KEEPING YOUR PET SAFE this festive season
EASY WAYS TO PROTECT YOUR FURRY FRIEND
Christmas is often a joyful time spent with friends and family, but the extra guests, food and change in routine can be quite stressful for our four-legged pals. Petstock vet Dr Sasha Nefedova reveals how to keep your pet safe and happy.
SAY NO TO TREATS!
It can be very tempting to sneak a tasty morsel under the table to furry family members during the holiday season. However, certain foods we love to indulge in can actually be harmful or fatal to fur babies:
RAISINS & GRAPES They can be fatally toxic to dogs, even in small quantities, so no Christmas pudding or cake.
PORK, BACON & HAM
Some pork products contain a high amount of fat, which can lead to illnesses like pancreatitis.
MACADAMIAS While readily enjoyed at Christmas, these nuts are poisonous to dogs and can cause vomiting, weakness, fever, muscle tremors and depression.
LOLLIES Loaded with sugar and even worse for our pets than they can be for us, lollies can disrupt your pet’s metabolism. Eating lollies with some artificial sweeteners can be life-threatening to pets, too.
ALCOHOL While it may seem obvious, allowing our pets to consume any alcohol is dangerous. It can cause alcohol toxicity and even seizures. MILK & DAIRY PRODUCTS
It may surprise many to learn that dogs’ and cats’ bodies weren’t designed to process dairy and can cause stomach upsets, vomiting and diarrhoea. Speak to your vet for more information on a healthy and balanced diet for your pet. Monitor them for signs such as odd behaviour, dehydration or general feelings of them being unwell. Contact your closest vet immediately if you are concerned.
KEEP DECORATIONS OUT OF REACH
Baubles hanging from the tree look like toys or tennis balls to your inquisitive cat or playful dog, but if a plastic or glass ornament breaks in their mouth, it could cause serious long-term damage or fatality.
Keep edible decorations like candy canes, along with tinsel and tree lights, out of reach to avoid toxicity or electric shock. Ensure wrapping paper is tidied up immediately – when chewed, paper and ribbons can be very dangerous in a pet’s intestines.
If you have a real tree, ensure tree needles are cleaned up regularly as they can be sharp and become stuck in your pet’s paw or throat. Securely anchor the tree so an inquisitive pet doesn’t knock it over. Cover the tree’s watering hole from thirsty pets as the water can contain traces of fertiliser and bacteria that can cause your pet to be nauseous.
STRESS-FREE SLEEP
If you’re hosting celebrations or spending time away from your pet, ensure they’re properly exercised beforehand to help them de-stress. This will also likely make your pet sleep throughout the day once celebrations are underway. Create a safe environment for your pet to have some alone time away from guests throughout the day or night.