Shipston Veterinary Centre's 12 dangers of Christmas

Shipston Veterinary Centre is expecting a flurry of emergency visits over the festive period.

With many homes full of extra food and drink there are more cases of potentially fatal poisoning than at any other time of the year, not to mention all the toys and decorations which could pose a choking hazard.

Dr Julie Lawrence, Shipston Veterinary Centre’s clinical director, said: “During December, we expect to see cases of pets that have eaten something they shouldn’t have and the number increases as we get closer to Christmas Day.

“We see a lot of examples of poisoning over the festive period. In some cases, owners are completely unaware of the hidden dangers and are simply intending to be kind to their pet. There have also been cases of dogs stealing the Christmas turkey or taking chocolate from under the tree, so it is important to keep food and treats out of reach of pets.”

She added: “If your pet eats something they shouldn’t, contact your vet straight away and try to let them know what has been eaten, how much and when. The faster we can see a pet, the better, so we can induce vomiting if necessary and assess the level of toxicity.

“If your pet is a scavenger, it may be best to keep any leftovers in a cupboard out of reach. It is recommended that edible presents you place under the tree are pet-proofed as we see a lot of cases where pets have sniffed things out and eaten them.”

Emergency cases are expected to rise over the festive period (Image: Getty/Irina Gutyryak)

Shipston Veterinary Centre's 12 Dangers of Christmas

1. Alcohol -  It has similar side effects to humans and can cause serious liver damage.
2. Aspirin, paracetamol and Ibuprofen - Can be fatal if swallowed.
3. Antifreeze - It is highly toxic and often fatal but cats like the sweet taste.
4. Batteries - Can cause serious damage so keep them out of your dog’s reach.
5. Chocolate - Theobromine is a chemical in chocolate that can cause serious harm to your pet.
6. Christmas cake, mince pies and Christmas pudding – The raisins, sultanas and currants they contain can cause kidney failure in some pets and can be fatal.
7. Cooked bones - Can easily splinter and perforate your dog’s stomach. 
8. Holly berries – Can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, excessive salivation and weakness in dogs.
9. Onions – Poisonous to cats and dogs.
10. Poinsettia – These popular Christmas plants are toxic to cats and can cause vomiting, excessive salivation, loss of appetite, lethargy and depression.
11. Sugar free sweets and mints – Can cause serious damage to your pet.
12. Fireworks – Keep them safely indoors, close curtains and turn on the TV to block out the noise.