Don’t be a pudding and take good care of your beloved pet

FAIRYLIGHTS, tinsel and chocolates are all part of the joy of Christmas but they can become a pain for pets. Animal charities have issued a warning to remind pet owners to stay safe over Christmas – and avoid having to make a dash to the vets.

The British Veterinary Association and a number of other charities asked ­Morrisons to withdraw an advertisement which showed a small boy feeding ­Christmas pudding to a dog.

Christmas pudding, Christmas cake and mince pies – because they contain raisins or sultanas – are potentially ­harmful to pets and in some cases can lead to kidney failure.

Vet Peter Jones, president of the British Veterinary Association (BVA), said: “Christmas is a time for families and we’re reminding pet owners it’s also time to ­remember the health and welfare of their animals too.

“Our message to pet owners is to forget festive food for four-legged friends and don’t ruin your Christmas through carelessness. The loss or illness of a family pet is devastating, but poisoning in the home can be easily avoided.

“Some substances may make your animal drool or vomit so they should always have clean drinking water. If there’s any doubt or concern owners should contact their vet for advice immediately.”

Chocolate is one of the most common causes of poisoning in dogs – but is also toxic to cats, rats and rabbits.

Raisins and sultanas, sweets and liquorice can all be hazardous, while un-shelled nuts, and turkey bones, can get stuck in the digestive system. Christmas decorations can also be a potential hazard – Christmas lights, bows, tinsel and baubles can all be dangerous if chewed – as can Blu-Tack.

Vet Tiffany Hemming, chair of trustees for the Animal Welfare Foundation, said: “Pet owners should educate themselves about all the hazardous poisons in their homes and gardens and take simple steps to ensure they are kept out of reach of cats, dogs and other animals.

“The AWF guide to pets and poisons is clear and simple to use and could help reduce the dangers in the home not only at Christmas but all year round.”

The PDSA animal charity are also reminding pet owners to take extra care – after this week releasing pictures of Charlie the Staffordshire cross who had become ill after eating more than a foot of Christmas lights.

As well as injuries caused by swallowing foreign bodies, PDSA vets say accidental poisoning is one of the most common causes of animal ill health over the Christmas period.

Another common cause of injury in dogs is gastric torsion – a twisted stomach caused by vigorous exercise after a large meal. Hypothermia – caused by over exposure to wintry weather is another common cause of problems over the festive season.

The PDSA also list accidental injury as a hazard – saying dog owners should take care to protect their pets from injuries caused by pulling over the Christmas tree and chewing on electric cables.

PDSA Senior Veterinary Surgeon Elaine Pendlebury said: “With the festive season now in full swing, our houses can be filled with intriguing decorations and unfamiliar food, which can mean plenty of hidden hazards for pets.

“To avoid unexpected trips to the vet this Christmas think of your pets as you would a toddler – remove any potential dangers from their environment, and keep food well out of the reach of prying paws.”