Christmas is the most wonderful time of year – not only for us humans but for your pets, too! And what’s not to love? From extra love and attention, to festive treats, there are many reasons why pets love Christmas. However, along with the festive period comes hidden dangers for our four-legged friends. To ensure they remain safe this season, here’s a few Christmas dangers for pets to be aware of…
Turkey Bones
It’s easy to let your pet tempt you into sneaking them a little piece. Especially when you’re dishing up the turkey with all the trimmings and your pet is sat looking up at you with loving eyes. One thing to keep in mind is the fact there could be harmful unseen bones. If you do decide to let them indulge, double check that there are none present. Even very little bones can be harmful to your pet, so it’s always best to be safe.
Turkey bones pose as Christmas dangers for pets as they can damage several parts of their body. This is because, when animal bones are cooked, they can become brittle. As a result they can splinter insider your pet’s mouth, throat or stomach, as well as getting stuck in their tummy too.
Your 4-legged companion doesn’t have to miss out, treat them to our Roast Dinner Toothpaste for dogs! This tasty toothpaste has been specially developed for dogs and cats alongside veterinary professionals. Containing sage oil, an anti-oxidant with more than a dozen antiseptic compounds, it helps to keep those gums fresh and healthy (plus, they’re sure to love the sage and liver flavour). This herbal pet care solution is sure to do the trick!
Anything with Currents
Raisins, currants and sultanas are high on the list of what not to feed your pet at Christmas, as they are very toxic. In worst cases, eating these can cause kidney failure. It’s important to monitor their behaviour if you suspect consumption, even if they’ve only consumed a few.
Increased thirst and fewer urination breaks can be indicators of something worse. If spotted, we recommend you contact your vet immediately. So, keep mince pies and Christmas cake covered and out of reach in case your they go in for a taste-test.
Festive Plants
Another to add to the list of Christmas dangers for pets, is festive plants. Poinsettia, holly and mistletoe are all plants we associate with the festive season. Alas, like many household plants, they are poisonous to our pets.
Poinsettia – Their iconic red leaves are mildly toxic to cats and dogs. Ingestion can cause irritation of the mouth and stomach with overproduction of saliva and sometimes vomiting.
Holly – Apart from the spikes, holly leaves are not what present a danger to our pets. As a matter of fact, it’s the berries which do. If eaten, holly berries can cause stomach upset and diarrhoea.
Mistletoe – Again, the leaves don’t cause any harm. It’s the white berries you need to be aware of. When ingested by your pet, they can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, excessive drooling and abdominal pain. Although mistletoe berries are harmful, mistletoe extract still exhibits benefits. One of our herbal pet care products, Dorwest Herbs Scullcap and Valerian Tablets, contains mistletoe extract. This is because it supports the natural calming pathways within the nervous system and helps with circulation.
Chocolate
Christmas is a time when chocolate is everywhere, so don’t trust your pet to steer clear of the coffee table that has an open box of Celebrations on top. Chocolate is one of the many Christmas dangers for dogs, although this can be a danger all year round.
Chocolate contains theobromine which is poisonous for cats and dogs if they eat it. It can cause horrible consequences that range from vomiting and having fits to heart problems that could be fatal.
Why not treat your dog with Festive Dog Treats this Christmas instead? Our festive dog treats are natural, handmade and perfect for all breeds!
Christmas Nuts
Pecans, macadamia nuts, pistachios and walnuts are some of the nuts that can be toxic or poisonous to dogs. In particular, macadamia nuts are often the most harmful. Vomiting, tremors and a fever are just some of the symptoms that can occur. If you think your dog has eaten any, make sure to take them to the vet as soon as possible.
With a number of Christmas dangers for dogs, it’s always important to keep an eye on your pet over the festive season. Please remember, you should always consult a vet if you are concerned about your pet’s health.
From all of us at Dorwest, we wish you a very happy Christmas and wonderful New Year!
To find out more about our herbal pet care solutions and supplements for pets, get in touch today. Our experienced advisors are always more than happy to help. Contact Dorwest Herbs on 01308 897272 or fill out our online contact form. You can also receive free UK delivery on orders over £50, so why not treat your dog the safe way this Christmas!
