FOUR PAWS gives tips on how to avoid dangers for dogs and cats and how to decorate in a pet-friendly way
Hamburg. For many people, a Christmas plate made of nuts, chocolate and stollen is part of the Christmas season. However, these foods can be dangerous for cats and dogs. There are also a few things to consider when it comes to Christmas decorations. The global animal welfare foundation FOUR PAWS gives tips on what to look out for to get cats and dogs safely through the holiday season.
“Cats are very curious and like to explore new decorative items and table or kitchen shelves. That's why foods that are dangerous for animals should never be left lying around in the open. Even if the dog or cat is well trained, you shouldn't tempt them and always place the Christmas plate and edible decorations out of the reach of animals. If you suspect choking or poisoning, you should act quickly and go to the nearest veterinary clinic,” says Dr. Sabrina Karl, pet expert at FOUR PAWS.
Chocolate and nuts are dangerous
Particularly dangerous for cats and dogs alike: chocolate, as it often contains theobromine, an ingredient that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst and urination, as well as restlessness and a racing heart in pets. Larger amounts can lead to cardiac arrhythmias, muscle tremors, seizures, respiratory arrest or even death. Dark chocolate contains significantly more theobromine than white or milk chocolate.
Some nuts, particularly bitter almonds and macadamia nuts, are also poisonous to dogs. “If a dog eats large quantities of these prussic acid or oil-containing fruits, this can lead to serious poisoning. The first symptoms are vomiting, fever and lethargy. After a few hours, the dog walks unsteadily and does not seem to want to use its hind legs. Joint stiffness or muscle tremors can also occur. In the case of prussic acid poisoning, shortness of breath and convulsions can occur, leading to unconsciousness and death,” says the FOUR PAWS expert. In cats, eating nuts – depending on the quantity – can lead to indigestion, diarrhea and even pancreatitis due to the many fats they contain. Macadamia nuts are highly toxic to both pets. Also be careful of moldy nuts – often the case with walnuts – these can cause liver and nerve damage.
Even small amounts of raisins are poisonous
Be careful with raisins, for example in Christmas stollen or nut mixtures: “Even small amounts are dangerous for dogs and cats and can lead to kidney failure. The early symptoms of raisin toxicity are vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite and lethargy. More serious signs only appear 24 to 48 hours later. By then, however, kidney damage has already occurred. Symptoms include nausea, increased drinking and urination – later little or no urine production. If the animal is not treated in time “The child will fall into a coma and be very unlikely to recover,” says Dr. Sabrina Karl.
Christmas tree risk factor
Sensitive pets in particular should be introduced to the Christmas tree carefully. “It’s best to give the dog or cat the opportunity to sniff the tree – if possible before the festivities start,” says Dr. Sabrina Karl. “But be careful: Under no circumstances should an animal lick or even chew on the branches, because the needles of fir trees can cause health problems in dogs and cats, for example gastrointestinal problems due to the essential oils they contain or skin irritation due to the resin.” It is also important to place the tree as firmly as possible and possibly also attach it to the wall so that it does not run the risk of tipping over if cats or a curious dog like to climb.
Tinsel, angel hair and fake snow are taboo
“If possible, the lower third of the tree should not be decorated with sensitive glass balls. If they fall, they can shatter into many shards, which can lead to injuries to paws. Very fine shards can even be inhaled or licked,” says the expert. Pet owners should generally stay away from tinsel, angel hair or artificial snow: “On the one hand, animals can swallow the long threads of tinsel and angel hair, which can lead to an intestinal obstruction. On the other hand, the silver ribbons, like artificial snow, can contain dangerous toxins,” says Dr. Sabrina Karl. Attention: The very popular poinsettias are also toxic to animals. Eating plant parts can cause vomiting and diarrhea.
Be careful with burning candles
If you want to use real candles during the Christmas season, the following applies: “In general, you should never leave burning candles with an animal unattended. A simple wag of the tail or a tap can start a fire – whether on the Christmas tree, an Advent wreath or a flower arrangement,” says the pet expert.
No morsels from the holiday meal
Salty and spicy foods, such as small snacks from holiday meals, should not be fed to dogs or cats. You should also note that cooked bones can splinter easily. “Sharp bone splinters can injure the mouth and throat or get stuck in the throat. Pieces of bone that have been accidentally swallowed by the animal easily get stuck in the esophagus, can get into the windpipe or get stuck in the digestive tract and cause a dangerous blockage. If sharp-edged bone pieces get into the gastrointestinal tract, they can also injure the respective mucous membrane or lead to life-threatening damage such as perforation of the stomach or intestines, bleeding and infections,” says Dr. Sabrina Karl.
“If you want to pamper your pet over the holidays, you should make them happy with particularly varied walks, their favorite food or extensive caresses,” says the FOUR PAWS expert.