top of page
Search

Have a Very Furry Christmas

  • Writer: Jason Bullock
    Jason Bullock
  • 5 days ago
  • 0 min read

🎄 Have a Furry Christmas – What’s Really Under the Tree? Holiday Treats We Love… But Our Pets Really Shouldn’t Have The Christmas season brings all the cosy things we love — sparkling lights, gift-wrapped surprises, mulled wine, rich chocolates, bowls of nuts, Christmas cake, and plenty of festive snacking. But while these treats make the holiday feel magical for us, they can be dangerous if curious paws and noses get into them. Pets don’t understand which foods are safe, especially when excitement, visitors, and wrapping paper chaos distracts us. So before the festivities begin, here’s what every pet parent should know about common holiday toxins, what to do if ingestion happens, and how to keep your furry family safe (and hydrated!) this Christmas. 🎁 What’s Lurking Under the Tree? Common Holiday Hazards 🍫 Chocolate Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine — both toxic to dogs and cats. Even small amounts can lead to vomiting, diarrhoea, agitation, tremors, and in severe cases, seizures. Most dangerous types: Dark chocolate Cocoa powder Chocolate-covered nuts or raisins 🍷 Alcohol A glass of wine, a spilled beer, or alcohol-soaked desserts can be extremely harmful. Pets are far more sensitive to alcohol than humans, even in tiny doses. Symptoms to watch for: Weakness Disorientation Vomiting Low body temperature Collapse (in severe cases) 🍇 Grapes & Raisins (including mince pies, Christmas cake, stollen) These are highly toxic to dogs and can cause sudden kidney failure. Signs often appear within a few hours: Vomiting Lethargy Reduced appetite Abdominal pain 🌰 Nuts Macadamia nuts are the worst offenders, but many nuts can cause stomach upset or pancreatitis due to high fat content. Danger signs: Weakness (especially in hind legs) Tremors Fever Vomiting 🎁 Ripped-Open Presents, Toys & Packaging Excited dogs and cats often tear open presents under the tree — especially ones containing food gifts. Plastic, ribbons, strings, and wrappers can cause choking or intestinal blockages. 🎄 Simple Tips to Keep Your Pet Safe This Christmas ✔ Keep food gifts and edible stocking fillers out of reach (preferably off the floor or behind closed doors). ✔ Never place chocolates on or under the tree — pets will find them. ✔ Clean up spills immediately, especially alcohol or sugary drinks. ✔ Provide a safe, calm space if your pet gets overwhelmed by visitors and excitement. ✔ Stick to pet-friendly treats, and remind guests not to share leftovers. 🚨 If Your Pet Eats Something Toxic – What To Do Stay calm but act quickly. Remove access to the remaining food or packaging. Call your vet immediately — even if your pet seems okay. Early action makes a huge difference in toxic cases. Do NOT make your pet vomit yourself unless your vet instructs it. Keep the packaging (chocolate wrapper, cake label, etc.) to show your vet. 💧 How Oralade Can Help During Upset Tummies If your pet has mild vomiting or diarrhoea (after your vet has advised home care), gentle rehydration is essential. Oralade GI+ and Oralade RF can help by: Replacing lost fluids and electrolytes Supporting gut recovery with easily absorbed amino acids Being highly palatable even for nauseous pets Encouraging drinking when they’re dehydrated or off food Helping maintain kidney perfusion after toxin exposure Being safe for both dogs and cats, including those with kidney conditions While Oralade supports hydration and recovery, it does not replace veterinary care for toxin ingestion — but it can be extremely helpful after vomiting, diarrhoea, or reduced appetite, once your vet confirms it’s appropriate. 🐾 When to Call Your Vet Right Away Seek immediate veterinary help if your pet: Ate chocolate, raisins/grapes, alcohol, or macadamia nuts Shows repeated vomiting or diarrhoea Seems weak, wobbly, or unusually quiet Has abdominal pain Stops drinking altogether Is a puppy, senior pet, or has existing kidney or liver problems 🎄 A Safe & Furry Christmas With a little awareness and preparation, you can keep the holidays joyful and safe for your pets. Enjoy the festive season, keep the goodies out of reach, and give your furry companions extra love — not leftover Christmas cake. If in doubt, call your vet, keep Oralade handy for digestive upsets, and have a very happy, furry Christmas! 🐶🐱

 
 
 

Comments

Commenting on this post isn't available anymore. Contact the site owner for more info.
bottom of page