Dangers that Could Ruin your Dogs Christmas

Christmas is a time to enjoy, rejoice, and have fun — and our dogs will almost certainly be participating as part of the family. But there are dangers lurking throughout the holiday season for our four-legged friends, from toxic meals to hazardous seasonal plants. In this article we discuss things that ca ruin your dogs christmas.

With a bit of foresight and some extra safety precautions, we can keep our dogs safe and very merry this holiday season. Here is a list of the most common threats to your dog’s safety during the holidays — and how to avoid them:

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Chocolate : Things To Ruin Your Dogs Christmas

Chocolate contains the chemical theobromine, which is similar to caffeine and is harmful to dogs. Even in tiny doses, chocolate can induce vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, tremors, fits, heart problems, and even death in severe circumstances.

Theobromine is a stimulant found in cocoa beans that has the same effect as caffeine. It’s present in all chocolate, but it’s most concentrated in baker’s chocolate. Chocolate should be avoided at all costs because of its toxicity. What should you do if your dog ingests chocolate?

Small amounts may make dogs feel ill, therefore veterinarian assistance should be sought if any dog has ingested chocolate in any amount. White chocolate does not have strong enough theobromine to be toxic, although it can have a high-fat content, and pose a potential risk of pancreatitis. Put any chocolate away; the temptation may be too great for our four-legged friends. This will definitely ruin your dogs christmas.

It doesn’t take much to make your dog sick when it comes to chocolate. The amount of cocoa in just one ounce of milk chocolate is enough to sicken a 20-pound dog, and that’s just the amount found in one Hershey’s Kiss.

It takes only 2 ounces of dark chocolate (or about 3/4 cup) to poison a 50-pound dog. In addition to the danger of chocolate toxicity, dogs have a surprising number of other food sensitivities that can cause problems.

Candles and fireplaces

Playing with cozy fires is a holiday tradition for many people — and we often bring our pets along for the festivities. But dogs can succumb to horrific burns and injuries from falling into open fireplaces, as well as toxic smoke inhalation if they’re too close to the flames.

Candles also pose a danger: Dogs love the taste of wax, and will eagerly chew on those tempting votives — with sometimes dire consequences.

To keep your dog safe, always be sure that all pets are securely leashed or pent up away from the warmth of the fireplace before you sit down by the embers to relax. Always keep candles out of reach — even for human children, as they’re just as likely to fall into the flames and start a fire as any canine.

Finally, it’s a good idea to have the fireplace checked before the holiday season. While some people leave their fires burning all year round, there can be dangers involved in doing so — even months after a fire was last used.

Avoid Sharing Food: Don’t Ruin Your Dogs Christmas

Blue Cross has teamed up with the Veterinary Poisons Information Service to make sure you’re aware of the risks to keep your dog safe this Christmas. Here are some festive hazards to watch out for…

Christmas pudding and mince pies:

Grapes and dried vine fruits

Dogs cannot tolerate grapes and their dried derivatives (currants, sultanas, and raisins). Even a little amount may induce severe kidney damage. Foods containing dried fruits like Christmas pudding and mince pies will be included. Chocolate-coated raisins pose an additional risk of chocolate toxicity.

Onions and garlic, leeks, shallots, and chives

Onions, garlic, leeks, shallots, and chives are all Allium plants within the genus Allium. These can produce toxicity whether uncooked or cooked. Vomiting and diarrhea may occur initially, but the main consequence is damage to red blood cells, causing anemia. This might not be immediately apparent for several days after intake.

Alcohol

If alcohol is taken in excess by dogs, it has the same impact on dogs as it does on their owners. They can become wobbly and drowsy, with a risk of low body temperature, low blood sugar, and coma in severe cases. Dogs may help themselves to any stray alcohol that remains around over Christmas; therefore, keep it someplace where your dogs can not access it.

Macadamia nuts

Ingesting macadamia nuts can cause lethargy, increased body temperature, tremors, lameness, and stiffness in dogs.An emergency trip to the Vet might also ruin your dogs Christmas.

Leftovers

If any food remains at Christmas, make sure to dispose of it properly and keep it out of reach of your four-legged companion. Not only can the food contain toxins that are harmful to dogs, but mold in leftovers (including yogurt, bread, and cheese) may also create poisons that induce fast onset convulsions in dogs

Table scraps

It’s hard not to give your dog a taste of whatever’s for dinner when he gives you those big, pleading eyes after smelling your own meal. But most table scraps are just not good for your furry friend — especially fatty or sweet foods. They can cause everything from nausea to vomiting to diarrhea to pancreatitis, which itself can be fatal.

Artificial sweeteners

Xylitol, a sugar-free sweetener, is a common ingredient in Christmas sweets. As well as chewing gums, mouthwashes, toothpaste, and supplements. It’s deadly to dogs; even one to two pieces of chewing gum can be harmful for a tiny dog.

Clipping reduces blood flow, which can reduce the amount of insulin produced in the body and cause low blood sugar and even liver damage. Signs of poisoning include vomiting, lethargy, convulsions, and coma. Treat low blood sugar promptly for a good prognosis.

What are some Christmas leftovers that I can give to my dog?

• If your dog is healthy and is not allergic to the items listed below, they are perfectly fine to give them a tiny treat at Christmas.:
• Turkey meat (no skin or bones)
• Salmon (fillets or cooked in spring water are preferable to smoked salmon)
• Lamb meat (no bones)
• Parsnips
• New potatoes
• Sweet potatoes
• Carrot
• Peas
• Swede
• Scrambled egg
• Green beans
• Brussel sprouts
• Mash potato
• Yogurt

Remember, providing your dog with a lot of new food may induce vomiting and diarrhoea!

Christmas Plants

Poinsettia

The poinsettia’s toxicity i exaggerated. It will irritate the mouth and stomach, when saliva is overproduced. It can also induce vomiting in some individuals due to excessive production of saliva.

Holly

The plant is low in toxicity. Eating holly berries may cause stomach discomfort

Mistletoe

European mistletoe berries may cause an upset stomach if eaten. The plant species, on the other hand, is considerably more hazardous.

Christmas trees

If dogs consume pine needles, they may get a stomachache, but the sharp tips can do more harm internally.

Ivy

Hedera helix (not Toxicodendron radicans, the American poison ivy) is the type of ivy. This plant is used in wreaths and decorations. However, when consumed, Hedera species can still induce a stomach upset. Hedera species may also cause irritant and allergic contact dermatitis when skin comes.

Other hazards

Silica gel

Small sachets of silica gel are often included in packaging of new shoes, handbags, cameras, or electrical equipment.

Christmas decoration

Plastic, paper, and foil decorations are low-toxicity but may obstruct the stomach. Glass decorations are hazardous. Pretty paper but do not allow it to ruin your dogs Christmas holidays.

Wrapping or crepe paper

Gum ingestion will result in staining of the mouth, but the toxicity is low. However, if your dog consumes a significant amount of gum, it might block his stomach.

Candles

Scented candles are quite benign, but ingesting them could obstruct the intestine or result in choking.

Potpourri

When dogs eat potpourri, significant gastrointestinal problems can occur. Even after the material has gone through their stomachs, these effects may linger for several days..

Cigarettes

Nicotine is poisonous to dogs, and cigarette butts in particular, so it’s important not to leave any ashtrays around for them to eat or fall on the floor where they may consume them over the holidays. Nicotine replacement patches and e-cigarette refills can also be harmful. Vomiting, excessive saliva, and high blood pressure are all. Take extra precautions and don’t let these things ruin your dog’s Christmas.

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