Echuca Moama Veterinary Clinic head veterinarian Mark Wheatly said the clinic typically saw increased cases involving presents, decorations and food during the Christmas period.
“You are thinking about the risk of chocolate poisoning, and any poisoning that pets can get from foods they should avoid,” he said.
Dr Wheatly warned against feeding dogs fatty foods, onions or nuts.
He said grapes, sultanas and raisins posed particular dangers.
“You hear about dogs who live on vineyards and they eat grapes all the time, then suddenly, one day, something changes and they end up with kidney failure and they pass away,” he said.
“No grapes, sultanas, raisins, which means no fruit cake or puddings, because if you are unlucky, it only takes one.”
For cat owners, Dr Wheatly highlighted the danger of lilies and similar flowers commonly displayed during Christmas.
“Lilies are toxic to cats, and things like peace lilies are common for people to have in the home, especially around Christmas time,” he said.
“When cats eat those, they get the same thing as dogs do with grapes: they get kidney failure and they can really quickly die.”
Both cats and dogs face risks from wrapping materials.
“You have to be careful about wrappings, strings and foils that can cause obstructions,” Dr Wheatly said.
With increased visitors to the Echuca area during holidays, fishing-related injuries are common.
“You have bait dangling, and your dog decides it wants it,” Dr Wheatly said.
“Fishhooks get stuck in the lip or the tongue of the dog, which requires a vet visit, whatever time of the day or night, because you have got to sedate them to get the hook out.”
Camping pets face additional risks from overheating, spoiled food and snake bites.
“When people go camping, they are often coming from other places, generally the city, and what we find is dogs are not used to the running around and they overdo it in the heat,” Dr Wheatly said.
“The typical dog that might do that is a Staffy, because that is how they are wired.”
If you suspect or see a snake bite your pet, you need to get the dog or cat checked out straight away, because time is of the essence.
If any animal, a dog in particular, has been bitten by a snake, it is best to keep them calm, keep them cool and not to stress and have an accident on the way to the vets.
“Ring the clinic number, we have a 24-hour nurse triage service, who will answer the call and organise for a vet to come in within five to 10 minutes.”
For emergencies, pet owners should call the Echuca Moama Veterinary Clinic on 5483 5999, 332 High St, Echuca.
