Christmas Leftovers Can Kill Family Pets
Veterinarians are warning pet owners they could seriously injure or kill their animals if they feed them too many Christmas leftovers.
Christmas is a time to share with the whole family, and for many that includes their dogs and cats. But vets are urging people not to share human Christmas food with their animals as it can lead to injury or death.
Veterinarians say they often spend the post Christmas period looking after pets that are suffering severe gastro problems, after their owners tried to give them a Christmas treat. In extreme cases, dogs and cats can die after sharing their owner’s food.
Human Food Can be Dangerous For Dogs and Cats
The President of the Australian Veterinary Association, Dr Mark Lawrie, has urged pet owners not to stuff their cats and dogs like a turkey this Christmas.
“There are some foods which we indulge in over the Christmas period that are just not good for our cats and dogs,” Dr Lawrie says. “We think we are giving them a Christmas treat, but really what we are doing is setting them up for some ‘treat-ment’ with their vet.”
Fruits, Nuts and Chocolate are Food for Cat or Dog Owners Only
Foods to avoid include grapes and sultanas, which can lead to kidney failure, so fruit mince pies or fruit cake are for humans only. Macadamia nuts, sometimes called Queensland Nuts, can cause weakness, vomiting and depression, while avocado can lead to breathing difficulties.
Chocolate, particularly dark chocolate can spark increased heart beat, tremors and seizures, and in extreme cases, death. If a pet breaks into the Christmas chocolates, seek veterinary attention as soon as possible.
While cooking Christmas treats, be sure to keep the nutmeg out of paws’ way. High levels of nutmeg can be toxic to animals, leading to problems with their nervous systems, and can even be fatal.
A Christmas Roast is Not Gourmet Dog Food
While the Christmas roast may seem like a safe treat to share with your pets, Dr Lawrie warns that even meat can hurt cats and dogs when it’s been prepared for humans.
“Cooked bones are not good for our pets. During the cooking process, the chemical structure of the bones changes, making them too hard for your pet’s stomach juices to break down.”
The fat from cooked meat can cause problems with a pet’s digestive system, especially if it has been cooked with salt. This can make cats and dogs feel very sick, and cause flatulence, leading to a very smelly Christmas.
“Remember,” Dr Lawrie says, “If your pet does sit there looking at you with big sad eyes or the ‘hungry dog look’, wanting to share your Christmas dinner, and you let them gobble too much, you’ll end up looking like a turkey in the waiting room of the vet clinic.”