Christmas Time - Considerations for our Pets
We all want to have a fun & stress-free Christmas so best to keep in mind the following for our pets safety...
Alcohol : serious hypoglycaemia, hypotension, seizures, respiratory failure
Apricots / Cherries / Peaches : contain cyanide : respiratory problems, shock, death
Christmas tree pine needles / sap : nausea, vomiting, skin irritation, stomach injury
Christmas tree lights : electrocution, foreign body if ingested
Essential oils & diffusers : poisoning : fever, tremors, breathing difficulty, seizures (cats are especially affected, dogs can also be affected)
Macadamia nuts : toxic mechanism is still unknown : severe lethargy, tremors, vomiting, stiff joints and inability to walk, pancreatitis
Grapes / raisins : kidney failure : variable toxic dose
Chocolate / Caffeine : vomiting, diarrhoea, seizures, heart arrhythmia
Garlic / onions: toxic to red blood cells leading to gastro signs, respiratory signs, anaemia and collapse
Hops: malignant hyperthermia, racing heart rate, vomiting, abnormal blood clotting, death
Karaka berries : (so important for our native Kereru) highly toxic to dogs: weakness, vomiting, hind leg paralysis, seizures, death
Leftovers : fatty foods or meals: pancreatitis, vomiting, diarrhoea (sometimes bloody)
Macadamia nuts : toxic mechanism is still unknown : severe lethargy, tremors, vomiting, stiff joints and inability to walk, pancreatitis
Mouldy food : mycotoxin toxicity: watch out when spreading compost and cover your compost bin, can cause vomiting, incoordination, tremors, seizures, high temperature
Mushrooms : some toxic varieties : can affect multiple organ systems
Plants : Lily flowers (Tiger, Asiatic, Day lily, Easter lily, Stargazer), holly, mistletoe
Salt / Salt lamps: vomiting, diarrhoea, incoordination, tremors, seizures, coma, death
Snow globes + certain lights : can contain chemicals such as antifreeze which are poisonous to pets if chewed
Tinsel : a common cause of foreign body obstruction in inquisitive cats
Xylitol sweetener : life threatening low blood sugar, liver failure
If you suspect your pet may have gotten into something they shouldn't have please phone your nearest clinic for advice or give us a call (09) 489 6263, even if your pet is acting perfectly normal, it’s always better to err on the side of caution to ensure their good health. If it’s after-hours call the nearest after-hours clinic, we recommend ARC in Schnapper rock, (09)281 5815.
The Vet will advise whether you need emergency treatment which may include medication to induce vomiting of the toxin plus further supportive treatment.
Stay safe & have a wonderful Christmas!
The Team at Pet&Vet Milford :)
We all want to have a fun & stress-free Christmas so best to keep in mind the following for our pets safety...
Alcohol : serious hypoglycaemia, hypotension, seizures, respiratory failure
Apricots / Cherries / Peaches : contain cyanide : respiratory problems, shock, death
Christmas tree pine needles / sap : nausea, vomiting, skin irritation, stomach injury
Christmas tree lights : electrocution, foreign body if ingested
Essential oils & diffusers : poisoning : fever, tremors, breathing difficulty, seizures (cats are especially affected, dogs can also be affected)
Macadamia nuts : toxic mechanism is still unknown : severe lethargy, tremors, vomiting, stiff joints and inability to walk, pancreatitis
Grapes / raisins : kidney failure : variable toxic dose
Chocolate / Caffeine : vomiting, diarrhoea, seizures, heart arrhythmia
Garlic / onions: toxic to red blood cells leading to gastro signs, respiratory signs, anaemia and collapse
Hops: malignant hyperthermia, racing heart rate, vomiting, abnormal blood clotting, death
Karaka berries : (so important for our native Kereru) highly toxic to dogs: weakness, vomiting, hind leg paralysis, seizures, death
Leftovers : fatty foods or meals: pancreatitis, vomiting, diarrhoea (sometimes bloody)
Macadamia nuts : toxic mechanism is still unknown : severe lethargy, tremors, vomiting, stiff joints and inability to walk, pancreatitis
Mouldy food : mycotoxin toxicity: watch out when spreading compost and cover your compost bin, can cause vomiting, incoordination, tremors, seizures, high temperature
Mushrooms : some toxic varieties : can affect multiple organ systems
Plants : Lily flowers (Tiger, Asiatic, Day lily, Easter lily, Stargazer), holly, mistletoe
Salt / Salt lamps: vomiting, diarrhoea, incoordination, tremors, seizures, coma, death
Snow globes + certain lights : can contain chemicals such as antifreeze which are poisonous to pets if chewed
Tinsel : a common cause of foreign body obstruction in inquisitive cats
Xylitol sweetener : life threatening low blood sugar, liver failure
If you suspect your pet may have gotten into something they shouldn't have please phone your nearest clinic for advice or give us a call (09) 489 6263, even if your pet is acting perfectly normal, it’s always better to err on the side of caution to ensure their good health. If it’s after-hours call the nearest after-hours clinic, we recommend ARC in Schnapper rock, (09)281 5815.
The Vet will advise whether you need emergency treatment which may include medication to induce vomiting of the toxin plus further supportive treatment.
Stay safe & have a wonderful Christmas!
The Team at Pet&Vet Milford :)