Seasonal Advice
Christmas is a very exciting time but it is important for pet owners to be aware of potential toxic substances that tend to be more prevalent during the holiday season,
Some of the most common culprits include:
• Chocolate
The toxic component of chocolate is called theobromine [a compound similar to caffeine]. The amount of theobromine varies in different types of chocolates. The content in white chocolate is fairly low, milk chocolate has a moderate amount and the content in dark/pure chocolate or cocoa powder is relatively high. Thus, the toxicity of chocolate depends on what type, how much is ingested and the size of your dog. The most common clinical symptom of chocolate poisoning in dogs is vomiting and diarrhoea. This along with the fact that theobromine is a diuretic puts dogs at risk of dehydration. Other effects that can occur are hyperactivity, increased body temperature, increased blood pressure and increased heart rate. Tremors and convulsions can also be observed in extreme cases. There is no specific antidote for chocolate poisoning and the treatment is supportive and symptomatic. If your dog has eaten any type of chocolate of any amount, seek veterinary attention as soon as possible as most of the risk can be reduced by immediately inducing vomiting to remove the toxin and administering an oral substance to reduce further absorption of any chocolate still in the gastrointestinal tract.
• Grapes/Raisins, Currants and Sultanas
The toxic mechanism of these fruits in animals is not known, but they can cause kidney failure in dogs and possibly cats. Some dogs can eat large quantities without any effects and others will develop renal failure with as few as a handful. The initial signs are usually vomiting and diarrhoea, which then progress to renal failure in 24-72 hours. Again, no specific antidote exists, thus the treatment is supportive, with IV fluids to attempt to protect the kidneys. Watch out for things like Christmas cake/pudding and mince pies!
• Nuts
Peanuts have been reported to have adverse effects in some pets. Some reported symptoms included, vomiting/diarrhoea, twitching, spasm, agitation and convulsions. Macadamia nuts are also toxic to dogs and can cause weakness, tremors, vomiting, depression, lameness and stiffness.
• Allium species
These foods include onions, garlic, leeks, shallots and chives. They can be toxic raw or cooked. Initially vomiting and diarrhoea is seen. This is followed by a serious condition called haemolytic anaemia [destruction of red blood cells] from 1-5 days later. Many foods can contain these ingredients unknowingly, so avoiding any ‘table scraps’ is recommended.
• Xylitol
An artificial sweetener found in some chewing gums and can be bought in large quantities for home baking/cooking. In dogs it causes rapid hypoglycaemia [low blood sugar] and liver failure.
• 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, though neurological signs have been reported with ingestion of mistletoe in America [different plant species]. 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!!
[Information adapted from VPIS]
Is Your Pet Scared of Fireworks?
With Christmas comes New Years Eve. Unfortunately for our pets, this can mean fireworks, which can be very frightening for them.
Some of the outward signs you may see in your pet indicating they are very frightened or stressed by loud noises are:
shaking, salivating or messing in the house
howling, hissing or barking
destructive behaviour
hiding or trying to escape
As a loving owner it can be very distressing to see our pets so frightened and upset. What can you do to help?
Try to muffle the sounds by closing windows/doors and shutting the curtains. You can also put on the radio or television to try to mask the loud bangs.
Provide a quiet, safe place to hide. This may be an indoor kennel with lots of blankets to hide under, a place under the stairs or under a table or desk.
Avoid going outside when the fireworks are on display. Take your dog out for a walk and to go to the toilet well before it’s dark. Don’t let cats outside and lock the cat flap for the night.
Don’t fuss over them! As difficult as this may be, it reinforces their behaviour and can make the situation worse. And stay calm yourself! Pets can sense when you are worried and it can increase their own stress.
Don’t get angry. The behaviour they are showing is because they feel scared and getting cross with them will make it worse as they don’t understand.
Consider the use of products available, which aim to reduce the stress associated with loud noises.
DAP diffuser or spray is a synthetic copy of the natural ‘dog appeasing pheromone’ which is meant to have a comforting and calming affect on dogs.
Feliway diffuser or spray works in the same way for cats.
Zylkene capsules are a natural substance derived from cow milk protein, which is meant to have relaxing properties in dogs and cats.
Prescription anti-anxiety medications or sedatives are sometimes used in extreme cases. If you feel your pet may require this please bring your pet to your vet for a full health check and consultation a few weeks before the noise is anticipated.
You can also help in the long-term with behaviour therapy such as a sound desensitisation program. This involves exposing your pet to the stressful sounds in a controlled manner with the use of CDs pre-recorded with a variety of sounds such as fireworks and thunder. These programmes should not be started at times when scary sounds are likely to occur. The best time to start is after the New Year. It is important to be aware that this process takes time [weeks to months] and dedication, but you will be rewarded by helping your loving pet!!
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