Image: Dom Heartley from Unsplash
For those of us who celebrate Christmas, it is typically filled with festive feasts, pulling crackers, exchanging gifts, and spending time with our family and friends. However, at this time of year, it’s also crucial to remember the safety of our four-legged friends. Every year, we see pets that have gotten themselves into trouble after sneaking a bite of something they shouldn’t, leading to unnecessary vet visits. With a little foresight, you can keep your pets safe while still including them in the festive celebrations.
Here are a few things that you can do to ensure your pets stay safe this Christmas.
Grapes, Raisins, and Sultanas
Christmas treats like mince pies, Christmas pudding, and fruitcake may be a highlight of the season for humans, but they’re a serious hazard for dogs. Ingredients such as grapes, raisins, and sultanas are highly toxic for dogs and can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and, in severe cases, acute kidney failure. Even small amounts can prove fatal, so it is essential to act quickly.
If your dog consumes any of these foods, please call us immediately. Treatment typically involves inducing vomiting and administering activated charcoal to help prevent further absorption in the stomach. We will then monitor your dog for kidney damage through blood tests, and we may even provide intravenous fluids to give your pet the best chance of survival. Even if your dog appears fine initially, these toxins can affect the kidneys and cause delayed but fatal effects.
Macadamia Nuts
Another festive favourite for many humans is macadamia nuts. However, this nut is also a danger for dogs. Ingesting macadamia nuts can lead to symptoms such as hind-leg weakness, lethargy, vomiting, tremors, and fever. While not usually fatal, the effects are distressing for pets and their owners alike.
Be sure to pick up any dropped nuts immediately, and never leave a bowl of nuts unattended on a low table or surface that your dog can reach.
Chocolate
From advent calendars to treats wrapped under the tree, chocolate is often found around the home at Christmas time. However, chocolate poses a significant risk to pets due to theobromine and caffeine, compounds that dogs cannot metabolise efficiently. Dark chocolate is particularly dangerous because it contains higher levels of theobromine.
Symptoms of chocolate poisoning include restlessness, rapid heart rate, seizures, and, in severe cases, death. Always store chocolate well out of reach of curious noses and avoid hanging any chocolate decorations on your Christmas tree.
Rawhide and Bones
Our pets are part of the family, and we all like to include them in the gift-giving tradition of Christmas. Whilst it might seem natural to give your dog a bone for a treat or gift, it’s best avoided. Rawhide and bones can cause severe health issues, such as choking or obstructions in the digestive system. Splintered bones, in particular, can lodge in the oesophagus or cause internal injuries. Instead, treat your pet to safe, vet-approved chews.
Festive Decorations
Many of us who celebrate Christmas love to put up festive decorations, including decorating a tree. However, please remember that decorations can be very small and may fall off the tree. They can be fragile and break, causing small cuts on paws, and if swallowed, they can be a choking hazard. In addition, if any items reach your pet’s stomach, they may not pass through their intestines and cause a blockage, which may require surgery to correct. Both of these cases are emergencies, so please ring us straight away.
To avoid any hazards, hang fragile decorations higher up the tree and ensure they are well secured. Do regular checks around your tree for any decorations that may have been knocked off by a passing family member or guest—or even an excited wagging tail.
Tips to Keep Pets Safe
Secure the Feast: Keep food out of reach and ensure leftovers are stored safely.
Educate Guests: Let visitors know not to feed your pets, especially young children who might share harmful treats out of kindness.
Provide Alternatives: Offer pet-friendly Christmas treats so your furry companions don’t feel left out.
Decorate Wisely: Be cautious with edible decorations, such as chocolate ornaments, which pets may target. Check for any loose decorations that may have fallen onto the floor.
Here’s a handy overview of some of the hidden dangers for pets at Christmas time, including an important action list if you think your dog or cat has eaten poison or something poisonous.
For those of you who are celebrating Christmas, we hope you have a lovely festive season, and this information helps to keep your pets safe at home. If you have any concerns or you think your pet has ingested something it shouldn't, please call us at Coquet Vets on 01665 252250. For out of hours or emergencies, see our contact page here.
