Yorkshire Vet star Matt Jackson-Smith is urging dog owners to take extra care to keep their pets safe over the festive period because there are more hazards around the home at Christmas
From decorations to festive foods, Yorkshire Vet Matt Jackson-Smith says there are more hazards around the home at this time of year for dogs.
And some of these hazards can cause serious illness and, in some cases, even prove fatal for our four-legged furbabies.
Matt, who will be enjoying Christmas in Yorkshire with his dog Harry, wife Catherine and their two-year-old daughter, Anastasia says it’s important to know what your dog can and can’t eat.
“At this time of year, vets frequently see dogs who have swallowed foreign objects like tinsel, got into chocolate selection boxes that are often left lying around the house, or even eaten the Christmas pudding,” he says.
“It’s a fun time of year for the family, but it can be costly if you’re not aware of what your pet can and can’t eat.
“Owners don’t always realise that rich, fatty foods can lead to pancreatitis, or that raisins in mince pies are toxic and can, in some cases, be fatal and cause kidney failure.
“It can also be a stressful time for dogs, with lots of noise and visitors as everyone enjoys the festive season, so it’s good to be prepared to help our four-legged friends enjoy this time of year too.”
Matt’s top five tips to keep dogs safe this festive season:
1. Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis can be triggered by ingesting rich, fatty foods, and at Christmas there are plenty of tempting leftovers. It can be extremely painful for dogs and often causes vomiting and other serious symptoms. The safest option is to avoid feeding leftovers altogether, but if you do want to offer a treat, a small amount of plain cooked turkey or steamed vegetables is best.
2. Cooked bones
Cooked bones, especially poultry bones, can splinter in the gut, become lodged and cause severe internal damage. While they may seem like a treat, cooked bones are dangerous and should never be fed to dogs.
3. Tinsel and decorations
To dogs, festive decorations can look like exciting enrichment toys – shiny, crinkly and irresistible. However, they can easily become lodged in the digestive tract and cause an obstruction. Tinsel can lead to a condition called intussusception, where the intestines bunch up, which is very serious and often requires surgery. Keep decorations well out of reach and provide safe, pet-friendly toys instead.
4. Stress and anxiety
Christmas can be a busy and overwhelming time, with more visitors and noise than usual. Make sure your dog has a quiet, safe space with their favourite toys where they can retreat and feel secure.
5. Toxic Christmas treats
More toxic foods are found in homes at Christmas than at any other time of year. Mince pies, chocolate (the darker it is, the more dangerous), Christmas cake, grapes, onions and garlic are all toxic to dogs and can cause severe illness, including kidney failure.
Matt adds: “There are many ways to avoid a nightmare before Christmas. Not all dogs are the same – some will scavenge no matter how full they are – but one option is to give them a full belly before the festivities begin. Feeding them something natural, complete and balanced, like Butcher’s food for dogs, can help reduce the temptation to scavenge while you enjoy your Christmas dinner.”
Matt is the vet ambassador for Butcher’s Nourishing Food for Dogs.
