Yorktest Veterinary Services urges Christmas caution

A leading specialist in allergies in animals has warned pet owners not to feed their pet festive treats.

Yorktest Veterinary Services have urged people not to let their animal eat meat, mince-pies or chocolate as an increasing number of household pets suffer reactions to foods.

Paula Peacock, spokeswoman for Yorktest Veterinary Services, said owners who do feed their dog treats from the table should watch for itching, excessive licking, low energy levels and hair loss following the meal.

Dogs who exhibit such symptoms should be taken to their vet for blood tests, she urged.

Ms Peacock explained there are many suitable treatments available for pets suffering from allergies “ranging from dietary changes through to immunotherapy which is a series of vaccinations which helps build up a dog’s immune system against pollens and insects”.

Yorktest Veterinary Services has tested more than 12,000 cats and dogs for allergies and reports that many experienced considerable changes to their health once their intolerance had been identified.

The Dog Information Network reports that animals can be allergic to dugs, food types, parasites and materials in a similar way to humans.