Pet owners are being urged to look out for their dogs this Christmas as the season can bring an uptick in vet visits.
Dogs are 53 percent more likely to be treated for eating human food that is poisonous to them, or ingesting 'foreign bodies', in December, compared to any other month of the year, according to The Kennel Club. As well as this, Agria Pet Insurance has found that December has consistently been the highest month for intoxication claims since 2015, with the highest claim reaching over £1,600 following a dog eating a mince pie.
This comes amid a period in which your dog may behave out of character and eat something that it shouldn't. After all, with potentially more people coming and going and regular door knocks from delivery workers, Christmas can really disrupt a pup's routine.
Experts at The Kennel Club, who carried out the research have asked that dog owners keep an eye out for their pet's well being - as well as what it is eating.
"While Christmas should be a joyful and exciting time for the whole family, it can often be not only stressful and confusing for our pets, but sometimes dangerous as well, especially if certain treats and presents can land in the wrong paws," said Bill Lambert, Health, Welfare and Breeder Services Executive at The Kennel Club.
"Of course, many families will also be experiencing additional stress this Christmas owing to the cost of living crisis and may not be able to cope with any additional and unexpected financial burden, such as emergency veterinary treatment.
"While this can be extremely costly, and not to mention incredibly upsetting for both dogs and their owners, it can also often be avoided as long as owners are vigilant and take necessary precautions."
What to watch out for this Christmas to keep your dog safe
Festive food
Every Christmas there are thousands of cases of dogs needing veterinary treatment after consuming unsuitable festive foods such as:
- Chocolate is poisonous to dogs so it’s vital to keep any away from your dog and make sure any visitors do the same – don’t forget decorations or gifts under the tree
- Christmas dinner involves a large amount of dangerous foods for your dog, either through being toxic, too salty or too fatty. Be wary of feeding them traditional turkey, goose and chicken as bones can easily splinter, particularly when cooked, causing an obstruction and possibly even piercing your dog’s tummy
- Christmas cake, mince pies and Christmas pudding all contain dried fruits such as raisins, currants or sultanas which are toxic to dogs
Other festive foods to avoid include macadamia nuts, blue cheese, alcohol and mouldy foods.
Presents under the tree
With so many Christmas presents that aren’t suitable for dogs under the tree, watch out for your dog trying to eat:
- Small toys or gifts with small parts
- Wrapping paper or crepe paper
- Plastic materials or decorations used for wrapping presents
- Electronic gifts and toys
Dangerous decorations
Be careful too with certain festive plants, which can cause varying degrees of stomach upset if eaten by a curious dog:
- Poinsettia
- Holly
- Mistletoe
- Ivy
If you suspect that your dog is choking, or has taken a bad reaction to something that they have eaten, you should speak to your vet straight away.
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