Pet owners warned as Christmas food and decorations can 'poison' dogs - how to keep safe
AN URGENT warning has been issued to pet owners ahead of Christmas celebrations this year. New research has revealed dogs are at high risk of being poisoned in December. Experts have shared tips to keep pets safe.
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Christmas is an exciting time with lots of festive food, decorations and colourful lights. However, experts have issued a warning on how Christmas celebrations can be dangerous for pets.
At Christmas, many people enjoy indulgent food, Christmas trees, presents and more visitors at home.
While this will cheer up most homeowners, festivities can be dangerous for pets.
New data released by the Kennel Club and Agria Pet Insurance showed dogs are 86 percent more likely to be poisoned in December than in any other month.
Managing director of Agria Pet Insurance Simon Wheeler stated: "Every December we see a sharp spike in instances of dogs being poisoned, and the culprit is often festive food.
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"Innocuous things for us like chocolate, Christmas cake or mince pies can prove life-threatening – and for the most foodie or artful of dogs, it can just take seconds for them to eat something they shouldn't.
"We urge dog owners to be extremely careful at Christmas by keeping harmful food or other poisons out of reach, and to contact their vet urgently if their dog eats anything they know or suspect could be toxic."
To protect pets this Christmas, experts at the Kennel Club have shared ways to protect pets this year.
Beware of Christmas food
Treats like mince pies and chocolates can be enough to make pets ill, the experts explained.
They stated: "Owners should be wary of feeding dogs Christmas dinner leftovers, as traditional turkey, goose and chicken bones can easily splinter, particularly when cooked, causing an obstruction and possibly even piercing your dog’s tummy.
"Be careful of stuffing too – onions, garlic, leeks, shallots and chives all belong to the allium family and all contain a substance which can damage a dog's red blood cells, and can cause potentially life-threatening anaemia.
"If you think your dog may have eaten something that they shouldn’t, or have symptoms including sickness and diarrhoea, speak to your vet straight away."
Keep decorations out of reach
A house full of decorations is likely to excite dogs as much as their owners.
However, festive plants, wrapping paper and electronic presents can all pose a risk to pets.
The experts added: "Be careful with certain festive plants – poinsettia, holly, mistletoe and ivy can cause varying degrees of stomach upset if eaten by a curious dog.
"Be aware of your dog snaffling gifts that aren’t for them from under the tree. Electronic gifts and toys often contain batteries, which if chewed or swallowed by a dog can be dangerous.
"Similarly watch out for your dog trying to eat small toys or gifts with small parts, wrapping paper or crepe paper, Christmas decorations, including baubles and tinsel hanging from the Christmas tree, and plastic materials used for wrapping presents."
Don't force festivities
Christmas celebrations are sure to be very different this year due to coronavirus restrictions.
For those who are having people over, the experts urged them to be mindful of how this could affect their pets.
They stated: "Dogs can have a lot to deal with over the Christmas period – excited and noisy children, crackers banging, presents being unwrapped and unfamiliar people, voices and smells.
"It can be overwhelming so avoid forcing festive fun by making sure their routine isn’t disrupted – take them out on their usual walks and keep dinner time the same – and make sure they still have their normal space and bed so they can retreat and settle in their usual spot if and when they want to.
"Everyone is busy at Christmas with many spending more time away from home, but don’t forget about your four-legged friend or leave them alone for more than four hours.
"Remember too that many dogs will have got used to their owners being home more due the pandemic, so any transition to spending more time apart will need to be prepared for. While this Christmas might be more restrictive for us, our dogs may still be noticing quite a change."