It's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of Christmas and leave our mischievous pets to their own devices. That is why Sore Paws Veterinary Clinic work tirelessly through the festive season to keep your pets safe from any Christmas hazards
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and we all know how easy it is to get caught up in the festive frivolity of Christmas. Amongst all the celebrating, the last thing anyone wants at Christmas is an emergency trip to the vets. Unfortunately, Christmas can be a period full of tempting dangers and hazards for our pets, so it’s important we know how to keep them safe.
Whilst you might be tempted to let your pet indulge on the festive feast with you, chewing on bones and eating too many fatty leftovers will do more harm than good. Gastroenteritis is a serious risk to pets and occurs as a result of eating rich or fatty foods. With symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhoea, it’s definitely something you want to avoid on Christmas morning. That’s why it’s advised you try and keep your pet on its usual diet. There are plenty of pet-friendly treats available on the market that are just as good, or if not better than the usual trimmings, so your pet can still be part of the festive fun.
Christmas decorations are another tricky hazard to manage, with curious dogs and cats alike pawing at the tree until the baubles fall off. Ingesting a foreign object becomes a huge hazard for pets when you have sparkling lights and glistening tinsel lying around; they simply cannot help themselves. Dogs can eat tinsel like we eat spaghetti, and can be mischievous enough to eat it when no one is looking. Any kind of metal or glass will never be healthy to ingest, and decorations such as tinsel can cause serious blockages in the digestive system. If you notice your pet being more lethargic than usual, not eating properly, or if you see any vomiting and diarrhoea, it’s likely they have eaten something they shouldn’t have. If you do suspect a foreign object has been ingested, your pet will need immediate medical attention, so it’s important to try and keep those decorations out of reach or make sure you opt for pet-friendly ones. If you do find yourself in a Christmas emergency with your pet, you can rely on Sore Paws Veterinary Clinic in Winlaton and Newton Aycliffe to provide the best care for your loved one. Sore Paws are a family-run business, who pride themselves in providing personal, individualised care at affordable prices. So don’t hesitate to call if your furry friends get up to mischief during this festive period, as Sore Paws are always here to help and coming soon is our 24-hour service. Watch out for more information. See you in the New Year guys – and lets hope 2021 is kinder to us than 2020 was! Have a safe and wonderful festive period. Sarah x
