Vets offer pet owners cautionary ‘tail’ this Christmas

Findings from British Veterinary Association’s Voice of the Veterinary Profession survey show that chocolate poisoning in dogs was the most common toxic ingestion case, however a quarter of vets also treated cats for dangerous antifreeze poisoning and one in ten vets saw dogs that had eaten Christmas decorations.

BVA President Sean Wensley, said: “Christmas is typically a fun and chaotic time, with lots of presents and treats suddenly arriving in our homes.

“Many pet owners are aware of the risks of chocolate poisoning to their pets but it’s easy to accidentally leave something tempting lying around.

“Our results are a cautionary tale about the range of potential hazards around your home at this time of year and owners should be very aware that tasty treats, interesting decorations and new plants can be hard for curious animals to resist.

“If you suspect your pet may have eaten something they shouldn’t then don’t delay consulting your local vet.”

Last Christmas almost one in five vets saw dogs that had eaten a non-edible gift given to them by their owner.

BVA’s survey shows the most commonly reported cases of toxic and foreign body ingestion for dogs last year were: chocolate poisoning (seen by 69% of vets), raisins/sultanas (45%) and Christmas decorations (10%).

Vets also treated large numbers of cats who had ingested toxic and foreign bodies last Christmas. The most common were antifreeze (seen by 24% of vets), seasonal plants, such as poinsettia (12%) and Christmas decorations (6%).

This is why BVA is urging animal-lovers to ensure their home is safe by following some simple tips. The organisation protecting pet from poisons, such as chocolate, raisins, keeping decorations out of reach, maintaining a healthy diet for pets and being aware of where to go in an emergency 

For more information on pets and poisons download the Animal Welfare Foundation leaflet.

The British Veterinary Association's Animal Welfare Foundation is a registered charityset up in 1983 by vets by vets with a passion to alleviate unnecessary pain and suffering in all animals including farm animals, wild animals and pets.