Dr Scott: how to take care of your pets this Christmas
Could treating your pet to Christmas leftovers actually be harmful? And are some festive plants poisonous for our furry friends? Dr Scott is joining us with his tips on how to keep your pets happy and healthy this festive season.
Christmas decorations may seem like fun toys for your dog or cat, but they can cause injury - especially if eaten. Make sure that you keep decorations out of your pet's reach at all times.
What key decorations should I be wary of?
Christmas trees - The needles can get stuck in paws or in mouths if chews and they can cause a lot of discomfort externally and internally if ingested. It avoid this, sweep or vacuum up any needles that drop off.
Tinsel - Keep tinsel away from your pets, as it can cause a blockage iin their stomach. Cats especially like to play with tinsel and are at risk of intestinal blockage.
Baubles & Ornaments - They are tempting for pets to play with by be wary as glass baubles can cause cuts. Choose alternative decorations instead of glass if they arre in reach of your pet.
Festive foliage - Poinsettias, holly, ivy, mistletoe and lilies are toxic to cats and dogs.
What food should I be wary of?
Chocolate - It contains an ingredient called theobromine that is dangerous to your pet's health. Make sure you keep your advent calendars and edible tree decorations out of reach of your pets.
Mince pies, Christmas pudding and cake - Currants, raisins and sultanas are toxic to dogs, so skip your pets when you're dishing your dessert.
Gravy, stuffing and sausages - These Christmas dinner must-haves are likely to contain garlic, chives or onion, all of which are harmful to cats and poisonous to dogs.
Bones - Do not give your pet cooked bones, they can splinter or get lodged in their throat and cause damage.
Nuts - While not all nuts are toxic to dogs, they can cause nasty symptoms if eaten.