5 Christmas Hazards to Avoid a Trip to the Vet

Keeping Your Pets Safe This Festive Season

Whilst Christmas is a very exciting time of year, it is the busiest time of year at our hospital. All the things that make the holidays great for us, can be a bit too much for our pets. So, as much as we love seeing you and your pet’s, here are some of our top tips to stay out of the ER this Christmas season! 

1. Table Scraps & Toxic Foods

Sharing holiday treats with your pets may be tempting, but lots of our holiday dinners can actually make them quite unwell. Common culprits include:

• Pork crackling and roast bones: Can cause pancreatitis or severe gastrointestinal issues.
• Chocolate: Highly toxic to dogs and cats, leading to heart palpitations and even seizures.
• Mince pies and fruit cake (raisins and grapes): Known to cause kidney failure in dogs.
• Macadamia nuts: May result in muscle tremors and painful, swollen joints in dogs.

How to keep your pets safe:

• Let your guests know what's up - ask them not to feed table scraps, and instead give them some pet safe treats to share with your pet.
• Keep all human food out of your pet’s reach - if you have a Daschund, or a Labrador, they will sniff it out - they will eat it!

2. Fireworks and Noise Anxiety

Loud celebrations, especially fireworks, are sudden and can be distressing for most pets. We see many dogs escaping or hurting themselves trying to their best to get to safety. 

Steps to ease your pet’s anxiety:

• Create a safe, quiet space with their favorite bedding or a familiar crate.
• Close windows, doors, and curtains to minimize noise and light flashes.
• Use calming music or TV as background noise to distract them.
• Provide interactive toys or food puzzles to keep them occupied.
• Don’t hesitate to consult your veterinarian for medical options if your pet experiences severe anxiety.

3. Heatstroke in Brachycephalic Breeds

Warm weather during the festive season can be particularly dangerous for brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds like Bulldogs, Pugs, and French Bulldogs. Their limited ability to regulate body temperature puts them at a higher risk of heatstroke.

Tips to protect your pet:

• Keep them indoors in an air-conditioned environment during hot days (above 24°C).
• Avoid outdoor exercise in warm or humid conditions. Opt for low-energy indoor activities.
• Watch for signs of heatstroke, such as excessive panting, drooling, or lethargy, and seek veterinary attention immediately if needed.

If your bulldog-faced breed hasn’t been assessed for brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome, we would really urge you to make this a priority. Click here for more information on BOAS and treatment options at VetLand Hospital & Emergency. 

4. Updating Microchip and Identification

With increased visitors and the risk of pets escaping during noisy celebrations.
What to check:

• Microchip: Ask your vet to scan your pet’s microchip at each of their visits to ensure it’s working and hasn’t malfunctioned.
• Contact details: If your details need updating, log into Central Animal Records and update your contact details, always have an emergency contact listed.
• ID tags: Ensure your pet’s collar includes an ID tag with your contact information for quick identification and potentially avoid a trip to the pound!

5. Holiday Plants and Decorations

Seasonal plants and decorations can be a disaster for some pets, shiny tinsel is fun to play with but not so fun to eat!

Hazardous holiday plants:

• Poinsettias: May cause drooling, vomiting, and even skin irritation.
• Lilies: Extremely toxic to cats, even small amounts can cause kidney failure.

Dangerous decorations:

• Tinsel and string: Can cause life-threatening digestive blockages, especially in cats.
• Lights and candles: Pose risks of burns, or even house fires.

How to keep your home safe:

Place plants and decorations out of your pet’s reach - if you have a cat, don’t have them in the house.

Protect Your Pet This Holiday Season

The holiday season is a wonderful time to make cherished memories with your loved ones, including your pets. By taking simple precautions—avoiding toxic foods, preparing for noise anxiety, and safeguarding your home—you can ensure your furry friends stay safe and happy.

From all of us at VetLand Hospital & Emergency, we wish you and your pets a joyful, safe, and festive season!