Boxer’s choc scare
THIS dog has a lot to be sorry about after sneaking upstairs then stealing and eating an entire tin of her owner’s hot chocolate.
The thieving pooch had to be rushed to the vets after she managed to unzip a bag and scoff the chocolate – poisonous to some animals – when her owner popped to the shops.
Nine-year-old Brann the boxer soon saw the error of her ways because she had to have her stomach rid of the chocolate, which, to add insult to injury, had been a Christmas gift.
Owner Gilly Duncalfe said: “She has never done anything like it before, and isn’t allowed upstairs, so it was totally out of character.
“She had somehow unzipped my bag, broken the seal of the hot chocolate and eaten it. I took her straight in to the practice who gave her an injection to make her sick and popped her on fluids.”
She was taken to White Cross Vets, in Alvaston, and, fortunately, suffered no lasting damage from the harmful chocolate.
Vet Hazel Robinson, said: “Many ingredients are poisonous and chocolate, in particular, can be lethal for dogs.
“Around Christmas time all sorts of extra treats come into the home, so it’s really important to make sure these are kept out of reach of curious pets.
“We have treated dogs who have scaled baby gates, opened doors, ripped open foody gifts from under the tree or jumped up on kitchen surfaces to get hold of festive food.”
Hazel warns pet owners to be extra vigilant over the festive period. Both dogs and cats are at risk not just from festive treats, but from decorations as well.
“Cats find it hard to resist a Christmas tree and tinsel! We’ve treated several who have ingested tinsel and Christmas decorations, with surgery often being the only option.
“Pine needles are another problem, as they can easily get bedded into pets’ paws, and seasonal plants and turkey bones also pose a real threat.”
The number of people getting pets is on the rise, according to White Cross Vets and Hazel warns new owners to be aware of the risks.
White Cross Vets have put together a list of ten things to look out for over Christmas. They are:
■ Alcohol – Should never be given to pets, even in meals.
■ Bones – Can become brittle and splinter easily once cooked. Turkey bones splinter particularly easily.
■ Chocolate – This is particularly dangerous to pets because as well as upsetting the intestinal system, it can also affect the heart and neurological systems.
■ Christmas cake, Christmas pudding and mince pies – As well as being full of fat, and possibly alcohol, these usually contain raisins and sultanas, which can make certain pets seriously ill.
■ Christmas trees – Should stand in a sturdy base so it is unlikely to fall over if climbed by a cat or knocked by a dog.
■ Nuts – Almonds and pistachios can cause an upset stomach or a severe throat obstruction and some nuts, such as macadamias and certain walnuts, can be toxic, causing seizures.
■ Pine needles – Ideally they should be cleaned up as soon as they drop because they can become embedded in paws.
■ Seasonal plants – Holly, mistletoe and poinsettias can all cause intestinal problems if they are eaten.
■ Tinsel and ribbons – These are often attractive to pets, particularly cats, but if they are swallowed surgery could be required to remove them.
■ Wrapping paper – Traditional wrapping paper is treated with chlorine and bleach and can therefore be harmful to pets.
Hazel added: “Caution is key, but sometimes no matter how careful you are, mishaps still happen, so if you suspect your pet has ingested something they shouldn’t have, don’t delay – call a vet right away.”