Luckily my dog has never been one to break into the chocolates (unlike his owner), however, you may not be so lucky as The Kennel Club has released new statistics today (4 December) indicating a significant increase in dogs being treated for chocolate poisoning in December and January compared to other months.
Chocolate can be lethal to dogs, and the organisation is advising pet owners to stay alert during the festive season and beyond, when leftovers are abundant.
Data from Kennel Club Pet Insurance, provided by Agria, showed that nearly a third (31%) of chocolate poisoning claims last year occurred during the Christmas period (December 2023-January 2024), with January seeing the highest number of claims, more than double the monthly average (a 106% increase), suggesting that dogs are finding leftover chocolates after Christmas.
Robin Hargreaves, Senior Veterinary Advisor for Agria Pet Insurance, stated: “Chocolate poses a serious risk to dogs, with the level of danger depending on the type and amount of chocolate consumed and the dog's weight.
Symptoms can range from sickness and stomach pain to excessive drinking, drooling, and rapid breathing, and can appear between four and 24 hours after ingestion.
Owners suspecting their pets have eaten chocolate should contact their vet immediately.
Remember, dogs can easily sniff out wrapped chocolate under the tree!”
In addition to chocolate, many festive foods and holiday hazards are toxic to dogs. The Kennel Club has provided some tips to help dog owners keep their pets safe during Christmas:
Festive food
Each Christmas, thousands of dogs require veterinary care after eating foods like chocolate, mince pies, stollen, Christmas pudding, and Christmas cake, all of which contain raisins.
Keep food out of your dog’s reach, including advent calendars, chocolate coins, and edible tree decorations:
Chocolate is toxic to dogs, so it’s crucial to keep it away from them, including decorations or gifts under the tree, and ensure visitors do the same.
Christmas dinner includes many dangerous foods for dogs, either due to toxicity, saltiness, or fat content. Be cautious with turkey, goose, and chicken, as their bones can splinter, especially when cooked, potentially causing obstructions or piercing your dog’s stomach.
Christmas cake, mince pies, and Christmas pudding contain dried fruits like raisins, currants, or sultanas, which are harmful to dogs.
Avoid other festive foods like macadamia nuts, blue cheese, alcohol, and moldy foods.
If you suspect your dog has eaten something harmful or shows symptoms like sickness and
diarrhoea, contact your vet immediately.
Dangerous decorations
Christmas decorations and gifts can be as enticing to dogs as they are to humans. Trees adorned with tinsel, ornaments, and lights can pose choking or puncture hazards, as well as a risk of electrocution.
Be cautious with certain festive plants that can cause stomach issues if ingested by a curious dog:
Holly
Mistletoe
Ivy
With many Christmas presents unsuitable for dogs under the tree, be vigilant about your dog trying to eat:
Small toys or gifts with small parts
Wrapping paper or crepe paper
Plastic materials or decorations used for wrapping presents
Electronic gifts and toys, which often contain batteries that can be hazardous if chewed or swallowed
If you think your dog may have ingested, touched, or inhaled something harmful, contact your vet immediately.
Winter worries
Alongside the festive season, winter weather brings additional dangers for dogs. They are more prone to hypothermia and frostbite during winter walks, so keep them close near frozen lakes or ponds.
Exercise caution with antifreeze products, which contain chemicals that can be fatal if licked or ingested by dogs. Store these products securely away from pets, and be cautious of dogs drinking from puddles in cold weather, as the water could be contaminated with antifreeze.
Seasonal stress
Christmas can be overwhelming for pets, so avoid disrupting their routine. Ensure they have their usual walks and meal times, and provide their usual space and bed for them to retreat to if needed. Despite the busy Christmas period, don’t neglect your pet or leave them alone for more than four hours.
Bill Lambert, Health, Welfare and Breeder Services Executive at The Kennel Club, said:
“Christmas is an exciting time for families, and while we want our canine companions to enjoy it too, it’s important to recognise how overwhelming it can be for them, with new sights and sounds, and tempting treats.
“These statistics highlight that even after Christmas ends in January, many leftovers remain, so it’s crucial for owners to keep a close watch on their pets during and after the festive season.”
For more advice on ensuring a safe and calm Christmas for your dog, visit The Kennel Club website: thekennelclub.org.uk/christmas.
Love Tx
コメント