Vets warn of 5 festive dangers to pets this Christmas

As the festive season approaches, vets across the UK are warning pet owners about the potential dangers to pets at Christmas, when they experience an increase in emergency visits due to poisoning incidents.

With 62% of Brits having a pet, experts at TrustedHousesitters have worked with vets to help pet owners identify the biggest dangers pets can face at Christmas, and what people can do to avoid any possible catastrophes.

Tangled tinsel

While shiny decorations such as tinsel may add sparkle to your Christmas decoration, it can be fatal if you have pets as it is a choking hazard and can cause intestinal blockages if ingested. Vet, Monika Šragová, advises:

“I would strongly advise against tinsel, especially if you have a cat as it can be deadly. Tinsel, ribbons, yarn… anything that’s “stringy” can result in a condition we call a linear foreign body. This happens when one end of the string wraps around the base of the tongue or anchors itself in the stomach, and the rest moves into the intestines. Linear foreign body is a life-threatening condition that needs immediate surgical intervention.”

Safety Check Christmas Lights

The glow of Christmas lights can attract pets, especially curious and playful puppies and kittens who may be tempted to chew on electrical cords risking digestive issues, electrical shocks and potential burns. To avoid any flammable dangers and emergency visits to the vet, TrustedHousesitters recommends pet owners check all light strands for signs of wear or damage and consider using pet-proof covers to deter their curiosity and keep pets safe from harm.

Beware of pine needles

Christmas trees may add a touch of magic to the season; however, the fallen needles can pose a danger to pets. Pine needles can cause digestive issues and potentially puncture the digestive tract if ingested in large quantities, leading to serious complications. Regularly sweep up fallen needles or create a barrier to avoid access to the tree and its fallen needles. If possible, consider a pet safe alternative, such as using artificial trees to minimise the risk.

Mistletoe isn’t always for kissing

Some seasonal plants can be extremely dangerous, so always supervise pets around them or, better yet, avoid them altogether. 

Dr. Megan Conrad, BVMS, a licensed vet, comments, “Many holiday plants can cause health problems for your pet, ranging from GI upset to heart issues and kidney failure. Definitely avoid mistletoe and holly, along with lilies, pine boughs and wreaths.”

Christmas Food Dangers

Animals love food, and at Christmas, it’s in abundance! However, this spells danger when it comes to pets eating something toxic. Meats such as turkey and ham have a high fat, sodium and salt content and should be avoided, along with roasting aromatics that are often used on meats.

Dr. Helena Adalid Marin, a veterinarian, says:“Christmas is the time of the year when we receive the most poisoning cases. The main culprit is chocolate, which is very toxic to dogs.  Seafood and sauces with onion and garlic should also be avoided, not to mention letting them taste champagne.

“We know how much pets are attracted to food, after all, their sense of smell is 10K – 100K times more receptive than humans. Make very sure you dispose of leftover food safely. Veterinary surgeon, Dr. Linda Simon, further explains, “While it may be tempting to toss the turkey carcass to our dog, bones should not be given. They can cause tooth fractures, gut obstructions, or severe constipation. ”

Angela Laws, award-winning Head of Community of TrustedHousesitters, who is also a sitter with 14 years of experience, comments: “Christmas is a time for the whole family to get together and celebrate, but if you have pets, you should take extra care to ensure they’re happy, healthy, and safe. Always keep a close eye on your pets and monitor everything they’re eating around Christmas Time, as leftovers can be dangerous. Ask guests not to feed your pet family members and watch children around them, as it might be hard to refuse those big soulful “me please” eyes.

“If your pet is anxious or struggling with the hustle and bustle of the season, ensure you keep to their usual routine, exercise them regularly, and have a safe space at home where they can retreat if the festivities become too much for them.”

For more advice, head to https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/blog/pets/keeping-pet-safe-at-christmas/