The Kennel Club issues tips for dog owners to keep their pet safe at Christmas
Lots of festive food can be incredibly toxic to dogs, and The Kennel Club has shared tips for owners to avoid holiday hazards.
The number of dogs treated for eating toxic chocolate soars in December and January, compared to the rest of the year, figures collected by Kennel Club Pet Insurance, provided by Agria, revealed.
Nearly a third of they year’s claims relating to chocolate were made in those two months — indicating that our four-legged-friends take advantage of the post-Christmas lull to get their paws on dangerous leftover chocolates.
Robin Hargreaves, senior veterinary advisor for Agria Pet Insurance, said: “Chocolate can be very dangerous to your dog, the risk will vary according to the amount and type of chocolate consumed and the weight of your dog.
“Symptoms can vary, but include sickness, upset or painful stomach, as well as excessive drinking, dribbling and fast breathing, even seizures, and can appear any time between four and 24 hours later. Owners who think their pets have ingested any chocolate should contact their vet for advice immediately.
“Don't forget your dog can sniff out wrapped chocolate under the tree very easily.”
It’s not just chocolate which poses a risk — festive foods such as mince pies, stollen, Christmas pudding and Christmas cake all contain dried fruits such as raisins, currants or sultanas, which are also toxic for dogs, and a traditonal Christmas dinner involves a large amount of dangerous foods either through being toxic, too salty or too fatty.
Bones from turkey, goose and chicken can easily splinter, particularly when cooked, which can cause an obstruction or even pierce a dog’s stomach.
Other festive favourites which should be avoided by our four legged friends are macadamia nuts, blue cheese, and alcohol.
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.
Small decorations, tinsel, lights, wrapping paper, small toys, electronics and batteries, and festive plants — such as Poinsettia, Holly, Mistletoe, and Ivy — can also pose risk of serious injury or sickness.
Owners should also ensure they keep to their dog’s routine and ensure they have access to their usual space and bed so they can retreat and settle when they want too — and they should not be left alone for extended periods of time.
Bill Lambert, health, welfare and breeder services executive at The Kennel Club said: “Christmas is such an exciting time for the family, and while we want to make sure our canine companions are also having fun, it’s important to be aware of how overwhelming it can be for them, with unfamiliar sights and sounds, as well as, of course, tempting treats.
“These statistics show that, while Christmas may be over in January, there can often be a lot of leftovers lying around so it’s vital that owners continue to keep a watchful eye on their pets throughout Christmas and into the new year.”
