22/12/2022
☃️Christmas Dangers to Pets☃️
With the festive season upon us, it is important to be aware of the many hazards to your pets around the house at this time. Listed below is what to avoid & why:
🦃Turkey
The fat content in turkey is very high & should never be given to pets, as there is a real risk of it causing pancreatitis which is an incredibly painful condition. No matter how much they beg for scraps - resist the temptation to give in! Bones can cause constipation & blockages so should never be given to pets.
🍫Chocolate
Chocolate contains a stimulant called theobromine, a bit like caffeine, which, while tasty, is severely poisonous to cats and dogs.
🥧Mince Pies and Christmas Puddings
All grapes, raisins, currants and sultanas are toxic to dogs; as are foods that contain them – which means no mince pies for your pooch, we're afraid.
🧀Blue Cheese
While delicious to us, blue cheese contains a substance called roquefortine C, which dogs are extremely sensitive to.
🎄Tinsel
While it might look like a lot of fun to play with, tinsel can cause dangerous blockages in an animal's stomach.
🥜Macadamia nuts
Often lurking in biscuits or eaten as a decadent Christmas snack, these nuts cause severe illness in dogs.
🧅Garlic, chives and onion
Found in many festive foods like gravy, stuffing and sausages, all Allium species are poisonous to dogs.
🔮Snow Globes
Imported versions can contain antifreeze – as little as one tablespoon can be fatal for a cat.
🕯Candles
They may create a cosy atmosphere, but candle flames can burn paws and the curious noses of furry friends. There's also risk of them falling over when brushed against.
🧚♀️Fairy Lights
Cats are curious and will try to chew on anything, including fairy lights – which can burn and even electrocute them.
🍷Alcohol
Alcohol can cause severe liver and brain damage in animals. As little as a tablespoon can lead to problems for your cat or dog.
Other hazards to be aware of include:
•Christmas foliage like poinsettia, mistletoe and ivy– all of which are mildly toxic to both cats and dogs.
•Wrapping paper – eating a large amount of paper could cause an obstruction in the stomach.
•Lilies –those from the Lilium or Hemerocallis species are very dangerous for cats. Eating just two or three leaves, or even drinking water from a vase containing them can be potentially fatal.
If you need further advice for your furry friend, contact your vets.
We hope you have a safe & Merry Christmas 🎅🎁
