Chocolate, Christmas ham and fruit mince pies – while they sound like ingredients for a successful festive feast, for your pets they could spell disaster.
In the lead up to a day filled with celebrations, Wallsend Vet nurse Hayley Fewings warns the festive season comes with its risks.
“There are a few things to keep in mind to ensure our pets have a safe Christmas and a happy summer,” she said.
“There are Christmas foods that can be dangerous for your pets.
“Sultanas and grapes are toxic to both dogs and cats. They can be found in fruit mince pies and Christmas cakes,” she warns.
“Onions and garlic, both cooked and raw, are toxic to dogs and cats.
“Chocolate is toxic to dogs and cats and must always be avoided.
“Many ‘sweet treats’ contain Xylitol, an artificial sweetener toxic to dogs and cats.
“Cooked bones can splinter and cause severe gastrointestinal injuries if swallowed, and splintered bones can also pierce the mouth.
“Fatty and salty foods such as roast meat, sausages or ham can cause pancreatitis, and corn cobs can be swallowed whole and can cause gastrointestinal blockages.”
And, it’s not just what pets ingest that can cause grief to your four-legged friend this festive season.
“If the pavement outside is too hot for you to hold your hand on comfortably for more than 10 seconds, it is too hot for your pet’s paws and can cause serious burns,” she says.
“Instead, we recommend you walk your pets on the grass and avoid the pavement/road, or wait for a cooler time of day.
“Let the hose flow until the water is cool before playing with your pets to avoid serious burns caused by water inside the hose that has heated up in the hot sun.
“On warm days, ensure pets have access to water and a cool shaded area at all times and keep rabbit and guinea-pig hatches out of direct sun.”
Ms Fewings says if pet owners have an emergency over the Christmas period, they should contact their local vet ASAP.
There is also a 24-hour Newcastle Animal Emergency Centre available by calling 4957 7106.
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