MINCE PIE WAS NEARLY THE END OF MICKEY
A MISCHIEVOUS dog could not resist a tempting plate of mince pies – and it nearly cost him his life.
One-year-old Belgian Shepherd Mickey was poisoned by the festive treat which he gobbled down when his owner’s back was turned.
Owner Pauline Warren, from Swadlincote, said she did not realise how dangerous mince pies are to dogs until she went online. She then called Derby’s Pride Veterinary Centre for advice.
She said: “I knew mince pies, chocolate and Christmas cake are bad for dogs but I didn’t know how bad mince pies are. Once I googled it, I realised how serious it was.
“I spoke to a vet at Pride Veterinary Centre who said to bring Mickey in straight away, even though he wasn’t showing signs of illness.”
Mickey spent a weekend at the vets, who made him vomit to get rid of any mince pie in his stomach.
Foods such as raisins and currants can be deadly for dogs, potentially causing kidney failure, according to the veterinary practice, in Riverside Road, Pride Park.
Mickey was also fed meals containing charcoal to prevent toxins being absorbed into his system.
After 48 hours of being given fluids intravenously, a blood test revealed Mickey’s kidneys were functioning normally. At the end of the weekend Mickey was able to go home.
Mrs Warren, who has three dogs, said: “I don’t have any mince pies in the house now. I had been buying them a lot but I’ve not bought one since as I can’t risk Mickey or my other two dogs finding one.”
Debs Smith, senior small animal veterinary surgeon, who was part of the team which treated Mickey, said: “Mickey was one of four dogs treated this weekend for eating something toxic and, sadly, this is something we see a lot of at this time of year and other holiday times. Mickey was given intravenous fluids as raisins, sultanas and currants can cause kidney failure. We take the ingestion of any toxic ingredients seriously. In the case of raisins and currants, we advise treatment if even the smallest amount has been eaten.
“There is lots of advice online about what foods pets need to avoid this Christmas, but you can talk to your vet if you are unsure.
“If you think your pet has eaten something it shouldn’t, contact your vet. We’re so glad Mickey is back to full health.”