3 minute read
Looking after your pets this Christmas
LOOKING AFTER YOUR PETS THIS WINTER
GARDEN VETS' veterinarian Katherine Williamson offers some tips to make sure your pets stay safe and well this festive season...
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While winter nights are fast approaching and we begin to wrap up warm on the sofa, it is important to remember the risks our pets face at this time of year. From decorating our Christmas trees, gorging ourselves on delicious food, and the ever-odious task of de-icing our cars in the morning, the festive season presents a range of hazards to our furry family members. At Garden Veterinary Group, we aim to provide all the advice and guidance you may need to navigate the winter months safely, without missing out on Christmas cheer.
A hazard well known by most is anti-freeze – even a small amount of this toxin is potentially fatal and can cause irreparable damage leading to seizures and kidney failure. This is a particular risk for our feline companions who tend to find the sweet-tasting liquid while hiding under our cars. Try to check your own water coolant system for leaks and ensure correct and safe storage of all anti-freeze solutions. Keep an eye out for your pet exhibiting warning signs, such as vomiting or appearing drunk. The sooner treatment is received, the better their chances of survival.
Winter walks can also pose a hazard to our companions. Rock salt, used to make roads and pavements safer can lead to poorly pets. Ingestion from licking paws and grooming can lead to increased thirst, lethargy, vomiting and kidney damage due to salt poisoning. Try to wash those paws and their tummy when you get back home to avoid any issues.
Christmas time also brings a lot of Christmas food, often including ingredients hazardous to our pets. With currants in cakes, chocolate under the tree and foods high in fat and salt sitting temptingly on counter-tops, our resourceful pets have many opportunities to over-indulge. Eating what they shouldn't can lead to pets having poorly tummies, poisoning and even conditions such as pancreatitis. Opting for more pet-friendly alternatives for your furry friends or taking every precaution to make sure they can’t access Christmas treats will ensure celebrations aren’t rudely interrupted.
Our winter social media campaign will offer tips and advice so you feel confident in your beloved pets' safety at home, without compromising on fun! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for all the information you need on those sneaky winter-time hazards and how to avoid any festive pot-holes. Winter fun and winter safety can go hand in hand. We'd be delighted to show you how.
• gardenvets.co.uk
Katherine Williamson
WHERE YOUR PET IS A MEMBER OF OUR FAMILY TOO
For over 50 years, Garden Veterinary Group has been providing high quality, compassionate veterinary services in Chippenham and Corsham.
01249 653181 • 01249 716432 www.gardenvets.co.uk fi
Online booking & medication ordering available
Pine Ridge Dog Sanctuary
Saving stray & unwanted dogs since 1958
MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!
Pine Ridge Dog Sanctuary is a small independent animal rescue organisation. We are a non-destruction sanctuary for abandoned and unwanted dogs.
Our dogs are all vet checked, vaccinated, wormed, neutered (if old enough), chipped, and looking for loving new homes OPEN DAILY BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
(Office Hours: 10:00-12:00 & 14:00-16:00)
Pine Ridge Dog Sanctuary, Priory Rd, Ascot, Berks SL5 8RJ 01344 882689 | pineridgedogs@yahoo.co.uk
Registered Charity Number 256728
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