Vet's Voice Kathleen Linpus www.vetcaretauranga.co.nz

We've been having a very busy time at the Veterinary Hospital lately, so here are some hints to help prevent emergency trips to the vets.

Lilies (Tiger, Easter and Day) are very toxic to cats; chewing on a leaf or bulb or licking the pollen can seriously harm the kidneys, so keep those bouquets out of the way from inquisitive kittens.

Tinsel, ribbon and string are dangerous for cats if swallowed and similarly, we have already done a few surgeries this season to remove small toys from dogs' intestines.

Don't feed your pets the leftover party food. Fatty treats like bacon and sausages can cause pancreatitis. Bones, kebab sticks and corncobs can get lodged in the intestines or cause constipation.

Mouldy foods contain tremorgenic mycotoxins; substances that can make your pet shake and tremble, even seizure.

Chocolate contains two pet toxins; caffeine and theobromine. Together they cause vomiting, trembling, hyperactivity and potentially death. The darker the chocolate, the worse it is for your pet.

Macadamia nuts can cause hyperthermia, weakness and vomiting in dogs.

If rising bread dough is ingested, it continues to rise in the stomach, causing bloat, but also producing ethanol, a type of alcohol.

Grapes and raisins can damage the kidneys and onions can damage red blood cells causing anaemia.

Xylitol is a sugar substitute found in many sugar-free gums and lollies. In dogs, this can cause a rapid, life-threatening hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar).

So, be careful out there, feed your pets only their usual pet foods and treat them with games, outings and affection – not food.

Kathleen joined VCT in 2005. She completed her Veterinary Degree in 2003 and has a special interest in Ophthalmology (eyes) and Oncology (cancer). She is proud mum to Manny (dog) and Woof (cat). Phone VetCare 07 576 9069.