Pet Hazards at Christmas Time

Hazards around the Christmas Tree

Fallen Christmas tree needles are very sharp, they can easily get stuck in your pets paws or throat. Many pets will ingest the needles which also pose a digestive hazard. Ensure tree needles are swept up regularly to minimise any risks.

Cats love baubles, make sure they are not small enough to be ingested. Try to use unbreakable decorations, fragile baubles are often broken and if ingested can cause blockages or piercing of the intestines.
Tinsel is also a hazard, if ingested it can cause gastrointestinal problems.
Make sure your tree in well anchored so your pet can’t knock it over.
Unsupervised pets can chew on electrical wires and electrocute themselves. Ensure cables are out of reach of your pet.
Do not hang chocolates from your christmas tree, they are highly toxic and your pet could be tempted if they can see or smell them.

Foods to avoid
Turkey or Chicken bones - these can splinter and get lodged in your pets throat or intestines.
Any leftovers - these are likely to cause diarrhoea.
Coffee
Alcohol Beverages
CHOCOLATE - contains Theobromine which is poisonous to pets. Chocolate with a high cocoa content is particularly dangerous.

Make sure all your visitors are instructed not to give tit bits to your pet. Unregulated treats could cause stomach upsets.

Common festive Poisons
Plants - Holly, Mistletoe, Lillies, Yew trees, Poinsettias and Amaryllis. Chosen for their colour and seasonal appeal, many owners do not realise they are poisonous.
Chocolate - chocolate can be fatal to dogs if eaten in sufficient quantities. The toxic substance called theobromine is present in higher concentrations in chocolate with a high cocoa content. Only a small amount of chocolate, as little as 50g is enough to kill a small dog such as a Yorkshire Terrier. Signs of chocolate poisoning are vomiting, excessive thirst, excitability, drooling and in severe cases convulsions and death. If you have any suspicions at all that your dog may have ingested some chocolate then seek your vets advice immediately. Always take the packet of chocolates to your vet so they can assess the potential danger of that particular product.

Noises
Christmas crackers, poppers, balloons, champagne bottles and fireworks - remember loud sudden noises can panic your pet. Ensure they have a secure place they can retreat to if they become scared.

Other christmas dangers for pets
Remove wrapping paper from the floor to avoid your pet chewing and swallowing it.
For your pets safety always buy their toys from a reliable good quality pet shop or veterinary clinic.

For peace of mind check your local vets opening times over the Christmas/New Year period and have their contact numbers to hand. Dubai Emergency Veterinary Service is highly recommended by HoMeLy PeTz.

Most pet related Christmas dangers are easy to avoid, just be aware of your pet's activities.