In this last 'Peeves' of 2007, Happy Christmas to everyone! We will end the year with some advice for your pets. As it is Christmas, take care not to overfeed your pets, and keep kittens and pups away from electric cords, candles, open fires, and especially booze.

Chocolate is a big no - it can kill. Make sure your dog has identification on in case of accidents. If the weather is frosty blow your horn before you start the car, in case any cat has decided to sleep in the engine. Don't forget the wild birds they would love the leftovers and remember to keep the fat from the bird or ham pour in a milk carton and let go solid they will love it. New Year's Eve, keep your pets in as their will be fireworks and loads of noise.

The following Christmas plants are toxic so keep out of reach from your pets:

Holly (Ilex sp.). This plant, commonly found around Christmas time, can cause intense vomiting and diarrhoea. Mental depression can also occur.

Amaryllis (Amaryllis spp). Ingestion can result in vomiting, diarrhoea, depression, lack of appetite, tremors, drooling and abdominal pain.

Mistletoe (Phoradendron spp.). This plant, another Christmas plant, can also cause significant vomiting and diarrhoea. In addition, this plant has been associated with difficulty breathing, slowed heart rate, collapse and, if a lot is ingested, death has occurred. Some animals may even show erratic behaviour and possible hallucinations.

Poinsettia (Euphorbia). This plant can cause irritation to the mouth and stomach and sometimes vomiting. It has a low level of toxicity and is overrated as a toxic plant. Many people consider it basically non-toxic.

Christmas cactus, (Schlumbergera or Zygocactus). In dogs, if large quantities of this plant are ingested, vomiting, possibly with blood, diarrhoea, possibly with blood and mental depression have been reported. With small ingestions, typically there are no signs of toxicity. These plants are considered low toxicity plants.

So have a lovely Christmas both two and four legged and if you have time on your hands and need a walk remember we have dogs and cats who would love company over the holidays ring 09096 76397 se you all in 2008.

Nollaig Shona daoibh go léir.

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