VET’S VIEW: Unwrapping Christmas risks for pets

Can someone please let me know where 2023 has gone? I can’t seem to fathom where it has vanished to. Is it just me, or does anyone else feel that it was only yesterday we were decorating the house for Christmas 2022?
Oh how time flies by when you are not looking, and there have certainly been many changes, since the era of the Covid pandemic. Certainly in terms of the demand for pets, especially puppies. People went a bit off the rails in terms of the prices that were paid for dogs during the years of the pandemic. Sadly, alas, things are so different now, with our poor rescue and animal charity centres bursting at the seams with unwanted and uncared for animals, dogs and cats.
This is the perennial call to arms in terms of deciding whether Christmas is the right time of year to get a new pet. Indeed, some of you may already have such a decision made and arrangements put in place for Santa to arrive with a new pet this Christmas. If so, then please appreciate the long-term commitment you are making. The old advice still rings true: a pet is not just for Christmas.
When it comes to safety at Christmas, our pets face a host of challenges. Electrical wires, burning candles, certain foods and choking hazards like toys all pose a risk to our pets, who can be very inquisitive when exposed to new things in our homes this time of year.
Chocolates are a particular risk for dogs, as some can be poisonous to them. Cats may enjoy nothing more than climbing on the Christmas tree and pulling it down onto the open flame of a candle, potentially causing a rapid fire if the tree is dry (the natural ones) or made of flammable material (artificial). Also, please do not give turkey bones to pets, as they tend to splinter when chewed and can result in serious internal damage due to the splintered sharp edges.
In terms of making the right decisions in relation to getting a pet for Christmas and indeed looking after the pets you already have, let common sense be your guide and remember. Remember that taking on a pet means a potential commitment of ten to fifteen years – perhaps longer.
Lastly, I’ll take this opportunity to wish all Mayo News readers seasons greetings and to say that I hope you enjoyed my Vet’s View articles throughout the year. Please consider giving the gift of a charitable donation to one of our animal rescue centres/charities this year. They do wonderful, often unseen work in looking after our less-fortunate animal friends, who deserve love and care, not just at Christmas but throughout the whole year.

Veterinarian Conal Finnerty MRCVS practises at the Skeldale Vet Clinics in Ballinrobe and Belmullet. Follow the clinic on Facebook, or call 094 9541980 or 087 9185350 to make an appointment.