How to Keep Your Dog Healthy This Christmas!

Keep Your Dog Safe and Happy This Christmas

Did you know that December brings unique risks for our furry friends? Dogs are 86% more likely to experience poisoning from festive foods during this month, and vets often see a spike in cases of pancreatitis over Christmas. While the holidays are a time of joy and indulgence, they can pose hidden dangers for your dog. Here’s how to keep your pup safe while enjoying the season together.

Understanding Pancreatitis and Its Risks

Pancreatitis is a serious inflammation of the pancreas, an organ crucial for digestion and blood sugar regulation. The condition can be triggered by excessive rendered fats in a dog’s diet, often found in rich holiday foods. Acute pancreatitis can develop quickly and may even be life-threatening. Recognising the symptoms and taking preventative measures can help ensure your dog enjoys a safe and happy Christmas.

Tips to Keep Your Dog Healthy During the Festivities

1. Be Mindful of Food Hazards

The holidays often mean more time in the kitchen and tempting smells for your dog. But those puppy-dog eyes can lead to trouble if you’re not careful. Here are some foods to avoid:

• Desserts: Fruit mince pies, Christmas cake and pudding are packed with toxic ingredients like raisins, sultanas, currants, chocolate and figs.
• Savoury Dishes: Gravy, stuffing and sausages often contain onions, garlic and leeks, which can damage your dog’s red blood cells and cause life-threatening anaemia.
• Cooked Bones: Bones from leftovers can splinter and cause choking or damage your dog’s digestive tract.
• Nuts: While peanuts, hazelnuts and cashews are safe, avoid almonds, macadamias, walnuts, pecans and pistachios.
• Cheese Platters: A small piece of cheese is fine, but blue cheese can produce Roquefortine C, a substance toxic to dogs.

2. Opt for Safe Treats

If you want to include your dog in the holiday feast, stick to these dog-friendly foods:

• Skinless, boneless turkey meat
• Cooked salmon (avoid smoked salmon)
• Scrambled eggs
• Plain fruits and vegetables
• Leftover potatoes or sweet potatoes (without butter or seasoning)
• Natural yoghurt
• Raw meaty bones

3. Watch for Symptoms of Pancreatitis

If your dog exhibits any of the following symptoms, it’s essential to seek veterinary care immediately:

• Hunched posture
• Painful or enlarged abdomen
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy
• Vomiting
• Dehydration
• Diarrhoea

Create a Stress-Free Environment for Your Dog

Christmas can be overwhelming, even for your dog. To help them stay comfortable and relaxed:

• Stick to their usual feeding and walking routines as much as possible.
• Provide a quiet, comfortable space where they can retreat when they need a break.
• Monitor their interactions with visitors, especially excitable children, to ensure a calm and safe environment.

Celebrate Safely with Frontier Pets

For a thoughtful way to include your dog in the festivities, consider the Frontier Christmas healthy freeze-dried treats! It’s a perfect gift that won’t require a trip to the vet.

From all of us at Frontier Pets, we wish you and your furry friends a joyful and safe holiday season!

Protect your dog this Christmas!