach (have a shake of that mystery gift!). A lot of families buy their furry little friends their own presents to open with the family on Christmas day. This is great, but remember your pet doesn’t know how to differentiate between human and animal presents when you are not there to help out!