Protect your pet this Christmas
Christmas is a very exciting time but it is important for pet owners to be aware of potential toxic substances that tend to be more prevalent during the holiday season,
Some of the most common culprits include:
• Chocolate
The toxic component of chocolate is called theobromine [a compound similar to caffeine]. The amount of theobromine varies in different types of chocolates. The content in white chocolate is fairly low, milk chocolate has a moderate amount and the content in dark/pure chocolate or cocoa powder is relatively high. Thus, the toxicity of chocolate depends on what type, how much is ingested and the size of your dog. The most common clinical symptom of chocolate poisoning in dogs is vomiting and diarrhoea. This along with the fact that theobromine is a diuretic puts dogs at risk of dehydration. Other effects that can occur are hyperactivity, increased body temperature, increased blood pressure and increased heart rate. Tremors and convulsions can also be observed in extreme cases. There is no specific antidote for chocolate poisoning and the treatment is supportive and symptomatic. If your dog has eaten any type of chocolate of any amount, seek veterinary attention as soon as possible as most of the risk can be reduced by immediately inducing vomiting to remove the toxin and administering an oral substance to reduce further absorption of any chocolate still in the gastrointestinal tract.
• Grapes/Raisins, Currants and Sultanas
The toxic mechanism of these fruits in animals is not known, but they can cause kidney failure in dogs and possibly cats. Some dogs can eat large quantities without any effects and others will develop renal failure with as few as a handful. The initial signs are usually vomiting and diarrhoea, which then progress to renal failure in 24-72 hours. Again, no specific antidote exists, thus the treatment is supportive, with IV fluids to attempt to protect the kidneys. Watch out for things like Christmas cake/pudding and mince pies!
• Nuts
Peanuts have been reported to have adverse effects in some pets. Some reported symptoms included, vomiting/diarrhoea, twitching, spasm, agitation and convulsions. Macadamia nuts are also toxic to dogs and can cause weakness, tremors, vomiting, depression, lameness and stiffness.
• Allium species
These foods include onions, garlic, leeks, shallots and chives. They can be toxic raw or cooked. Initially vomiting and diarrhoea is seen. This is followed by a serious condition called haemolytic anaemia [destruction of red blood cells] from 1-5 days later. Many foods can contain these ingredients unknowingly, so avoiding any ‘table scraps’ is recommended.
• Xylitol
An artificial sweetener found in some chewing gums and can be bought in large quantities for home baking/cooking. In dogs it causes rapid hypoglycaemia [low blood sugar] and liver failure.
• Plants
Holly and Ivy are generally not much of a worry but ingestion can cause irritation, which may result in drooling, retching or vomiting. Mistletoe ingestion generally causes similar signs, though neurological signs have been reported with ingestion of mistletoe in America [different plant species]. Poinsettia is reported to be very toxic to cats, though ingestion most commonly causes gastric irritation. If your pets love to eat plants or anything they shouldn’t, it is safer just to avoid these in house as keeping them out of reach can be easier said than done!!
[Information adapted from VPIS]
