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HUMAN FOOD

Certain human food can be highly toxic to pets, such as chocolate, grapes, raisins, currants, sultanas, some nuts and allium species. All these are usually in abundance at Christmas time.

Check out our COMMON TOXINS page to find out more.

PLANTS

Holly and Ivy are generally not much of a worry but ingestion can cause irritation, which may result in drooling, retching or vomiting. Mistletoe ingestion generally causes similar signs. Poinsettia is reported to be very toxic to cats, though ingestion most commonly causes gastric irritation. If your pets love to eat plants or anything they shouldn’t, it is safer just to avoid these in house as keeping them out of reach can be easier said than done!!

COLD WEATHER

Anti freeze
During cold snaps, antifreeze poisonings become increasingly common. These typically occur when ethylene glycol, one of the main ingredients in antifreeze, leaks from car radiators or screen wash containers. This chemical is extremely toxic to dogs and, to exacerbate the problem, it’s also very sweet so they like the taste.

Any amount is dangerous, even if it’s found in contaminated water such as puddles, but just a few tablespoonfuls are potentially fatal. Treatment may be needed if your dog swallows any antifreeze so please contact your vet as soon as possible. Cold Weather Slim dogs and older dogs may feel the cold more than others, so consider getting a coat for your dog.

DARK NIGHTS
Many of us lead busy lives and in the winter months there’s little choice but to walk our dogs during the hours of darkness.

• Always carry a torch.
• Wear bright clothing.
• Use reflective collars and leads

TOYS & BATTERIES
Christmas day can be exciting, but be cautious of small toys or parts, as they could cause an intestinal obstruction if a pet was to chew them. If a pet chews batteries, this can cause burns or an obstruction, so be careful where you store them.