Urgent Christmas warning issued to anyone who owns a dog
Can anyone else hear the faint sound of Jingle Bells, or is it just us?
The festive season is well and truly upon us, and we're counting down the days until we're sat in front of the telly holding onto a glass of Bailey's.
While it's easy to get lost in the Christmas cheer and focus entirely on how many pigs in blankets we can wolf down, we need make sure we're focusing our attention on our furry friends, too.
Pet owners have warned to be aware of what our dogs are consuming at all times to avoid a Christmas-crushing trip to the vets.
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Whether you're the proud owner of a new puppy or been living with your dog for years, it's stellar advice that we could all afford to pay attention to.
As per The Daily Star, over one-fourth of vet trips are down to dogs consuming Christmas decorations and food, with festive meals often including 'chocolates, grapes or raisins, mince pies, and even booze' - all of which are poisonous to dogs.
The outlet goes on to add that two-thirds of dog owners don't know that festive foods can pose a threat to their pets, but the fact is that they can as they're often loaded with toxic ingredients, such as onion and garlic.
Veterinary nurse and researcher at the University of Liverpool Small Animal Teaching Hospital, Georgia Woods-Lee, said: "Educating yourself about these hazards and ensuring your puppy has a balanced diet, tailored to their breed and age, is vital for optimal health and development."
Meanwhile, Dr Lauren Hayes MRCVS, a vet at Royal Canin, warned against relying on advice from social media when it comes to your pets.
She said: "While social media is convenient and popular, they often lack the scientific backing and expert insight that only a veterinarian can provide-potentially leaving gaps in critical care decisions for their canine companions.
"It can be tempting to treat our furry friends to the same things we enjoy at Christmas, but it's important for puppies to stick to a tailored, puppy specific diet that can support rapid growth and ongoing development of their immature digestive and immune functions."
She continued: "So, while we love the taste of our Christmas dinner, it doesn't taste the same to our canine companions: contrary to popular belief, dogs don't have anywhere near the amount of taste buds as us humans."
"Rely on expert advice and science-backed tips to keep your furry friends happy and healthy long after the festive season is over.
"Puppy nutrition is not just for Christmas, after all."
What are the symptoms of poisoning?
According to the RSPCA, the common symptoms that your dog might show if they've eaten something they shouldn't have, like chocolate for instance, include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Dehydration
- Hyperactivity
- High temperature
- High blood pressure/temperature
- Abnormal heart rhythm
The charity also add that any quantities of grapes, raisins, sultanas and currants can be poisonous, even if cooked. If you suspect your dog may have been poisoned, then take them to the vet immediately.
Kya Buller