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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 6th December 2023
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Kennel Club warns of toxic Christmas food for dogs
34 per cent of all its claims of grape and raisin poisoning occurred last Christmas.
Food such as grapes and raisins can be harmful.

The Kennel Club has urged dog owners to practise caution at Christmas, when more dried fruit poisonings are claimed with its insurance partner.

The dog welfare organisation has released data from its insurance partner, Agria Pet Insurance, which reveals that 34 per cent of all claims relating to grape and raisin poisoning occurred during last year’s Christmas period (November 2022-January 2023).

Both fruits are ingredients in several Christmas foods, including Christmas cake, Christmas pudding and mince pies, which dogs may be able to reach during the festive season.

Some dogs may not show any symptoms of poisoning, while others may display vomiting, diarrhoea and a painful abdomen. Grape and raisin poisoning can result in kidney failure, and even death.

The insurance company reported that January was the highest month overall for grape and raisin poisoning, with almost double the monthly average.

One such case saw a 15-month-old cocker spaniel, Darcey, eat several mince pies that her owners believed had been placed out of reach. She was rushed to a veterinary practice for emergency treatment, where she stayed for two days before making a full recovery.

Grapes, raisins, currants and sultanas are some of many festive foods which can be harmful for dogs if ingested. Other Christmas delicacies such as chocolate, macadamia nuts, blue cheese and alcohol can be toxic for dogs.

The Kennel Club recommends that, with January showing a peak in claims, pet owners stay vigilant throughout and after the Christmas season.

Robin Hargreaves, senior veterinary advisor at Agria Pet Insurance, said: “Traditional Christmas foods, such as mince pies and Christmas pudding, are full of things that are toxic to our pets, including raisins and grapes, and there are often no symptoms until the dog becomes very ill, very suddenly. Owners who think their pets have ingested any of these should contact their vet for advice immediately.

“Of course, prevention is key and it is always far better to be extremely vigilant and prevent access to these foods, as well as other Christmas hazards, throughout the festive season.”

Image © Shutterstock

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

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 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

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