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Keep
your pet safe and happy over Christmas
CHRISTMAS
IS a busy time for everyone but one member of the family you
must never forget is your pet. The over-feeding, over-excitement
and general over-indulgence can be a recipe for disaster.
It is a good idea to plan ahead to make sure your pet’s
normal routine is maintained, this is especially important for
dogs who need regular feeding and exercise. It is also best
to limit excitement and ration the treats as no one wants so
spend Christmas at the vets.
Over-eating at any time of the year is as dangerous for pets
as it is for humans. Obesity in animals is a serious problem
but a one-off bout of Christmas over-indulgence can prove dangerous
too. Large dogs such as Rottweilers, Dobermanns and Setters
should never bound around after eating or drinking vast amounts
as they could suffer gastric torsion - twisting of the stomach.
Without immediate veterinary attention this condition can be
fatal.
Chocolate is also something that needs to be avoided - not only
is it fattening it can be fatal to your dog. Chocolate contains
a chemical called theobromine, which is poisonous to dogs. Small
dogs eating large quantities are particularly at risk. A 100g
bar of chocolate contains 160mg of theobromine which could be
enough to poison a Chihuahua. Doggie chocs are the safest option
- unless your dog is already overweight.
Christmas decorations can also be very dangerous to curious
dogs. Swallowing tree baubles, tinsel and streamers can cause
serious internal injuries and blockages - all requiring major
surgery. So to avoid a catastrophe keep all decorations out
of paws and claws reach.
Keep pets out of the kitchen when you are cooking or baking
for the festivities ahead. When you are dashing around pets
can easily be burnt, scalded or trodden on.
Always keep one room empty and quiet so once the days start
to get full of visitors your pet can retreat from all the attention.
For a nervous animal the hustle and bustle of Christmas can
be very unsettling, as can exploding crackers and party poppers.
One last important tip for your peace of mind is to have your
vet’s emergency number available as well as their holiday
cover arrangements. They may be quite different from what you
are used to.
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