COMMON CHRISTMAS POISONS

• Christmas cake, Christmas pudding, Stollen and mince pies can all be poisonous to dogs. Unfortunately this is because grapes, raisins, currants and sultanas can be toxic. Some dogs exhibit no effects but others can develop kidney failure after a few raisins. The mechanism of action is unknown, but dogs may start with vomiting and diarrhoea, and then develop renal failure 24-72 hours later. 

  Cats may also be susceptible, but are generally more sensible and pickier eaters !

  

• Chocolate is toxic in relation to the amount of theobromine eaten. There is much more in dark chocolate compared to milk chocolate, or white chocolate, and 20gms or more of dark chocolate for a 20kg dog can be toxic. Signs include vomiting, diarrhoea and hyperactivity.

• Poisonous Plants- Holly and ivy can result in drooling, retching or vomiting, Mistletoe can cause retching, vomiting and salivation. Pointsettia is reported to be very toxic to cats, although may just cause vomiting.

• Lillies are highly toxic to cats and any part of the plant, the pollen, plant or leaves are poisonous. Ingestion may result in kidney failure a few days later.

If you have any queries about these issues please see our contact details at www.youngvets.co.uk

Have a safe Christmas !

Recent research has shown that premature separation of puppies from their mothers can lead to behavioural problems later in life. A study in The Veterinary Record, compared 70 adult dogs, who as puppies had been separated from their mother and littermates at five weeks old with 70 adult dogs who were not separated until after eight weeks of age. The study concluded that early age separation was a significant predictor of excessive barking, fearfulness on walks, reactivity to noises, and attention seeking behaviour in adult life.
Excessive stress affects and hinders normal brain development in a dog during the crucial first two months of life. This can then lead to behavioural problems persisting into adulthood. Dogs with behavioural problems may experience an increased risk of abandonment, rehoming or euthanasia.

As vets, we recommend that puppies remain with their mothers until eight weeks of age. Mothers and pups should also be kept in conditions which foster wellbeing and security and minimise stress and fear to reduce the likelihood of behavioural problems developing later.

So if you are looking for a puppy we suggest that you check that all the puppies and their mother are well cared for, have lots of opportunity for interaction with people and that you do not bring your puppy home until it is eight weeks old.

The Daily Telegraph recently reported a case of a cocker spaniel who died after swallowing blue-green algae whilst swimming in Lake Windermere.

The 15 month old dog had gone for a swim near the holiday caravan where the Taras family were staying but 30 minutes later began foaming at the mouth and died. A local vet confirmed that Holly, the cocker spaniel had died after swallowing blue-green algae.

Mr Taras, of Leeds, claimed that the death could have been prevented if there had been warning signs on the lake shore. The Environment Agency did put up temporary signs after Mr Taras complained but they were not a long term measure. Mr Taras has now produced a leaflet and intends to visit Windermere, Bowness and Ambleside to warn other dog owners.

The Envirnment Agency claimed that two recent samples taken from Lake Windermere recently to test for blue-green algae were clear.

Last June two other dogs died after swimming in the lake, a four year old greyhound and a lurcher. Furthermore, a year ago, the UK’s biggest swimming competition, the Great North Swim, was cancelled due to the prevalence of blue-green algae in Windermere.

In August The Daily Telegraph reported that blue-green algae was on the rise during the Summer, with recent outbreaks in the Norfolk Broads, Pembrokeshire and East Sussex. The Environment Agency have asked the public to report blooms as the algae contain toxins that cause skin irritations and stomach upsets.

Blue-green algae: The Facts

Blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, appears in ponds and lakes each summer although it is more common in particularly hot weather.

It tends to form in still, warm water and can have the appearance of blue-green paint or scum. Not all the blooms are poisonous but around half will produce toxins. These harmful algal blooms can kill livestock and domestic pets. Humans who ingest the bacteria are more likely to suffer no more than an upset stomach. Skin rashes, eye irritation and joint pain have also occurred in people who have swallowed or swum through it. The Environment Agency advises restricting access during a bloom and erecting signs to warn visitors.

Pet owners and animal lovers alike will be happy to know that pets can add years to your life!

A study which has just been published by the University of California entitled ‘The Longevity Project: Surprising Discoveries for Health and Long Life’ found that pet ownership was one factor likely to increase overall life expectancy. The 90-year study followed the lives of more than 1,528 children who were about ten years old when first examined in 1921. Another study, which appeared in Public Health Reports in 1980, indicated that the survival rates of heart-attack victims who had a pet were 28 per cent higher than those of patients who didn’t. Other research suggests that interaction with pets reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol. So carry on lavishing your pets with all the affection they deserve and you just might live longer too!