The festive season is an increasingly perilous time for our pets, with trips
to the vet at Christmas rocketing by 50 percent over the last four years,
says PDSA, the UK's leading veterinary charity.
Falling Christmas trees, chewed wires and swallowed turkey bones have all
contributed to a sharp rise in pet casualties seen by vets at PDSA PetAid
hospitals throughout the country. Last year, PDSA vets treated 15,600 pets
over the Christmas period, compared with just 10,455 in 2004.
"Vets see many injuries to pets resulting from Christmas celebrations, and
most are preventable with a little more planning and consideration," said
PDSA Senior Veterinary Surgeon Sean Wensley. "Typical examples include dogs
swallowing tinsel and baubles, pets suffering from over-eating, electric
shocks from chewed cables, and Christmas trees toppling over."
To prevent further pain and distress to four-legged friends this Christmas,
PDSA urges pet owners to take a few simple precautions. A quick home safety
check, for example, can identify potential dangers.
"Think of your pet as like a curious child who may be fascinated by bright
lights, sparkling tinsel, electrical leads and other typical Christmas
trappings," added Sean Wensley. "Then protect it by taking the necessary
precautions to help prevent accidents."
Last Christmas almost spelled disa-'star' for Yorkshire Terrier Charlie who
swallowed a discarded Christmas star decoration after rummaging through his
owner's rubbish bin but luckily he made a full recovery thanks to PDSA
veterinary staff at Plymouth PetAid hospital. Brightly coloured Christmas
decorations and festive food can be an attractive but dangerous combination
for mischievous pets!
PDSA tips for ridding the home of pet hazards:
Chemicals - make sure any potentially dangerous substances are stored in
sealed containers and in secure cabinets out of a pet's reach.
Electrical equipment/utensils - If you have cats, keep tumble dryers and
washing machines shut and always check inside before switching them on. An
overheated non-stick pan can release toxic fumes which can be hazardous to
birds. Carbon monoxide poisoning, can also cause problems for birds, small
furry pets and cats.
Food - some can be potentially harmful, for example, if pets eat large
amounts of chocolate it can cause death, due to the compound theobromine
that affects the heart and other body organs. Other items such as alcohol,
green potatoes, macadamia nuts, onions and any mouldy food can also be
harmful to animals.
Objects - many pets, especially puppies, kittens and small furries, may play
with foreign objects which at this time can include Christmas decorations,
children's toys and other small objects which can easily become lodged in
the mouth or intestines.
Smoking - passive smoking can also affect pets. For example, cats exposed to
passive smoking are twice as likely to develop cancer, compared with cats
whose owners do not smoke.
Plants - beware poisonous houseplants. Poinsettia plants which are popular
at this time of year can cause irritation and can be fatal. The ornamental
houseplant 'philodendron' can be harmful as the whole plant is toxic and
pets are tempted to eat the leaves. Keep any large, safe house plants on the
floor in heavy containers to avoid them being pulled or knocked over by
boisterous pets.
Electrical hazards - young curious pets, house rabbits, guinea pigs and
other small furries can chew on live electrical cords like Christmas light
cables which can cause electric shocks. Ensure that electric wires are out
of sight and out of reach. If this is not possible, wires should be covered
with plastic conduit and secured to skirting boards or run under a carpet.
Small batteries can cause problems if swallowed.
Trip and fall hazards - a dog running up the stairs can trip or fall,
especially if the carpet is loose or frayed. A pet can crash into glass
doors and windows which can cause serious injuries. Use safety glass, or
make sure that the glass is frosted so it is visible. Balconies should
always be securely screened.
You can never predict when or if your pet might become ill or if you might
have to deal with an emergency situation but there are steps you can take
should an emergency arise:
. Keep the name, address and telephone number of your vet next to the phone.
. Keep a working pen and paper next to the phone to take down an emergency
telephone number on any answer phone message or instructions.
. Always telephone before you take an injured pet to any veterinary
practice.
. Keep a Pet First Aid Kit with you at home or travelling with your pet
PDSA encourages pet owners to pick up its 'Pet Safety Indoors' and 'Pet
First Aid' leaflets, which offer more advice on what to do in an emergency.
The leaflets are part of a series of Responsible Pet Care information
produced by PDSA that cover a variety of pet care topics. The leaflets are
available from PDSA PetAid hospitals and PDSA charity shops nationwide or
can be downloaded from the PDSA website, www.pdsa.org.uk.
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