Central Coast Home & Lifestyle Summer 2023

Be Aware of Xmas Dangers for Pets

Xylitol

Ham and Fatty Off cuts - Pancreatitis is one of the most common illnesses that vet clinics are inundated with from leftover ham, sausages, fatty offcuts from chickens and turkey as they contain a lot more fat and salt than a dog's body is used to ingesting. To digest all this fat, the pancreas goes into overdrive and becomes painful, inflamed, and swollen. In many cases treatment includes hospitalisation. Bones - Don't be tempted to give your dog the ham bone. Cooked bones should never be fed to your pet as they are much more brittle than fresh bones, and prone to snapping or splintering. This can injure your pet's mouth or cause life-threatening intestinal blockage or puncture if swallowed. While bones can be beneficial for your pet's dental health, feeding them is not without risk and can be associated with issues such as bacterial contamination, fractured teeth, intestinal blockage, and pancreatitis. This is the reason why most veterinarians warn against feeding bones. Alcohol – all animals are much more sensitive to alcohol than humans and become poisoned very quickly. Alcohol is absorbed rapidly and is very dangerous, even fatal for pets. Onions and Garlic - Confusing as it is a common ingredient in pet diets, treats or supplements, garlic is known for natural medicinal properties such as anti-bacterial and digestive support. While a large volume of garlic can be toxic to pets, a small dose, such as those present in some commercially prepared products, is unlikely to cause an issue. Luxury Cat Lodge offers a home away from home for the most discerning cat. A cattery like no other, where you can treat your cat to a relaxing holiday in a range of spacious private suites, where they will experience all the love, care and attention from our cat caring team.

- an artificial sweetener found in sugar free lollies, chewing gum, and Christmas

treats. Xylitol can cause problems for your pet's pancreas and liver. When consumed the artificial sweetener can cause seizures, coma and even death. The toxic dose is very small, even a stick of chewing gum can make your dog or cat very unwell. Grapes, Sultanas, and Raisins - fruit cake, fruit platter, or inside a fruit mince pie, grapes and their dehydrated versions can cause kidney failure in cats and dogs. Chocolate - is poisonous to dogs and cats because it contains the chemicals methylxanthines, theobromine and caffeine. Unlike humans, cats and dogs are unable to metabolise these compounds. Signs of chocolate toxicity in pets include vomiting, diarrhoea, tremors, seizures, heart arrhythmias and even death in some cases. The risk of chocolate toxicity directly depends on the weight of the pet, how much they ate, and how dark the chocolate is. Christmas Trees – Decorations - Cats see trees as fun to climb - ensure the tree is secure to prevent toppling. For puppies, a playpen or barrier placed around the tree, can help keep decorations and presents safe. Tinsel, beads,

string,

ribbon may draw a dog or cats’ attention. If ingested, they can

get stuck in a pet’s digestive tract requiring lifesaving surgery. Do not encourage playing with these objects. Consider objects pets may find appealing and place these up out of their reach, avoid edible decorations, candy canes, chocolates. House Plants & Lilies - common in flower arrangements, gardens, indoor plants, Daylily (Hermerocallis) or True Lily (Lilium) families the most dangerous and toxic to dogs and cats, cats seem particularly sensitive to lilies, consumption of any part of the plant - leaves, stem, flower, pollen or the water from a vase can result in fatal kidney failure in cats. Macadamia Nuts - in a fruit cake, a slab of boutique chocolate, or on their own, are toxic to dogs. Batteries – Any objects that contain them, should be out of reach of all pets. If your pet does accidentally ingest a battery, treat as a medical emergency, see a vet immediately.

Special Offer Get a 15% discount when you mention this ad*

Luxury Verandah Cabin

Luxury Window Lodge

Window Lodge

387 Central Coast Highway Erina Heights | Phone: 4314 6654 | Email: meow@luxurycatlodge.com.au Follow us on facebook.com/luxuryhotelforcats

*To be eligible for discount,bookings must fall between 1st February to 15th March 2024