Christmas hazards for your pet
As the festive season approaches, we want everyone to have an enjoyable and stress free time with their pets. We have made a list (and we’re checking it twice) of some of the hazards you may need to watch out for this Christmas!
If you are concerned that any of these have affected your pet, please call your vets for advice. If your pet has ingested something toxic call your vet immediately as if treatment is needed the sooner the better.
Chocolate
Chocolate contains the stimulant theobromine which is toxic to dogs and cats. Pets may show symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, shaking and seizures. Owners are sometimes caught out by chocolate gifts wrapped and left under the tree, so make sure to keep any chocolate items out of the reach of you pets! And if you are gifting chocolate, let the recipient know the gift needs to be kept away from their pets.
Raisins, sultanas and grapes
These items are commonly found this time of year in delicious treats such as mince pies, Christmas pudding and fruit cake. They are toxic to cats and dogs causing potential damage to the kidneys, so should be kept where they cannot be accessed. These food items can be very dangerous for pets even when consumed in tiny quantities and immediate veterinary advise should be sought if this is the case.
Onion
A lot of Christmas foods may contain onion (this also includes leaks and garlic) such as stuffing and gravy. Items containing onion should not be fed to your pet. Onion can cause damage to red blood cells in cats and dogs so is best avoided. It can also cause vomiting and diarrhoea.
Artificial sweetener (Xylitol)
The sweetener xylitol is sometimes used in pre-made Christmas treats such as cakes and biscuits and is even used in some other items such as jams and peanut butters. Xylitol can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar for dogs, and you may see symptoms such as a loss of co-ordination, seizuring and collapsing. signs can be seen anywhere from 30 minutes to 12 hours after consumption. Make sure to check ingredient lists carefully, sometimes Xylitol is listed as “birch sugar” or “wood sugar”. If you are unsure if a product contains xylitol it is best to keep it well away from your pets.
Ribbons and tinsel
These items pose a risk to any pets but are particularly dangerous for cats. Cats enjoy playing with string like items and can ingest these causing an obstruction. These string like or “linear” items can cause a lot of damage to the cat’s gut and often need surgical removal. Make sure to keep these items away from cats and make sure they have plenty of appropriate toys to play with instead!
Glass baubles, fairy lights and Christmas trees
There are many potential risks here, but to name a few:
glass baubles can fall and smash, causing potential injury to pets when trodden on or ingested.
pets can become entangles in fairy lights and become injured. There is also the risk of pets chewing electrical wires - this is a risk for all pets but particularly puppies and kittens who love to chew, and our small mammals such as rabbits! Some fairy lights are also battery powered so ensure any batteries are secure as they pose a risk to pets when ingested.
Christmas trees should be secured well as they are irresistible to climb for some cats, and if they fall can cause injury
Plants
Some plants such as pointsettia, Holly, Ivy and mistletoe that we commonly bring indoors at Christmas can be toxic to pets and lead to tummy upsets among other symptoms when ingested. Particular care should be taken regarding Lillies as these are highly toxic to cats. All parts of the plant are toxic including the pollen and immediate veterinary advice should be sought if your cat is suspected to have ingested any part of a Lilly. We would advise against having Lillies in the house if you have cats due to the risk.
Open fires and candles
This is the time of year for a cosy open fire (if you have one) and many people have candles on display. Care should be taken with pets around any open flames as there is the risk they may get too close and get burnt. Care should also be taken with pets knocking over candles and causing them to set fire to other items.
Cold weather
Rock salt or grit used to de ice roads is toxic to pets when ingested. Dogs and cats may get it on their paws when outside and lick it off, potentially causing a dangerously high salt level in their blood stream that can have very serious effects. If your pet has this on their paws or fur gently wash it away, wipe their feet when cats come in or when dogs have been for a walk. It is also best to try to prevent pets from drinking from melted snow puddles in areas where grit has been used.
Cold weather also poses a risk to pets kept outside. When small mammals such as rabbits and guinea pigs are kept outdoors, extra care should be taken to ensure they are kept warm enough in the winter months. Make sure their housing is suitably insulated and they have lots of species appropriate bedding so they can keep themselves warm. It is also important to make sure water bowls and bottles do not become frozen, preventing them from drinking. Some owners bring these pets indoors when temperatures drop, if you do so ensure you allow them time to slowly acclimatise to the increased temperature as a rapid change in environmental temperature can be dangerous for these pets.
Too much rich food
Pets often over indulge at Christmas much like us! The Blue Cross have some useful information on what parts of your Christmas dinner are OK to give your dog which can be viewed here
Stressful situations
Christmas can be a stressful time for pets. There is often a change in their normal routine, sometimes furniture is moved to allow room for decorations and for extra guests. Those extra guests in their space can also be a cause of stress. Try to keep your pet’s routine as regular as you can and ensure they have a safe and quiet space they can retreat to where they will not be bothered. Ensure the safe space includes access to their resources such as food and water, toys and bedding that will help them feel reassured and ensure cats have access to litter tray(s).
The Blue Cross have some really helpful information on keeping your dog and visitors safe this Christmas
