DOG house owners have been urged to be cautious at Christmas because of the abundance of festive meals which will be toxic to their pooches.
New statistics launched by The Kennel Club exhibits that dogs usually tend to be handled for consuming poisonous grapes and raisins – each of that are present in seasonal snacks together with Christmas cake, Christmas pudding and mince pies – through the festive interval in comparison with the remainder of the yr.
The knowledge, collected by the canine welfare organisation’s insurance coverage associate, Agria Pet Insurance, revealed that greater than a 3rd of all claims for grape and raisin poisoning have been made through the Christmas interval final yr.
At almost double the month-to-month common, January was the very best month total – highlighting that house owners have to be vigilant each within the lead-up to the large day, in addition to within the weeks following when pets should be trying to get their paws on Christmas leftovers.
Robin Hargreaves, Senior Veterinary Advisor for Agria Pet Insurance, mentioned: “Traditional Christmas meals, equivalent to mince pies and Christmas pudding, are filled with issues which are poisonous to our pets, together with raisins and grapes, and there are sometimes no signs till the canine turns into very in poor health, very instantly. Owners who suppose their pets have ingested any of those ought to contact their vet for recommendation instantly.
“Of course, prevention is key and it is always far better to be extremely vigilant and prevent access to these foods, as well as other Christmas hazards, throughout the festive season.”
As nicely because the emotional toll that poisoning incidents can have on each pets and house owners, there are additionally important monetary implications, with the typical declare in 2022 total costing practically £500, whereas the very best declare made that yr reached over £2,000.
Unfortunately, loads of Christmas meals is extremely poisonous to dogs, and quite a few different festive options will be hazardous to them. To assist house owners navigate Christmas safely, The Kennel Club has shared some necessary ideas.
Toxic treats
Try and hold any meals out of attain out of your canine – this contains creation calendars, chocolate cash and edible tree decorations.
If you suppose your canine might have eaten one thing that they shouldn’t or have signs together with illness and diarrhoea, communicate to your vet right away.
“Christmas is often one of the busiest times for families but it’s important to never forget our four-legged-friends, and to always keep an eye on them,” mentioned Bill Lambert, Head of Health, Welfare and Breeder Services Executive at The Kennel Club. “Not solely can or not it’s a really overwhelming few weeks, with numerous unfamiliar sights and sounds, nevertheless it will also be filled with tempting treats, a few of which may, sadly, be very harmful for our dogs.
“These statistics also show that, while Christmas Day itself may be over come January, there are still lots of leftovers around the house that can land in the wrong paws, so it is vital that owners remain vigilant and keep these well out of the way of their pets.”
Dangerous decorations
Christmas decorations and presents are sometimes simply as intriguing and thrilling for dogs as they’re for people. Trees coated in tinsel, ornaments and lights can pose a choking and/or puncture hazard in addition to the chance of electrocution, whilst you must also be careful for:
- Small toys or presents with small elements
- Wrapping paper or crepe paper
- Plastic supplies or decorations used for wrapping presents
- Electronic presents and toys – these usually comprise batteries, which if chewed or swallowed will be harmful.
Be cautious with sure festive crops, which may trigger various levels of abdomen upset if eaten by a curious canine. These embrace poinsettia, holly, mistletoe and ivy.
Winter worries
The winter climate additionally brings quite a few season risks for our dogs. As nicely as being extra inclined to hypothermia and frostbite when out on winter walks, if you happen to take your canine out close to a frozen lake then guarantee they’re stored near you.
Care must also be taken when utilizing antifreeze merchandise that comprise chemical compounds that may be deadly when licked or drunk by dogs. Products needs to be saved in safe containers away from pets. Watch out too for dogs consuming out of puddles when it’s very chilly, because the water can generally be tainted with antifreeze chemical compounds.
Seasonal stress
Christmas will be overwhelming for our pets so keep away from forcing festive enjoyable by ensuring their routine isn’t disrupted – take them out on their typical walks and hold time for supper the identical – and ensure they nonetheless have their typical house and mattress to allow them to retreat and settle of their typical spot if and after they wish to. Everyone is busy at Christmas with many spending extra time away from home, however don’t neglect about your four-legged pal or go away them alone for greater than 4 hours.
Visit www.thekennelclub.org.uk for extra recommendation on the best way to hold your canine secure through the festive interval.
