A leading veterinary charity has urged pet owners to brush up on pet first aid ahead of the Christmas period, warning that festive hazards could put animals at risk.
PDSA said many owners may feel unprepared if their pet is injured or becomes unwell during celebrations, when homes are filled with decorations, rich foods and visitors.
New findings from the charity’s Animal Wellbeing Report show that seven in ten pet owners do not believe they know how to give emergency first aid to their animal.
The report also revealed that just sixteen percent of owners know how to perform CPR on a pet.
It found that only a small number of owners keep a pet first aid kit at home, with twenty percent of dog owners, eleven percent of cat owners and fourteen percent of rabbit owners having one.
PDSA said Christmas can bring extra dangers for pets, particularly when foods and decorations are left within reach.
Common festive hazards include toxic foods such as mince pies, Christmas cake, Christmas pudding, panettone and chocolate.
Poisonous plants including poinsettia, mistletoe, holly and ivy also pose a risk if eaten by pets.
The charity warned that cooked bones can splinter easily, causing serious damage to a pet’s throat, stomach or intestines, and can also lead to choking or blockages.
Baubles, tinsel and artificial snow can also be dangerous if swallowed, potentially causing choking or life-threatening blockages.
Christmas lights can present a risk of electric shock, while stagnant Christmas tree water can contain harmful bacteria that may upset a pet’s stomach.
The PAW Report found that nearly half of dog owners, and around a quarter of cat and rabbit owners, said their pet had eaten something they should not have.
PDSA Vet Catherine Burke said: “It’s always wise to keep an eye on your pets, and the potential hazards in and around the house, but the festive season often brings extra dangers.
“It’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with any potential hazards, and reduce the risks in the first place – keeping pets safe and away from poisonous items, and ensuring any toxic or dangerous items aren’t accessible.
“The best advice we can share, as no matter how careful we are, accidents can happen – be prepared, familiarise yourself with our pet first aid tips, have a pet first aid kit to hand, and quickly seek further vet help in an emergency.”
PDSA is encouraging owners to remember the ‘Dr ABCs’ if their pet is involved in an emergency.
- Danger – keep yourself and others around you safe.
- Response – check if your pet responds to their name or touch.
- Airway – is their airway clear?
- Breathing – are they breathing?
- Circulation – do they have a pulse or heartbeat?
- Send – someone to ask for help!
The charity said staying calm is vital, as frightened animals may behave differently than usual and could bite.
Owners are advised to use a calm voice, move gently, and take extra care if an injured pet needs to be moved.
Catherine Burke added: “We know in an emergency that pet first aid can be a lifesaver and may help to alleviate the need for extensive further veterinary care if appropriately administered.
“The figures in our PAW Report reveal there is a knowledge gap across owners when it comes to basic pet first aid skills.
“We know that taking the right actions in the first few minutes following an emergency, as well as seeking prompt veterinary attention can make a huge difference to the outcome of the situation, which highlights the importance of owners being able to provide first aid to their pets.”
PDSA has published a free pet first aid guide covering common emergencies such as broken bones and breathing problems.
More information is available at www.pdsa.org.uk/first-aid-for-pets.
