HOLIDAY HAZARDS TO AVOID: VETERINARY ADVICE!
The festive atmosphere of Christmas, with its treats, sparkling decorations, and traditional plants, unfortunately hides many dangers for our pets.
Veterinary emergencies see a surge during this period due to poisoning and intestinal blockages. To ensure the holidays remain a joyful time, Services Pour Animaux alerts you to the 5 main Christmas dangers and reminds you of the vital precautions to take.
1. Chocolate or Xylitol Poisoning (sugar substitutes)
This is the most frequent and serious risk of poisoning.
_ Chocolate: It contains theobromine, a toxic substance that dogs (and cats, although less commonly) metabolize very slowly. Dark chocolate is the most dangerous. Ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhea, tachycardia, tremors, and, in severe cases, seizures.
_ Xylitol (birch sugar): This sugar substitute, often found in chewing gum, "light" pastries, and toothpaste, is extremely toxic to dogs. It can cause severe and rapid hypoglycemia as well as liver damage.
2. Seasonal Toxic Plants
Several plants used for traditional decorations should be kept out of reach of animals.
_ Mistletoe and Holly: Their berries are toxic and can cause digestive problems (vomiting, diarrhea) and, in large quantities, nervous and cardiac issues.
_ Poinsettia (Christmas Star): Its sap is irritating and can cause digestive upset and irritation of the mucous membranes.
_ Fir Tree: The needles can irritate the mouth and stomach. In particular, the water at the base of the tree can contain chemical fertilizers which, if ingested by an animal, are dangerous.
3. Risk of Intestinal Blockage from Christmas Decorations
Cats and dogs are attracted to shiny or thin objects, which often leads to emergency veterinary surgery.
_ Garlands and ribbons: Cats are particularly attracted to metallic garlands and ribbons from gift packages. If ingested, these foreign objects can fold and tear the intestine like an accordion, requiring immediate surgical intervention.
_ Balls and hooks: The small hooks used to attach glass or plastic balls can be ingested and cause internal injuries or blockages.
4. Bones and fatty leftovers
Leftover turkey, goose, or deli meats may delight your pet, but they can be detrimental to its stomach.
_ Cooked bones: Poultry or chop bones, once cooked, splinter into sharp pieces that can perforate the esophagus or intestines. Never give cooked bones to dogs or cats.
_ Excess fat: Foods high in fat (sauces, turkey skin, fatty cheeses, etc.) can cause acute pancreatitis in dogs, a very painful and potentially fatal inflammation of the pancreas.
5. The stress and noise of the holiday season
The commotion of guests, the noise of fireworks, or the New Year's Eve fireworks generate intense stress for dogs and cats.
_ Managing Anxiety: Stress can weaken the immune system and cause digestive problems. If your pet is anxious, provide a calming refuge away from the entrance with toys, kibble, and fresh water, as well as calming pheromones (in a diffuser) or, on the advice of a veterinary nutritionist, calming dietary supplements.
What should you do in case of a pet emergency?
Never wait if you suspect your pet has ingested a toxic substance or a foreign object.
_ Contact the emergency veterinary clinic or on-call veterinarian: Call your regular veterinarian immediately or contact the emergency veterinary clinic by dialing the emergency number 3115.
_ Do not induce vomiting: Never attempt to induce vomiting in your pet without veterinary instruction, especially in the case of caustic substances or sharp objects.
_ Identify the toxin: Note the time of ingestion and the quantity consumed, as well as the exact type of product (chocolate packaging, cleaning product name, etc.).
Looking for a veterinary clinic or a veterinary nutritionist? Click on the link below:
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