e: info@advertizer.co.uk | www.advertizer.co.uk | December 2020
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pets
Festive hazards The Christmas season is a time to celebrate and have fun, but it’s important to remember that there can be some hidden dangers for our four legged friends at this time of year, from toxic foods to poisonous plants and potential foreign bodies. These include:
Chocolate Chocolate contains theobromine which is toxic to dogs. It can cause gastrointestinal upsets, agitation, excitation, tremors, convulsions and even heart problems.
Helping Wildlife in Winter What should I put out for the animals? • Birds - seeds, suet balls, mealworms, berries or chopped up fruits (apples, pears, plums) • Hedgehogs - minced meat, tinned dog/cat food (not fish-based), chopped boiled egg • Squirrels - hazelnuts, walnuts, sunflower seeds, chopped carrot
chestnuts,
• Badgers - Fruit (apples, grapes, peanuts, dried dog food, mealworms
pears),
• Small mammals - mixed seeds
Christmas pudding and mince pies
Christmas plants
Dried products such as currants, sultanas and raisins found in puddings and mince pies are also toxic to dogs. Even small amounts of these can cause kidney failure which can be fatal.
Many plants that we have in the house at Christmas can also be toxic to our pets. Poinsettia, holly, mistletoe and pine needles can all cause vomiting and diarrhoea. In addition poinsettia can cause irritation to the mouth and hypersalivation, and ivy may cause local skin irritations.
Onions Onions can cause vomiting and diarrhoea initially. They can also cause damage to red blood cells leading to anaemia developing several days after ingestion. Similar signs are seen with garlic, leeks, shallots and chives.
Foreign bodies
Macademia nuts
Foreign bodies are inedible materials that are ingested and can cause choking, damage to the gastrointestinal system or obstruction of the stomach or intestine. This can be very serious and may require urgent surgery to remove the foreign body. Things to consider a hazard include Christmas decorations made of plastic, paper or foil, wrapping paper, tissue paper, string and candles.
These can cause lethargy, increased temperature, tremors, lameness and generalised stiffness in dogs.
Have fun this Christmas, but remember to keep an eye on what your furry family members are munching on!
Alcohol Initially alcohol can cause dogs to be drowsy and wobbly. This can progress to low body temperature, low blood sugar and coma.
Microchip Details Its always worthwhile to take a minute to check your pet’s details so your furry friend can always be returned safely should they wander away. If you have changed any of your contact details such as your phone number or you have moved house, don’t forget to update your pets microchip details. It could be what helps reunite you with them if they are lost or stolen.
