Christmas Pointers

The Yuletide season is upon us once more! But please take into consideration a few pointers concerning your pets this holiday:

Turkey Bones:

Every year pets swallow bones from the meat cooked at Christmas lunches. These bones can become lodged and cause damage. We advise placing any bones well out of the reach of any pets and using a heavy object on the bin lid to ensure no bin raiding takes place!

Christmas Decorations:

Again these can be swallowed- we advise keeping any pets well away from the Christmas tree as much as possible- and to supervise your pets if they are allowed near the tree. Tinsel is especially dangerous as cats are attracted to it and if swallowed it can cause serious health problems.

Batteries:

All batteries are dangerous if swallowed or broken- please seek advise from a veterinary surgeon as soon as possible if your pet swallows or gets battery acid on them. We advise making sure batteries in all cases are secure and kept well away out of the reach of pets (this includes toys etc which contain any batteries)

Alcohol and cigarette butts:

Alcohol and cigarette butts may harm your pet if swallowed/ drunk or chewed. Make sure any butts are disposed of and out of reach of any pets. Also keep alcohol securely away from pets. Also as well as this fireworks are harmful to pets if chewed- store these securely.

Fireworks:

Fireworks bangs and flashes can scare pets and cause stress.

PLEASE SEE OUR PREVIOUS ARTICLE ON FIREWORKS FOR WAYS TO HELP YOUR PETS COPE.

Chocolate poisoning:

One of the most common things seen at Christmastime is pets ingesting chocolate.

Chocolate even in small amounts can be toxic- dark chocolate especially can make your pet very unwell. Chocolate can contain anywhere between 30%- 70% cocoa- derived from the plant Theobroma Cocoa.

It is the drug Theobromine within chocolate that is toxic. A fatal dose can be as little as a 25g bar of plain chocolate for any dog up to 4.5kg in weight.

Effects can vary greatly but they include vomiting, diarrhoea, restlessness, twitchiness and in severe cases convulsions and difficulty in walking.

Please take care this christmas and make sure any chocolate is kept well away from our furry friends!

Nuts and raisins can also be toxic if consumed in large quantities by our pets.

IF YOUR PET CONSUMES ANY CHOCOLATE WE ADVISE YOU TO CONTACT A VETERINARY SURGEON AS SOON AS YOU CAN

Care for your pet during holidays:

With Christmas and the new year many people also start planning their holidays- so it is worth mentioning to also not forget your pets!

Be it kennels, catteries or even if your pet is travelling with you a pet passport! Information on all of these things is avaliable from us. We have a list of local kennels and catteries in the area.

REMEMBER TO BOOK YOUR PET INTO IT'S CHOSEN ACCOMMODATION WELL IN ADVANCE OF THE DATE YOU WISH TO TRAVEL TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT. KENNELS/CATTERIES GET BOOKED UP VERY QUICKLY ESPECIALLY DURING BUSY PERIODS SUCH AS SCHOOL HOLIDAYS!

The best recommendation is to visit local catteries/ kennels to see which one will suit you and your pets needs the best.