Veterinarian Column: Christmas and New Year ~Things to be careful about in the upcoming season~

It's already December this year.

We would like to introduce some things that households with pets should be aware of during the Christmas and New Year event seasons.

◎ Chicken with bone

I think many families eat bone-in chicken for Christmas. Feeding chicken with bones to your dog can be dangerous.
When heated, the bones of the bird break down into vertical, pointed shapes. If you eat this, it can damage and perforate the mucous membranes of your stomach and intestines. Some dogs have even swallowed whole bones. In this case, the intestine becomes obstructed and an endoscopy or open surgery is required. Please be aware that gluttonous dogs may eat chicken from the table when their owners are not looking.

◎ Poinsettia

Poinsettias, which are often displayed at Christmas , contain toxic substances that can be poisonous to dogs and cats .
Toxic components are contained in the sap released from the leaves and stems. Symptoms of poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, and dermatitis. There is also the risk of losing your life. Rather than thinking that it's okay because my child won't eat houseplants, it's safest to keep them out of the way where dogs and cats are, just in case.

◎ Chocolate

Chocolate addiction in dogs is a well-known story. Ingestion of the theobromine contained in chocolate can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, excitement, and convulsions, and depending on the amount ingested, it can be fatal . During the Christmas season, chocolates such as sweets and cakes are often available. The majority of chocolate addiction is caused by stealing food . Make sure to store it in a place where your dog can't eat it.

◎ Crab, octopus

Raw crab, octopus, and squid contain an enzyme called thiaminase. This enzyme destroys vitamin B1. If your dog or cat eats raw crab or squid, they may suffer from vitamin B1 deficiency, which can lead to symptoms such as light-headedness, paralysis, and vomiting . Some children have developed symptoms of light-headedness after their owners fed them sushi. Be careful.
Also, do not feed crab shells or claws as they cannot be digested .

◎ Foods you are not used to eating

At Christmas and New Year's, we prepare cakes and treats for dogs, and we end up giving them food that other people eat. This is also the time when children are more susceptible to illnesses such as vomiting and diarrhea due to indigestion caused by eating foods they are not used to eating or eating too much. There is a risk of developing pancreatitis due to high-fat foods and indiscreet eating . Be careful not to give too much.

◎ Cold and dry

Sudden changes in temperature can cause animals to become sick easily. Dry air is a big enemy for children with respiratory illnesses and itchy skin caused by dry skin. Use an air conditioner or humidifier to maintain the appropriate temperature and humidity. In addition, heating equipment such as heaters can cause low-temperature burns if you remain in the same position for a long time even if the temperature is not high . When using it, be careful not to let your skin touch the heating equipment directly.

◎ Finally...

Some animal hospitals are closed during the New Year holidays. Make sure you have enough of the medicines you regularly take, such as heart medicine and kidney medicine, until after the holidays.

Wholesalers are also closed at the end of the year, so it's best to order therapeutic foods and other items from the veterinary hospital early.
In case your pet is on holiday or when you return home, it is a good idea to check which veterinary clinics are open during the year-end and New Year holidays .