Food

We all like to indulge during the festive season, and there are plenty of safe treats that can be given to our pets. However, many of the traditional celebration foods can be harmful, even in small quantities.

Chocolate

Chocolate contains a chemical called theobromine, which is toxic to cats, causing vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, hyperactivity, seizures and eventually liver failure. It can be rapidly fatal, even in relatively small amounts. The darker the chocolate, the more toxic it is. So don’t leave chocolates lying around and avoid those that hang on the Christmas tree – keep all chocolate safely out of your pet’s reach.

Christmas pudding and mince pies

Grapes (and all derivatives, such as raisins, currants and sultanas) can be toxic. The exact mechanism is unknown, but even very small amounts can cause acute kidney failure and death. Mince pies, chocolate raisins, Christmas cake and Christmas pudding are all potentially harmful.

Sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners such as xylitol are found in many sweets, as well as chewing gum and other products such as toothpaste and mouthwash. Xylitol is a particular problem in cats causing a huge release of insulin, which make blood sugar levels fall to dangerously low levels. Symptoms include lethargy, vomiting and seizures and prompt treatment is essential.

Nuts

Large amounts of macadamia nuts can cause adverse reactions, including fevers, stiffness or lameness and tremors. Signs usually occur within 12 hours of ingestion. Contact your veterinarian if you think your cat may have had access to macadamia nuts.

Onions

Members of the Allium family include onions, garlic, leeks and shallots. They can be found in many festive foods, including stuffing. They can cause upset stomachs, but the main concern is that they can cause destruction of red blood cells, causing severe anemia. This affect may not happen for a few days after ingestion but can be extremely serious depending on the volume eaten. If your cat develops red or brown urine after eating onions, then you must seek immediate veterinary attention. Other signs of poisoning that relate to anemia include tiredness, unwilling to exercise and general depression.

Over-eating

As many will relate to, over-indulgence is all too easy during the festive period. Our cats are smaller in bodyweight than us, and what we might consider a few small titbits can easily mount up. Gastric upsets, bloated stomachs, acute diarrhea are all best avoided by reining in the amount of extras fed, and keeping tempting food out of reach.

Decorations

Decorating the house is a fun part of the season, but care must be taken to make the house safe for our cats.

Baubles

Glass baubles can shatter into fragments, which can be sharp and cause injury if eaten or walked on. Shatterproof, plastic baubles or fabric tree decorations are safer, but can cause obstructions if eaten.

Tinsel

Tinsel is shiny and long and looks very much like a cat toy! If swallowed, it can be a choke hazard or cause an obstruction. Always keep tinsel well secured or out of reach.

Lights

Cats are often fascinated by Christmas lights, and will often want to investigate – which may involve attempting to climb the tree! Cats can be burnt by the bulbs or electrocute themselves by chewing through cables. More commonly, they can become entangled in the cables and panic, which can then lead to injury. Remember to unplug the lights when out, and keep cables safely taped and away from access.

Candles

Enthusiastic investigation of a lit candle can be a fire hazard, and the flame and hot wax can cause burns to paws or noses. Never leave candles unsupervised when lit, and preferably keep them high up or in a safe place.

Festive plants

Decorating the house with greenery will look wonderful, but many plants popular in the festive season can be hazardous to cats.

Poinsettia

Colorful and very Christmassy, this plant can cause irritation to the mouth, throat and stomach lining if eaten, leading to excessive drooling and sometimes vomiting.

Holly and mistletoe

The berries of both these plants can cause an upset stomach and can cause quite severe vomiting if ingested in large quantities.

Lilies

Lily plants are highly toxic to cats, and if any part of the plant is ingested can cause serious illness. Red lilies are popular at Christmas-time but should be kept well away from our feline companions.

Christmas trees

Real and artificial trees both have different problems for cats. Real trees drop pine needles which can be sharp and cause irritation. Cats can tread on needles, and they can penetrate the skin or, if eaten, they can cause damage to the gastrointestinal tract. Artificial trees can shed small bits of plastic, which may be eaten and cause obstruction in the gut. Trees can also be sprayed with preservatives or fake snow, which can be toxic, either if chewed or if leached into water at the base of the tree which is then drunk by your pet.

Christmas trees can also be irresistible toys to cat, especially kittens. Cats love to climb, and may jump up at the tree to reach decorations. Make sure your tree is secured safely with a very stable base. It may be necessary to use furniture or a stair gate to prevent access to the tree if there is too much interest.

Other hazards

Wrapping paper

Wrapping paper is of low toxicity, although can cause staining of the mouth which can be alarming to see. If eaten in large quantities, it can cause an obstruction in the gastrointestinal tract.

Ribbons

Cats love playing with ribbons from parcel wrapping or tinsel from decorations. However, ribbon like playthings can cause a serious obstruction in cats if eaten. If you know that your cat has swallowed anything unusual then you should always get immediate veterinary attention.

Potpourri

Potpourri is highly scented and can be attractive to cats. If eaten, it can cause vomiting and diarrhea that can last for several days. In most cases signs resolve within a few days without treatment but some of the essential oils used to scent the potpourri can be toxic and you should always contact your veterinarian for advice if you are concerned.

Batteries

Many Christmas toys and gadgets require batteries, and so there are often plenty purchased around this time of year. Make sure that they are always kept well out of reach of cats. If batteries are eaten corrosive chemicals can leak out and cause severe burns to the stomach and intestines. Batteries may also become lodged somewhere in the gastrointestinal tract and cause signs of obstruction (vomiting and depression).

What to do in an emergency

If you are unsure what constitutes an emergency, you can always call for some advice. Here are some holiday hazards that may require a trip to an out of hours veterinarian:

• Ingestion of toxic foodstuffs including chocolate, moldy food, raisins or foods containing artificial sweeteners.
• Persistent vomiting where your cat cannot keep anything down and is unwell in themselves.
• Tremors, persistent muscle twitching or seizures.
• Ingestion of decorations, tinsel, ribbons or large amounts of wrapping paper.
• Ingestion of batteries.
• Exposure to lilies.

Nancy, the 15-year-old beagle, was infected but received early treatment and survived. (Image: The Irish Blue Cross)

An Irish animal charity has warned pet owners about the dangers of lungworm after observing a spike in cases.

The Irish Blue Cross operates 11 clinics scattered across Dublin, and staff have reported an increase in the number of cases being diagnosed. Lungworm is a parasitic infection that can cause severe health complications in dogs. In severe cases or if it’s left untreated, the condition can be fatal

Frogs, slugs and snails spread lungworm, so dogs can contract the infection while playing outside, drinking from puddles, or encountering surfaces contaminated by slime from slugs and snails.

With the colder weather rolling in, slugs and snails are also becoming more active, as they no longer need to hide from the heat. The parasites they can carry also thrive in these mild and damp conditions, which increases the risk of exposure.

Laura Mock, Head of Veterinary Services at The Irish Blue Cross said: “Lungworm is a silent threat to dogs in Ireland, but the good news is that it’s preventable.

“Pet owners can protect their dogs by speaking to their vet about the right parasite control and staying alert to the outdoor risks. We also advise against leaving toys and bowls outside where slugs and snails can crawl over them.”

The charity highlighted some of the common symptoms that may indicate lungworm, these include:

• Persistent coughing or breathing difficulties
• Unexplained bruising or bleeding.
• Low energy.
• Reluctance to exercise.
• In severe cases, a dog may experience seizures or collapse.

Fleas and ticks aren’t just a nuisance—they pose serious health risks to your pets and your family. These tiny parasites can transmit diseases like Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and tapeworms, and can cause allergic reactions or severe skin irritation in pets.

Why Prevention Matters

• Fleas can lay up to 50 eggs a day, quickly leading to infestations.
• Ticks thrive in grassy, wooded, or even urban areas and can latch onto pets during walks or outdoor play.
• Some tick-borne illnesses can be life-threatening if left untreated.

Tips for Effective Control

• Use veterinarian-recommended flea and tick preventatives year-round.
• Check your pets regularly, especially after outdoor activities.
• Keep your yard tidy: mow grass, remove leaf litter, and discourage wildlife that may carry ticks.
• Wash pet bedding frequently and vacuum carpets and furniture to eliminate flea eggs and larvae.

Whether you have a curious cat or an adventurous dog, consistent flea and tick prevention is key to keeping them healthy and happy. If you’re unsure which product is right for your pet, our veterinary team is here to help—contact us today on 09064492623 for personalized recommendations!

“WAVES” explains Peter Bishton, Veterinary Ireland’s Deputy Chief Executive, “stands for WAter, VEntilation and Shade. These are the three things essential to all pets during the summer months, and Veterinary Ireland uses this short acronym to help pet owners keep their dog and cat family members safe and healthy throughout the summer”.

“Having adequate drinking water available for your pet at all times is of prime importance,” explains Mr Bishton, “in order to ensure that your pet is adequately hydrated.  Ensure that water bowls are kept topped up, and when out, have a separate water bottle available for your dog.  A pop-up camping bowl is also useful to ensure that your dog can take in adequate water.  Short drinks on a regular basis are better than one long drink, and make sure that the water is not too cold”.

According to Mr Bishton, while water is an important factor for hydration, there are also water-based risk factors.  “On hot days, the temptation may be for your dog to cool down by taking a splash in a river, lake or pond. Before letting your dog jump in, please check the water.  Where algae are growing in the water or are visible on the shoreline, there may be an increased risk of algae poisoning – algae can produce toxins which may be lethal to dogs.  Should your dog swallow any algae, please consult your vet immediately.

“Even if the water is safe from algae, when throwing anything into a river or lake for your dog to fetch, please be aware that there is the potential for drowning.  Secondary Drowning, where the dog takes in too much water when opening its mouth, while not common, can happen, and the risk of drowning increases during the summer months, through a higher rate of exhaustion, or from cooling down too rapidly”.

While most people would know that keeping a dog in the car during a hot spell is dangerous, it is equally important to ensure that any accommodation, such as a bedroom, kitchen, or especially a glazed conservatory, is kept at a comfortable temperature for your dog or cat.

“Ventilation is a major factor in keeping your dog or cat comfortable in summer, and provides not only a cooling breeze, but also assists the pet to breath and pant to cool down”.

Unlike humans, dogs are not able to sweat through the skin, but cool down through panting. Panting is not as efficient as sweating and so dogs can find it difficult to cool down as quickly as humans when it is hot. Flat-faced breeds such as Pugs, Bulldogs or Pekingese, are specifically at-risk during summer months as selective breeding has created respiratory problems in many of these breeds, making it harder for them to breathe normally, let alone be able to pant in hot weather.

Providing a cool, shaded space for your pet to rest, either at home or when out, is essential.  “Shade is critically important, as dogs and cats can also suffer from sunburn,” states Mr Bishton.  “Ears, noses, paw pads, and areas where the fur is thinner, such as on the stomach, can all get burnt in the summer sun. While there are sun protection products available from your own vet, the best action is to create a shady spot for your companion animal. While it may be easier to create a shady spot at home, either in the house or in the garden, if out with your dog find a cool spot under trees or bushes, or carry a light shawl with you, and create a shelter where your dog can rest and enjoy a drink of water”.

Other factors to bear in mind during the summer include when to exercise your pet dog.  “A dog’s exercise should be timed for the cooler parts of the day, especially for larger dogs or those with thicker coats.  The summer sun can also increase the temperature underfoot, and hot tarmac, concrete and beach sand can burn the paw pads of dogs. The overall age and health of your dog should also be considered when exercising, as any existing condition can be exacerbated by the summer environment, especially for those dogs with any heart, kidney or breathing problems’, explains Mr Bishton.

For any aspect of care for your companion animal, at any time of year, your vet is the best person to contact with any questions, or to seek specific advice.  Keep the veterinary practice’s number in your mobile and do not hesitate to call.

“Don’t forget”, concludes Mr Bishton, “it is essential to provide plenty of fresh water, adequate ventilation and cool shade for your dog, whatever it is doing – so be sure to give your pet dog or cat plenty of WAVES this summer!”.

Has your dog’s vaccination lapsed?

Avail of our vaccination amnesty now.

Primay course of 2 vaccines for the

price of a booster vaccine – Saving €34!!

(for dogs over 18 months of age who

haven’t had a vaccine in 15 months)

We appreciate these things can get missed due to busy times, holidays or maybe financial pressures.  Suddenly you realise the vaccination has lapsed and to get good immunity your pet needs to have a full course of vaccinations.  The vaccination covers your best friend against a range of potentially life-threatening diseases, including distemper, parvovirus, leptospirosis and hepatitis.

With this in mind, we are running a SPECIAL OFFER from now until 31st March 2025 providing a full course of primary injections at the price of a booster where you can SAVE you up to €34 on the usual cost! 

This means your pet will receive two vaccinations, four weeks apart and will include a full clinical examination by a veterinary surgeon.

The offer is available for dogs over 18 months and who have not had a vaccination within the last 15 months.

To book an appointment for this money saving initiative go to https://familyvets.ie/booking/#appointment-type  or give us a call on0906492623 where a member of the team will be happy to help.

Full details on your pet’s vaccinations can be found here.

VACCINE AMNESTY – TERMS & CONDITIONS

• The Vaccine Amnesty at Family Vets Athlone will run from 01.02.25 to 31.03.25 and at this time is available for dogs only.
• The first vaccination must be booked in and given before 31.03.25 to qualify.
• Available for dogs over 18 months of age, who have not received a vaccination in the last 15 months.
• The vaccine amnesty offer is a way to get your pet’s vaccination status back up to date at a minimal cost whilst also benefiting from a health assessment.
• Full vet health assessment means a physical examination of your pet by a veterinary surgeon.
• All consultations are by appointment only.
• The vaccine is a course of two injections which are required exactly 4 weeks apart* (please bear this in mind when making an appointment). Annual boosters are advised in subsequent years to keep your pet protected.

*It is the pet owner’s responsibility to ensure the recommended two vaccines required are given within the recommended timescale to get full immunity.

• The diseases the vaccine protects your dog against are distemper, parvovirus, leptospirosis and hepatitis.
• Full payment is required in at the time of the initial vaccination.
• This offer cannot be combined with other offers unless specified here.
• This offer cannot be exchanged for a cash alternative.
• Rabies vaccinations are not included.
• Canine/Kennel cough vaccinations are not included.

Appropriate vaccination of your Family Pet is an essential element of preventative healthcare for your pet dog,cat or rabbit.

Since the development of vaccinations  against diseases such as Parvo, leptospirosis and distemper , we have seen an ever increasing uptake in the use of these vaccines and consequently a dramatic reduction in the number of these nasty diseases that we see.

But unless your pet is correctly vaccinated when young and booster vaccinated yearly there is an increased chance of contracting one of these diseases.

These diseases can often be life threatening, with high mortality rates. If diagnosed, treatment is often intensive and consequently expensive, and in some circumstances there may not be a favourable outcome.

That’s why at Family Vets we strongly advise vaccinating your pet against these preventable diseases and availing of yearly booster vaccinations as immunity from primary vaccination fades over time. Yearly booster vaccination appointments are also an excellent time to have full health check on your pet as a full clinical exam is always carried out at this time.

For more information on everything do with your pet’s vaccinations please visit our website https://familyvets.ie/vaccinations/

Please call us at 0906492623 if you have any queries or click https://familyvets.ie/booking/#appointment-type to book an appointment

As our beloved pets age, their needs change, and it’s important for pet owners to adjust their care routines to ensure they continue to live comfortably and healthily. Senior pets—typically those over 7 years old for dogs and 8 years old for cats—may begin to experience age-related health issues, but with the right care and attention, they can still enjoy a good quality of life. Here are some essential tips to help you provide the best care for your aging companion.

1. Regular Vet Check-ups

Frequent veterinary visits are crucial for catching early signs of illness. As pets age, they become more prone to conditions like arthritis, kidney disease, dental problems, and heart disease. Senior pets should visit the vet at least twice a year, or more frequently if they have specific health concerns. Your vet will perform routine blood work, dental exams, and other tests to monitor their overall health.

2. Adjust Their Diet

As pets age, their nutritional needs change. Senior pets often require fewer calories but more specific nutrients to support their joints, organs, and overall well-being. Look for food formulated specifically for senior pets, which often contains higher levels of fiber, protein, and nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and glucosamine. Discuss with your vet about any special dietary needs your pet may have, such as weight management or food sensitivities.

3. Exercise and Weight Management

While older pets may not have the energy levels they did when they were younger, regular exercise is still important to maintain their health. Low-impact activities, like short walks or gentle play, can help prevent obesity, maintain muscle tone, and keep their joints flexible. Watch for signs of discomfort or fatigue during exercise and adjust accordingly. Overweight pets are at higher risk for developing conditions like diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease.

4. Monitor for Signs of Pain or Discomfort

Senior pets may experience more aches and pains due to conditions like arthritis. Watch for subtle signs of discomfort, such as limping, difficulty jumping, reluctance to walk, or changes in their posture. If your pet seems to be in pain, consult your veterinarian about pain management options, which may include medications, joint supplements, or physical therapy. There are also ramps, orthopedic beds, and other aids that can make life easier for aging pets with mobility issues.

5. Dental Health is Key

Dental disease is one of the most common issues in senior pets, and it can lead to more serious problems like kidney disease or heart disease if left untreated. Make sure to brush your pet’s teeth regularly (or provide dental chews or special diets), and schedule professional cleanings with your vet as needed. Look for signs of dental issues, such as bad breath, difficulty eating, or excessive drooling.

6. Keep Their Environment Comfortable

As pets age, they may become less tolerant of temperature extremes and may need extra comfort at home. Provide them with a warm, soft bed in a quiet area of the house, away from drafts. If your pet is struggling with mobility, consider using ramps or stairs to help them get onto the couch or bed, and make sure their litter box or food/water bowls are easily accessible. In addition, make sure the home is safe—remove any potential hazards like sharp objects or furniture that might be difficult for them to navigate.

7. Monitor Behavior Changes

Changes in behavior can be an indicator of underlying health issues. If your pet starts having accidents in the house, becomes unusually vocal, or seems lethargic or disoriented, it could be a sign of cognitive dysfunction syndrome (similar to dementia in humans), pain, or other health concerns. Keeping a close eye on your pet’s behavior and discussing any changes with your vet can help address potential issues early.

8. Provide Mental Stimulation

Senior pets may start to slow down physically, but it’s important to keep their minds active. Puzzle toys, training sessions, and interaction with other pets or people can help maintain mental sharpness. Even though their physical energy may decrease, stimulating their mind can improve their mood and quality of life.

9. Show Extra Love and Attention

Perhaps the most important part of caring for a senior pet is giving them love and attention. They’ve been your companion for many years, and as they age, they still thrive on your affection and companionship. Spend quality time with your pet, whether it’s cuddling on the couch, playing their favorite game, or just being close by.

Conclusion

With a little extra care and attention, your senior pet can continue to enjoy a healthy, happy, and fulfilling life in their golden years. Keep in close communication with your vet, adjust their diet and exercise routine, and watch for any signs of discomfort or health changes. By making a few simple adjustments to your pet’s care, you can help them live their best life well into their senior years.

If you have questions about caring for your senior pet, or if you’d like to schedule a wellness check-up, don’t hesitate to contact us today. We’re here to help your furry friend age gracefully!

Contact us on | 0906492623 | www.familyvets.ie