1.Christmas Trees, Decorations and Ornaments
A Christmas tree can be a wonder
for pets but also a danger:
Tip: Cover cords, use
pet-friendly tree stands, only hang lights up high and ensure the tree is
stable.
Shiny baubles and tinsel can be
tempting for curious pets, but they pose serious risks. They can cause choking, intestinal blockages
or other severe digestive issues.
Tip: Use unbreakable
ornaments and avoid tinsel, or hang them high and out of reach
2. Ingestible Hazards
- Chocolate: Chocolate contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs and cats. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are particularly dangerous due to their higher levels of theobromine. Symptoms of chocolate poisoning can include vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, increased heart rate, and even seizures or death in severe cases.
- Grapes, stone fruits, raisins: Even in small amounts, these can lead to symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy and can cause acute kidney failure in dogs. This includes the ingestion of mince pies, Christmas pudding or other Christmas desserts that contain these fruits.
- Onions (scallions, chives, leeks etc.) and Garlic: Both foods, whether raw, cooked, or powdered, can damage a dog’s red blood cells and lead to anaemia.
- Xylitol: A common sugar substitute found in many holiday treats, xylitol can cause a rapid insulin release in dogs, leading to hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar). Symptoms can include vomiting, loss of coordination, and seizures. It’s especially prevalent in sugar-free candies and baked goods, so be vigilant!
- Macadamia Nuts: These nuts can cause weakness, depression, vomiting, tremors, and hyperthermia in dogs. Even a small amount can lead to adverse effects, so it’s best to keep them away from your pets.
- Fatty Foods: Rich foods, like gravies, bones and meats high in fat, can lead to pancreatitis in both dogs and cats. Symptoms include vomiting, abdominal pain, and lethargy. It's important to avoid giving pets table scraps, especially during holiday feasts.
- Bones: It may be tempting to give your little ones post-Christmas ham or turkey bones, however cooked bones can splinter and cause choking or serious internal injuries. Stick to pet-safe chews and avoid giving bones from holiday meals.
- Alcohol: If left unattended it is quite easy for your pet to sneak a drink from alcoholic beverage that might by lying around at Christmas gatherings. If consumed, your pet can experience intoxication symptoms such as incoordination, drowsiness and GI irritation. In severe cases coma and even death can occur. So, it is best to keep the consumption of alcohol to the adult humans!
- Avocado: This can be harmful for pets as it contains persin which can cause issues with the gastrointestinal tract such as vomiting and diarrhoea and in some cases heart issues when consumed in large amounts. The flesh of an avocado has a high fat content so if eaten in large quantities it can also cause pancreatitis. If the pit of the fruit is eaten there is a chance this may develop into a foreign body blockage.
Tip: Keep all food out of reach and inform guests about pet safety around food. If your pet does ingest any of these be sure to seek veterinary advice as soon as possible. The general rule is vomiting can be induced within a maximum of 2 hours after ingestion.
3. Christmas Gifts:
Christmas gifts may pose a danger to our pets if we are not aware of the risks.
- Batteries: many toys and Christmas gifts will contain or require batteries. It is important to keep these away from pets as ingestion can cause internal chemical burns of the mouth and GI tract along with bleeding. They can also get stuck in the esophagus posing a choking hazard.
- Lillies: Even though these flowers are lovely to look at they can cause quite significant problems for cats. All parts of a lily are toxic to cats from the petals to the water in the vase. Even a small pollen that may have fallen onto your cat’s fur and licked off during grooming can cause rapid acute kidney failure which can be fatal. If you are gifted lilies, it is important to keep them well out of reach of your cat.
- Poinsettia: A popular Christmas gift for many, this plant is only mildly toxic to pets however it is still best to avoid exposure. Signs to watch for include skin/eye irritation, vomiting, diarrhoea or nausea. Generally, there is no need for medical treatment unless symptoms persist or worsen.
- Mistletoe: Avoid the European and American mistletoe around pets as they are toxic to all pets. If ingested they may cause mild GI upset such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea or abdominal pain. Large amounts may cause more serious issues such as slow heart rates, low blood pressure, collapse, wobbly walking or seizures.
4. Holiday Stress
During the festive season, we often host gatherings with guests who are unfamiliar to our pets, may introduce new animals into the home, rearrange furniture, or leave for extended trips. These changes can lead to increased stress-related illnesses in pets, particularly during this time of year.
- Stress-related issues are especially prevalent in our feline companions, where we often see a rise in cases of feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) and interstitial cystitis. While the precise connection between stress and interstitial cystitis is not fully understood, there is a well-established link between stressful events and the emergence of clinical symptoms.
- Loud Noises: Fireworks, storms and parties can frighten pets, leading to anxiety or escape attempts.
- Changes in Routine: New visitors and altered schedules can disrupt a pet's sense of security.
Tip:
- Keep your pet's daily routine as consistent as possible. If your pet is particularly sensitive and you plan to be away, consider arranging for a pet sitter to care for them at home, allowing them to remain in their familiar environment.
- Create a Safe Space: If you're hosting a holiday party, set up a quiet area for your pet to retreat to, away from the noise and the hustle and bustle of new people and other animals.
- Calming Products/anti-anxiety medications: Explore calming products that release pheromones into the environment. These can help create a soothing atmosphere and make it easier for your pet to adjust to changes. There are also a number of other medical options for anxiety reduction in pets – these include nutraceuticals as well as prescription medications.
5. Heat
With Summer temperatures high during the Christmas period, it’s essential to watch for signs of heat stress. This is a very serious condition which can be fatal if untreated. Ensure your pet has access to a well-ventilated, shaded area with fresh cool water. If possible, it is best to keep your pet indoors if air-conditioning is available. Of course, never leave your dog in the car, even for short periods. Take dogs on walks early in the morning and late in the evening avoiding peak sunlight hours and hot pavements. Be extra vigilant for our short-nosed breeds such as Pugs, French bull dogs, Bulldogs, Persian cats and exotic shorthair cats as they are often unable to thermo-regulate as well as other breeds.