With Christmas just around the corner it is important to remember a few things.
If you are going away, there are options to have somebody come to your home to feed and look after your pet. They may be able to house/pet sit.
Boarding kennels is another alternative. Booking ahead is important for this time of year. This will also require your pets vaccinations to be up to date.
Make sure your pets are microchipped. Cats and dogs can feel a little unsettled at this time of year if you are away for a time, and may decide to wander. Microchipping will allow your pet to be taken to your local vet and can be traced back to you.
Another thing that is crucial to remember is all the goodies that are around for our cats and dogs to get into.
CHOCOLATE IS POISONOUS!
Chocolate is poisonous to dogs; however, the hazard of chocolate to your dog depends on the chocolate type, the amount consumed and the dog’s size. In large enough amounts, chocolate and cocoa products can kill your dog.
The toxic component of chocolate is theobromine. Humans easily metabolize theobromine, but dogs process it much more slowly, allowing it to build up toxic levels in their system. A large dog can consume more chocolate than a small dog before it suffers ill effects.
The onset of Theobromine is usually marked by severe hyperactivity. In small doses your dog could experience a stomach upset followed by vomiting or diarrhea.
In large doses symptoms can be as serious as muscle tremors, seizures, irregular heartbeat, and heart failure. Do not hesitate to get your dog to your local veterinary clinic if you suspect they have eaten chocolate!
Christmas is a time of celebration, entertaining, and lots of food! Therefore creating more rubbish. Remember to contain your rubbish/bags. Dogs and cats will relish in any scraps lying around but their stomachs may not be as happy!
We see a large increase in stomach/gastro upsets over the Christmas period. Some can go on to become quite serious. In knowing your pets are covered and well looked after, the team at South Wairarapa Vets would like to wish you and your pets a safe and merry Christmas!
South Wairarapa Vets
