Tips for surviving the Xmas season
RSPCA NSW is urging the public to take extra precaution & care of their pets over the Christmas and New Year period.
From the hot summer weather to Christmas festivities, the silly season is full of potential pet dangers. Over the Christmas period RSPCA Shelters and Veterinary Clinics State-wide are inundated with sick, injured and lost animals.
“The family Christmas tree can cause a number of problems for animals,” says RSPCA NSW Chief Veterinarian Dr Magdoline Awad. “Christmas decorations and items such as tinsel, baubles and ribbon can result in choking, intestinal blockage and even death for pets. Pets can get hold of glass baubles and break them – this can lead to cut paws, which can be quite painful and quickly become infected.” Chewing on wires from the tree lights can cause severe burns and electric shock. Christmas tree needles can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and irritation to the mouth and stomach, if eaten.
Gifts look beautiful under the tree, but can wreak havoc on inquisitive pets. “We’ve seen cases where dogs have located and eaten whole boxes of chocolates that were wrapped and sitting under the tree,” says Dr Awad.
“To avoid any accidents, the best place to put the tree and presents is in a room that’s off limits to pets.”
Don’t share Christmas lunch or other human food with pets. “Even small portions of table or barbeque scraps can cause serious health issues for animals, including pancreatitis,” warns Dr Awad. Cooked bones, lobster shells, chocolate, onions, grapes, raisins, macadamias, walnuts, coffee and alcohol are dangerous if ingested and in some cases, can be fatal. Animals can sneak food from kitchen benches and rubbish bins, so it’s important to keep food and scraps completely out of reach.
“A lot of people put out chocolates and lolly bowls for guests during the holidays. Make sure pets don’t get into these, as chocolate and artificial sweeteners are particularly harmful to animals.”
A number of holiday floral arrangements contain flowers and plants that are poisonous to animals. Lilies, poinsettias and mistletoe are just a few examples. For a list of dangerous plants and flowers, please visit our Toxic Plants for Pets section.
With new activities and more people around the house, your pet’s routine can be easily be disrupted and they may become agitated or stressed. “Make sure your pet has access to a quiet place where they can relax and feel safe,” says Dr Awad. This may help to keep them calm and stave off any misbehaviour that might ensue.
It’s also important to remind guests to watch for pets when opening outside doors. Make sure animals are microchipped and wearing current identification tags just in case they get out.
“The festive season is our busiest time of year,” says Dr Awad. “RSPCA Shelters and Veterinary Hospitals across the state are inundated with sick, injured and lost animals. Many of the injuries we treat could’ve been avoided. So we urge people to plan ahead and take extra care to ensure their pets stay safe.”
Top 10 tips for surviving the festive season
1) Christmas decorations and items such as tinsel, baubles and ribbon can choke and kill pets - make sure ALL decorations are out of reach.
2) Don’t share Christmas lunch or human treats with pets - foods such as cooked bones, chocolate and onions can be fatal if ingested.
3) Summer is breeding season so if you haven’t already desexed your pet please do it now!
4) Make sure all vaccinations are up-to-date.
5) Ticks and fleas are most common during the summer months so make sure all prevention is up-to-date and pets are regularly checked for ticks.
6) NEVER leave dogs in cars, even with the windows down – dogs can’t sweat and heat stress and death can occur within 6 minutes.
7) Always walk your dog in the early morning or late evening to avoid the heat of the day.
8) Ensure pets have easy access to shade and water throughout the day.
9) White dogs and cats are especially susceptible to skin cancer. Apply pet zinc to their ears and noses if they will be exposed to the sun.
10) Be careful if giving or receiving flowers, especially if they contain lilies as these are toxic to cats (CLICK HERE for more dangerous plants and flowers).
