For many years now many dog owners have been well aware of the dangers of feeding human chocolate to their pets because the ingredient theobromine is highly toxic to dogs. But just when you thought it might be safe to offer your pampered pooch a little sweet treat a new danger has emerged; Xylitol. This is a sugar-free sweetener used increasingly in human foods such as biscuits, cakes, muffins, chewing gum and also as part of some medicines. Xylitol, like thoebromine, is not toxic or harmful to humans but is very dangerous to dogs. It causes a sudden release of insulin which in turn causes the dog’s blood sugar to drop rapidly to very dangerous levels. This is called hypoglycaemia and signs are things like incoordination, stupor and fitting. Liver damage can also follow. At the moment it seems that dogs account for the vast majority of cases but cats and ferrets may also be affected and the VPIS (Veterinary Poisons Information Service) are closely monitoring all cases that are reported.

At the surgery we so often get asked about which foods can and can’t be fed to our pets. Things like onions, grapes, raisins and chocolate all have very serious consequences along with this new threat, Xylitol. It seems to me that by far and away the easiest way to keep your pets safe is to feed them only food that is specifically formulated for that species. Pet foods are perfectly balanced for the animals they are designed for and will give you complete piece of mind. Not to mention the fact that you know deep down that you really shouldn’t be feeding sweet treats to your pets!

If you have any doubts at all about anything your animal might have eaten the BVA Animal Welfare Foundation and the Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS) have produced an easy reference guide to keeping pets safe from harmful substances. The ‘Pets and poisons: keeping your animal safe’ leaflet can be easily downloaded from the BVA AWF website at www.bva-awf.org.uk or you can request a copy from the Foundation.

On a happier note I recently went to London for the day to be involved with Cats Protection rescue cat awards. I’d been asked to judge the category of Ultimate Survivor. The aim of the day is to recognise and publicise what great pets rescue cats are and also what a huge impact they make on the lives of their owners.

I only saw the stories from my category before the day which were all touching, lovely stories but combined with all the others it really was an eye-opener. I’ve had 5 rescue cats over the years and now only have Nigel and Brian left. Brian totally adores my young daughter and follows her everywhere, amazingly putting up with all the mauling and cuddling that comes with his job of guardian. I know from these years of my own experience how unique and different all these characters are but read for yourself all the other stories and who the winners were in the Pet talk section.

Congratulations to all the winners and as always, sorry, to those who didn’t get picked but as I, and all the other judges said, hand on heart the choices were so hard to make and you all deserve congratulations for being nominated.

All the best