Don't let pets binge on Xmas treats, vets warn

Rotorua pet owners are being warned to ensure their beloved animals are well cared for this Christmas, and not to spoil them with potentially fatal chocolate, sausages or fruit mince.

Many owners are checking their pets into catteries or kennels these holidays, giving them special treats or Christmas presents to ease the pain of separation.

Exotic meats, garnishes on pet food, and instructions for toys to be given out on Christmas Day are just some of the requests animal accommodation providers field from pet owners.

Kaharoa Boarding Kennels co-owner Chris Hill, in Rotorua, said he was completely booked up for Christmas and, in January, dogs were coming from all around the country.

"Anybody who's coming up this way on holiday likes to bring their dogs closer."

Most kennels through the district were booked up at Christmas time.

"If somebody's passing the door of a kennel they will phone and see if they can get their dog in - that's how bad it is."

Some owners sent their pets in with Christmas presents such as a bone or toy, while other owners specified special dietary requests for their pets - usually for medical reasons.

The New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA) says many rich Christmas foods humans enjoy are not suitable for dogs.

NZVA's Companion Animal Society president Cath Watson said chocolate, fruit mince, and fatty barbecue meats like sausages could cause anything in dogs from mild reactions such as vomiting and diarrhoea, to severe reactions such as abnormal heart rhythms, seizures, tremors, and pancreatitis - a potentially-fatal inflammation of the pancreas.

Chocolate can also be toxic to cats.

Other serious problems could occur when dogs got into food scraps, Dr Watson said.

"These include ingestion of bones, which not only cause gut irritation, but can cause blockages that require surgery to treat."

SPCA Auckland chief executive Christine Kalin said while pet owners might want to spoil their pets with fancy food at Christmas, doing so was not recommended.

"Don't think you're going to give your dog the chicken carcass as a festive treat ... just keep them on their regular diet.

"If you do want to treat them, buy some toy that's species-related."

If pet owners planned to head away they needed to make suitable arrangements for the care of their pet to ensure they had shelter, food and water.

"You are responsible for your pet and one of the saddest experiences for us over the holiday period is our inspectors getting called out to places where people abandon their animals."

She reminded owners to vaccinate pets before putting them in a cattery or kennel.