Warning on dangers for pets over Christmas

A LEADING charity for pets has warned owners to be extra vigilant when caring for dogs and cats over Christmas.

PDSA said it treated more than 17,000 pets in emergency vet rooms last Christmas and New Year. The charity said it was common for cats and dogs to swallow items including baubles and tinsel, or suffer the effects of chocolate poisoning.

This year, the organisation has launched a pet First Aid leaflet to help owners deal with an emergency, such as burns, electrocution and broken bones.

PDSA senior veterinary surgeon Elaine Pendlebury, said: "December can be a dangerous time for pets.

"It’s not always possible to keep an eye on pets all of the time, but we would urge pet owners to try to identify any Christmas pet hazards before they cause illness or injury.

"If a pet emergency does arise, and the owner has read the PDSA First Aid leaflet, they’ll be better prepared if the worst does happen."

The charity stressed that the leaflet is only designed as an intermediary support tool for pet owners, and veterinary advice should always be sought as soon as possible for any sick or injured pet.

PDSA also suggested a number of Christmas safety tips, including a warning never to buy a pet as a Christmas present, to keep light cables out of reach of pets, and not to feed chocolate to pets as it contains theobromine which can poison some animals.