5th December

Welcome to another guest blogger:- Kassi's Blog

It’s gone; it’s gone thank goodness, just the odd snowman left standing looking lonely and cold.  Now I can get out after 5 days of being holed up and doing most of the daily exercise in the back garden with the noseball (Kassi that is not me!)

We have had fun in the snow, but enough is enough although I fear it will return shortly and I will be moaning yet again.

Christmas is fast approaching and I thought I would give a guide on some of the dangers to our pets at this time of year that you may not have thought about.  There are some really innocent looking things on the list so not teaching you to suck eggs, just an aide memoir as we struggle with baubles, wrapping paper and sticky tape.

A very important think to watch for when it is cold are the frozen lakes and rivers, please be aware that your dogs need to be kept safe as they can go under the ice and get into difficulty, I write sadly as one of my friends had this happen last year and they were unable to rescue him.

Substances which can be poisonous to pets include:
* Chocolate and liquorice (common Christmas gifts)
* Raisins and sultanas (used in Christmas cake recipes)
* Certain nuts
* Xylitol-sweetened foods
* Sweets
* Other foods such as onions, avocados and grapes
* Plants including lilies (and daffodils) Poinsettia cut or plant
* Cleaning and DIY products e.g. white spirit and lubricating oils
* Car anti-freeze
* Human medicines
Substances with low toxicity that could cause drooling, vomiting or diarrhoea include:

* Blu-tack or other similar adhesives (used to put up decorations)
* Charcoal and coal
* Cut-flower and houseplant food
* Expended polystyrene foam (present packing e.g. stereos/TVs)
* Holly and mistletoe (common Christmas plants/decorations)
* Matches
* Wax candles and crayons
* Silica gel (found in packaging)

Keep them safe and yourself worry free

Boris (on foster) and Kassi last Christmas