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A Pet's Guide to Surviving Christmas
Sonya J. Miller-Smith

At Christmas, we all enjoy spending time with family and friends, partying, feasting and exchanging pressies. The worst that is likely to happen to us, is a bad hang-over and a terrifying credit card bill… but not so with our pets. Sadly, statistics show that Christmas is the time when most pet poisonings occur, many of which can be fatal. So, below, is my guide to keeping your pet-pooch or feline-friend safe over the festive period.

Batteries - The types of batteries most commonly implicated in animal poisonings are button or small AA or AAA batteries, commonly found in electrical gifts.

Anti-Freeze - Contains ethylene glycol, and due to its sweet taste attracts the attention of dogs and particularly cats. As little as a teaspoon can be fatal to a cat, and many mortalities are reported every year.

Paracetamol, Ibuprofen and Asprin - These pain killers are widely available ‘over-the-counter’ medicines for human use, and frequently out in our homes after the excesses of Christmas. However, these drugs are the top three most frequent form of pet poisoning in the UK. Sadly, the poisoning most often results from administration by the owners in a misguided attempt to relieve pain.

Chocolate - Human chocolate contains theobromine, derived from the roasting of cocoa beans, and is toxic to dogs when consumed in moderate amounts. The concentration of theobromine varies greatly between products and is greatest in plain chocolate.

Sex hormones – At Christmas we always see an increase in the pet consumption of oral contraceptive and HRT medication!

Poinsettia, Holly, Ivy and Mistletoe – These decorative plants are common in our homes over the Christmas period and may attract the attention of cats and dogs. Their effects range from transient vomiting to mortality.

Silica Gel – Despite the words ‘Do Not Eat’ on the desiccant sachets frequently seen in packaging, this product is actually inert and not toxic.

Salt – Is a common constituent of detergents and modelling dough, e.g. Play-Doh. Consumption can be fatal.

Signs of poisoning include salivation, vomiting, diarrhoea, convulsions, drowsiness, abdominal pain, collapse and coma. If you suspect that your pet has consumed something toxic please contact the practice immediately.

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A Pet's Guide to Surviving Christmas

Sonya J. Miller-Smith