Christmas can be as enjoyable and happy for pets as it is for the many people who celebrate it - owners spend more time at home, everybody is in a good mood and there's often extra food or treats on offer. They may even get to help open the presents. However, to ensure that your pets, especially cats and dogs, enjoy this festive time there are a few things to note. The first, says veterinarian David Gething, of Creature Comforts, is toxicity and poisoning which is common over the Christmas period, although the good news is that it is usually easily treatable. One Christmas source of this are plants that can be toxic to pets, including poinsettias - the red and green Christmas shrubs sold widely in Hong Kong during the festive season - holly and mistletoe. Common signs of toxicity include drooling, rubbing at the mouth, vomiting, diarrhoea and shivering. "Cats seem particularly drawn to chewing on new plants in the house. Christmas trees [pine trees] are not toxic, but some cats seem to have a taste for the pine needles, which will cause an upset stomach," Gething says. Some food items such as onions, garlic, chocolate and macadamia nuts are also toxic in large amounts. "I do see cases of poisoning during this time. For example, when leftovers containing toxic food from the family dinner are given to the dog as a treat," the vet says. If an owner suspects a case of festive toxicity, Gething says to call the vet immediately. "Treatment for mild cases is very simple, but getting therapy started early can make a huge difference," he says. "And the best solution is prevention - keep potentially dangerous plants and food out of the way of dogs and cats." Much like humans, overindulgence can be an issue for pets during this time of the year. Eating too much is more commonly an issue with dogs than cats, Gething says, and there are breeds such as Labradors who are more prone to be in this category. "Christmas Day is often a feast for the people in the house as well as the pets, but when a dog or cat is given leftovers or offcuts from many people it can add up quite quickly." The result, more often than not, is the animal eats more rich food that it is not used to, and this can lead to vomiting, abdominal pain and an upset stomach. In more severe cases, large amounts of fatty food can trigger more severe gastroenteritis or pancreatitis. "I would also strongly suggest people avoid giving cooked bones to pets over Christmas, as there is a big risk of splintering and causing intestinal issues." For a mild case of overindulgence, Gething advises monitoring and rest, giving small amounts of water regularly for hydration but no food for 24 hours. If a pet continues to vomit more than four times in a day, seems distressed or is very swollen and bloated, he says to call a vet to discuss further treatment, such as medication to settle the stomach or, in severe cases, pumping out the stomach contents. It is also not a good idea to allow a pet access to alcohol - intentionally or not. "Every year, we see at least one drunk dog who has either secretly got into the whisky egg-nog or been given a drink by a mischievous guest. Due to their smaller size and lack of acclimatisation, dogs can easily reach dangerous levels of alcohol toxicity, and hence the family pet should definitely refrain from having a glass of Christmas cheer," Gething explains. Another thing that Gething sees each year is pets who have eaten Christmas decorations. "Small items will usually pass through without too much issue, but larger ornaments can cause blockages," he says. "Cats, in particular, are prone to playing with and then eating tinsel, which can get stuck in the small intestine and cause major problems." Signs of intestinal blockage include severe prolonged vomiting and diarrhoea and marked intestinal discomfort. "If you suspect your pet has swallowed an object you should call your vet immediately. This is an emergency and may require surgery to remove the item," Gething says. "The easiest solution again is avoidance, try to keep tree ornaments and Christmas decorations out of the reach of pets." Also watch for electrical cords, wiring and candles. Christmas can be a stressful time for dogs and cats in the house with many visitors, new decorations or features, changes in furniture, and parties. "Any change in the normal routine can cause anxiety." Having a safe place where they can retreat and relax, such as a spare room or laundry, will help. For editorial inquiries: specialistpublications@scmp.com
