Retford pet owner? Bear in mind these potential winter risks

For many of us the last few weeks have been about enjoying the festivities, but, in the weeks ahead, remember this time of year can also pose a few risks for our furry friends. Local vets Raoul Dowding offer the following tips about pet hazards over winter time:

Food - Feeding food that your pet is not used to can cause an upset stomach, as too can over-feeding and too much of the wrong food, which both can cause pancreatitis (this can be life threatening). Also remember to tie up all waste bags and place them where animals can not get to them                                                                                                                                                                                  Human chocolate - This contains theobromine which is toxic to animals. It also has a high fat content which can cause vomiting and diarrhoea, and it contains caffeine which is a diuretic and a stimulant. The toxicity is dose dependant (i.e, size of animal, type of chocolate eaten and quantity eaten). Once toxic levels are eaten the signs are: restlessness, hyperactivity, muscle twitching, excessive urination, excessive thirst and excessive panting. If left untreated the animal will go into a seizure and could possibly die. 

Grapes and raisins - These can be a potential health threat to dogs and other animals too. Their toxicity can cause the animal to develop renal failure, and the amount which can cause problems seems to be very variable... Symptoms can often develop within a few hours of ingestion and these include vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, increased drinking and abdominal pain.

Poisonous plants - Holly, Ivy, mistletoe and poinsettia can cause gut irritation resulting in drooling, retching or even vomiting; Ivy can cause death in rabbits

Batteries - Ingestion of batteries by pets are common over the winter period when we are spending more time indoors. Any poisoning generally depends on the type of battery. It is therefore important to know the brand, type and size of battery ingested, and if possible the battery code. Most batteries contain either strong liquid acids or alkalis and many have a significant metal content. Ingestion may result in local burns or caustic injuries to the gastrointestinal tract. Most batteries will pass through the guts without causing any problems, with complications usually arising if the battery becomes lodged.

Antifreeze (Ethylene Glycol) - this is very toxic, even just licking it off the fur. Other sources of this chemical include heat exchange fluids and some brake fluids. Clean up any spills, store it appropriately and don't pour any waste into the gutter                                                                                                                                                                    Ice-melting chemicals can irritate and burn the pads of the pets' feet. Do not allow your pet to lick its' feet after it has walked outdoors. The chemicals may burn their mouth and cause serious problems if ingested. Wipe your animals' paws and underside with a damp towel when it comes in. 

Cats and kittens like to nap on warm places, this can include car engines and on top of your tyres in the wheel arch. Knock on the hood of your vehicle or honk the horn, then wait a few minutes before starting the engine. If in doubt lift the lid or check the wheels.

Planning a winter bonfire? Check any bonfires before lighting them in case of small animals sheltering in them.                                                                                                                                              Winter walks - When walking your dog on dark evenings keep them on a lead.  If you have it, wear reflective clothing and carry a torch, maybe invest in a glow collar for your dog too.

Carbon monoxide - Now the wintery weather is upon us everyone will be turning the heating on full, so you need to be aware of Carbon monoxide poisoning. Animals are at particular risk as they may be exposed to carbon monoxide through sleeping close to a faulty heating appliance or one that isn't properly ventilated. CO is a colourless, odourless, tasteless, non-irritating, flammable gas, formed when there is incomplete combustion of organic fuels. Many incidents of CO poisoning are associated with the use of badly installed, poorly maintained or malfunctioning domestic combustion appliances using gas, oil or solid fuel, or the use of such appliances in inadequately ventilated areas.

In the case of a cold snap - During the freezing temperatures we need to make sure that our pets are kept warm and out of the harsh winter weather. When walking dogs, short coated breeds may benefit from wearing a coat. Remove all snow from coat and paws afterwards.

 For outdoor pets, make sure that kennels, sheds and hutches have shelter that is completely weather proof, provide extra bedding, blankets for dogs and cats, straw for rabbits and guinea pigs, and if possible cover the kennel/hutch with a thick blanket to protect it from the elements. Their water bowls/ bottles should be checked several times a day to ensure they are not frozen.

 Tortoises are at serious risk if they are just left in a box of straw in an outhouse/garage without any way of monitoring the temperature in their box. Temperature is absolutely critical to a successful hibernation. Insulation merely slows down the rate of heat exchange, it does not prevent it from cold over a period of time. Therefore no matter how well you've thought that you have insulated the box, if you subject your tortoise's hibernation box to sub-zero temperatures it will still get cold.                                                                                                          The ideal temperature for hibernation is 5C/40f - at this temperature the tortoise will remain safely asleep with no danger of freezing. Anything less, the tortoise will be at risk from sight damage, brain damage and death. Just because you've been doing the same thing for 40 years is no excuse – your tortoise was 40 years younger in the past and is now more likely to be prone to illness and disease. The message is simple - ALWAYS USE A THERMOMETER!  The tortoise trust gives good advice on the best way to hibernate - visit www.tortoisetrust.org.

Make winter a warm, cosy and happy time and one to remember for all the right reasons....spend the time with your family, friends & pets and not with your vet!