Merry Christmas
Okeford Veterinary Centre would like to wish all our clients a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
A few Seasonal Reminders to keep your pet safe this Christmas
Don't forget that many human foods can be dangerous for pets, it is always tempting to indulge our furry family, as we do ourselves over the festive season. But we must be aware that the following foods can be particularly toxic to dogs and cats:
- Chocolate - A common poisoning seen at vets due to a product called Theobromine, which is similar to caffeine, in dark and milk chocolate
- Grapes, Raisins, Currents & Sultanas - While some dogs tolorate the odd grape or raisin, these fruits can cause acute renal failure even if only a few grapes are consumed! So it is advised to avoid feeding such things as Christmas cake, Christmas Pudding, Stollen and Mince pies to your pets
- Nuts - Peanuts, Monkey nuts and Macadamia nuts have all been reported to cause adverse effects in some pets. Be aware of chocolate coated nuts (and raisins!)
As well as foods being toxic to our pets, there are also some plants which can be poisonous:
- Holly & Ivy - these plants look beautiful when used in Christmas Wreaths, but beware that they do not get eaten, as Holly berries and Ivy have both resulted in toxicity to some pets
- Mistletoe - has been reported to give toxic effects when eaten
- Poinsettia - has a bad reputation, and is reported to be particularly toxic to cats.
- Lilies - The pollen of these plants is toxic to cats
- Christmas trees - The major risk from consumption of christmas tree parts is mechanical injury or obstruction from the 'needles'
Other seasonal things to avoid mixing with pets are Christmas decorations (tinsel etc), candles and wrapping paper
And remember - Dogs have a very acute sense of smell, so will very quickly sniff out any tasty gifts from under the tree for an early 'treat'!!!!
