The batteries that come with Christmas decorations and toys are a particular danger to your dog – whether chewed, punctured or eaten whole, they can cause chemical burns, obstructions and even electric shocks
Do you remember the batteries at Christmas?
Christmas – a wonderful but exhausting time of year. I don’t know about you, but I find it difficult to get motivated when the days are so short and the nights so long. I can see the attraction of hibernation. I feel just like the non-energiser bunny on those old adverts, stuttering to a stop as my batteries run out.
There’s a strong, visceral link for me between Christmas and batteries – I still remember with horror that stomach churning terror as Daughters no 1 and 2 opened presents and we realised they needed batteries but we’d forgotten to buy any. That drive to a local shop on Christmas morning where you bonded with other parents in a similar predicament – and the look of compassion on the assistant’s face as they informed us their stock had run out.
These days I still need Christmas batteries for my various singing Christmas decorations. Himself grumbles every year, the Scrooge, but I love my two Santas, especially the saxophone playing one, my Douglas fir tree, my reindeer, the snowman and my Chinese, tinny, chipmunks, all singing their Christmas cheer at the press of a finger.
Why batteries can be bad for your pooch
But batteries can be dangerous for your dog. (And for young children.)
- If a battery is chewed and punctured by your dog it can cause chemical burns, or even heavy metal poisoning in very extreme cases.
- If swallowed whole, they are less likely to leak their contents, but can still cause a blockage. This can be very dangerous and may require surgical intervention. Signs of an obstruction may include vomiting, lethargy, being off their food, and not poo-ing, or finding it difficult to poo.
Button batteries are a particular hazard. They can easily become stuck in your dog’s throat, or in the gut, can produce an electric current there which can significantly damage the surrounding tissue.
Keep batteries safely stowed in a drawer or other container.
Or in your Christmas singing ornaments.
Keep training and stay safe,
Carol
PS We’ve got a new venue! Our next Perfect Pet training classes start in January at our new venue near Carrowdore. Please give us a welcome Christmas present by telling all your dog owning friends and encouraging them to book.
