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Christmas can be hazardous for pets – here’s what to look out for

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/jacqueline-boyd-178858">Jacqueline Boyd</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/nottingham-trent-university-1338">Nottingham Trent University</a> Christmas is a wonderful time to relax with family and friends, both two and four legged. But it can be a scary and dangerous time for pets. Food, presents, decorations and even visitors to our homes can all become hazards. Vets typically report the festive season as being one of their <a href="https://bvajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1136/vr.j5760">busiest times of year</a>. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1136/vr.j5890">Knowing the dangers</a> is key. It is also important to let everyone in the house know what is safe and what is not for family pets. Prevention is always better than cure. Visitors can be advised on pet etiquette, too. Some pets can get distressed by changes to their routine and anxious in the presence of unfamiliar people. Unfortunately, this has been <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0168159121001829?via%3Dihub">exacerbated by the pandemic</a>. Be especially aware of leaving dogs unsupervised around <a href="https://injuryprevention.bmj.com/content/25/4/290">excited or unknown children</a> as bites are a real risk. Providing your pet with a safe, quiet space might be important to protect both your visitors and your pet. Festive foods are a particular problem. A tasty treat for us can be fatal for some pets, so beware of sharing your festive meals with your pets. Some animals will be sensitive even to slight dietary changes, perhaps showing signs of digestive upset and discomfort. Dogs tend to be less discriminating in their food choices than cats. This means that our dogs might be more likely to eat things they shouldn’t, but care should be taken with cats, too. Pancreatitis is a painful and distressing condition often seen in dogs who have <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2808289/">consumed fatty foods</a>. Avoid giving leftovers to your pets to reduce this risk. Cooked bones can also cause significant injury, so make sure they can’t get into the bins to steal scraps. Mince pies, Christmas cake and puddings are full of <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jvim.15884">raisins</a> – which are toxic to dogs. Grapes, currants and sultanas are also dangerous for dogs and are hidden in many festive recipes. And macadamia nuts are a <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10670081/">health hazard</a>, causing a range of symptoms including weakness, vomiting, stiffness and depression. Other nuts and seeds can pose a choking risk. Alcohol needs to be strictly limited to human-only consumption. <a href="https://europepmc.org/article/med/11757994">Rotting apples</a> have even caused alcohol poisoning in dogs, so keep food waste and leftovers out of harm’s way, too. Access to <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1046/j.1435-6935.2003.00068.x">raw bread dough</a>, blue cheese and salt-dough ornaments should also be avoided as they contain compounds that can cause significant illness. Similarly, <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2016.00026/full">onions, garlic and chives</a> contain chemicals that are toxic to cats and dogs – and cooking doesn’t make them safer. As little as a single spoonful of sage and onion stuffing can cause harm. Sweet treats are no safer. Chocolate is a significant concern, and holidays are associated with an increased risk of <a href="https://bvajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1136/vr.104762">chocolate toxicity</a>. Even artificial sweeteners, such as <a href="https://www.vetsmall.theclinics.com/article/S0195-5616(11)00219-1/fulltext">xylitol</a> – which is commonly used in chewing gum – should be avoided. <h2>Not just food</h2> Wrappers from sweets and chocolates can pose a risk if consumed. Indeed, digestive <a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1748-5827.2009.00783.x">foreign bodies</a> are a common problem for dogs and cats, often requiring emergency surgery. If consumed, toys, gifts and decorations can cause intestinal blockage and damage. Be aware of plant hazards, too. Needles from Christmas trees can penetrate paws, causing pain and infection. Other festive plants such as poinsettia, mistletoe and holly berries are toxic if consumed. The leaves, petals and pollen of lilies are especially <a href="https://doi.org/10.1053/j.tcam.2010.09.006">dangerous for cats</a>. Antifreeze is another <a href="https://bvajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1136/vr.h6831">hazard for cats</a> with the ingestion of small amounts potentially fatal. Colder temperatures mean antifreeze is commonly used on our vehicles and spillages can occur. Occasionally it is also found in some decorations, such as snow globes, so care should be taken to prevent inadvertent access by our pets. In any case, where you think your pet has eaten or otherwise been exposed to something potentially nasty, it is best to seek veterinary advice as soon as possible. By taking a bit of care over the festive season, we can all make sure it is a safe and restful time for us, our pets and our pets’ vets.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/173345/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/jacqueline-boyd-178858">Jacqueline Boyd</a>, Senior Lecturer in Animal Science, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/nottingham-trent-university-1338">Nottingham Trent University</a> Image credits: Getty Images This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/christmas-can-be-hazardous-for-pets-heres-what-to-look-out-for-173345">original article</a>.

Family & Pets

RECALL: IKEA pulls popular item over choking hazard fears

IKEA has issued an urgent recall after it was discovered that their bibs could be a potential choking hazard to babies. The Swedish retailer’s Matvra brand of red and blue two-packs have been recalled following two separate reports of buttons coming loose. The furniture giant released a statement on Monday, reassuring consumers that neither cases required medical treatment. <img style="width: 387px; height: 387px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7831458/2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/5b52fa8d97ee4d18ac0c528ec491f202" /> The did say however, that the items “could have been swallowed presenting a risk of choking”. Customers who have purchased the bib were warned to stop using them immediately and return them to an IKEA store for a full refund. Proof of purchase was not required. “We apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank you for your understanding,” the statement read.

Home & Garden

5 hidden things in your home that may be a fire hazard

Keep your family and property safe by being mindful of these hidden fire dangers in your home. 1. Beware these hidden fire traps Keep your family and property safe by being mindful of these hidden fire dangers in your home. 2. Smoke detector Every year people die because their smoke detectors didn’t go off during a fire. That’s usually because the batteries were dead (or had been removed to stop false alarms) or the detector was past its useful life or was located where occupants couldn’t hear the alarm. 3. Cooking fires A towel or curtains hanging too close to an unattended stove can ignite. The statistics: Cooking fires cause 23 per cent of home fires and 9 per cent of deaths. The grease in an unattended frying pan catches on fire and ignites nearby combustibles, which in turn ignite curtains, cabinets or anything else in the vicinity. 4. Extension cords Overloaded extension cords, bad connections and other careless use of electrical devices can melt wire insulation and cause a fire. The statistics: Electrical equipment causes nine percent of home fires and 10 percent of deaths. Overloaded extension cords, hidden electrical shorts, bad connections and oversized bulbs and fixtures can ignite nearby combustibles and burn down your house. 5. Gas water heaters Clothes piled too close to a gas water heater can ignite when the water heater comes on, especially if the protective doors for the gas burners are missing. Appliances (clothes dryers and gas water heaters) cause 7 percent of home fires and 4 percent of deaths. After problems with stoves and heaters, the biggest culprits in appliance fires are lint in dryers and combustibles near gas water heaters. Written by Nick Gerhardt. This article first appeared in <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/food-home-garden/home-tips/20-hidden-things-in-your-home-that-may-be-a-fire-hazard?slide=all">Reader’s Digest.</a> For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, <a href="http://readersdigest.innovations.com.au/c/readersdigestemailsubscribe?utm_source=over60&utm_medium=articles&utm_campaign=RDSUB&keycode=WRA87V">here’s our best subscription offer.</a> <img style="width: 100px !important; height: 100px !important;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7820640/1.png" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/f30947086c8e47b89cb076eb5bb9b3e2" />

Legal

"Dangerous": Kmart hack slammed for being an extreme fire hazard

A Facebook group that is known to criticise people for their Kmart “hack” fails has gone into overdrive after the latest “hack” has proven to be an obvious danger. A photo shared on Wednesday showed a weird way a Kmart fan has repurposed the $25 Glass Base Lamp that comes with a white lampshade. <iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FcleanyourdamnhouseBrenda%2Fphotos%2Fa.356323744881043%2F676242099555871%2F%3Ftype%3D3&width=500" width="500" height="638" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe> The glass base lampshade is clearly a hit as Kmart “hackers” have taken to putting plants in the base. The image reads: “Kmart $25 lamps, plants from Bunnings”. Many were quick to point out that the plants inside the base probably won’t survive. “I bet the plant is enjoying the intense light and heat it’s subjected to every time the lamp comes on,” one user wrote. Someone saw the obvious risks with watering the plants and decided to make a pun. “It would be shockingly difficult to water them,” they said. Another user saw the immediate downside to having a plant in the glass base lamp. “Who wouldn’t want a lamp filled up with dirt?” they wrote. Another fan sent through a glass base lamp with a fish inside. <iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FcleanyourdamnhouseBrenda%2Fphotos%2Fa.356323744881043%2F700397330473681%2F%3Ftype%3D3&width=500" width="500" height="675" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe> One fan was quick to point out that the fish is suffering from the risk of electrocution from being in the lamp. “I don’t care about the painting on the lamp or how they decorate their homes, don’t even care if someone is silly enough to mix water and electricity, but if any of the above results in the suffering of a fish or animal then yes it makes me angry.” Another asked if the people who make these designs “have a brain”. “I think I’m about to have a heart attack do these people not have a brain!!”

Technology

“Terrifying”: Warning for homeowners after deadly fire hazard

Homeowners are being warned to avoid making detrimental mistakes and to be aware of little-known hazards in their homes after a family had a terrifying experience with their clothes dryer when it burst into flames. The family were sitting in their loungeroom on a Sunday evening in Murrumbateman, NSW when their clothes dryer caught on fire while it was running unattended. <iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2F227917010629442%2Fphotos%2Fa.555178817903258%2F2362747297146392%2F%3Ftype%3D3&width=500" width="500" height="502" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe> Simon McGrath from the Murrumbateman Rural Service told the <a href="https://www.canberratimes.com.au/">Canberra Times</a> that although the family was lucky not to have been injured, that leaving a laundry appliance unattended was a “a common occurrence in Australia in winter”. <iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2F227917010629442%2Fphotos%2Fa.555178817903258%2F2362747350479720%2F%3Ftype%3D3&width=500" width="500" height="502" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe> “A terrifying event for a local family,” the fire brigade wrote on its Facebook page. “Please check lint filters. And never leave your dryer on overnight.” The family were quickly and swiftly able to move the clothes dryer outside and extinguish the fire with a garden hose.

Caring

Dukes of Hazard star Tom Wopat arrested

Tom Wopat, who famously starred as Luke Duke in Dukes of Hazzard, has been arrested in Massachusetts for cocaine possession and indecent assault. Authorities claim the 65-year-old actor inappropriately touched a woman on set, and was also found in possession of two bags of cocaine in his Ford Bronco. Wopat was released on $1,000 bail and pleaded not guilty in court. According to court documents, Wopat conceded he flirts with female cast members but did “nothing that could be considered inappropriate”. What’s your take?

3 household hazards every over-60 needs to watch out for

No matter whether you have a busy, bustling household or live on your own, it’s essential for every homeowner, renter and holidaymaker to know how to protect themselves and their loved ones from common yet dangerous hazards. From fire to falls, we break down all the basics you need to stay safe in your home. 1. Fire It’s the stuff of nightmares, but that sad reality is that a deadly blaze can strike anyone, anywhere at any time. To give you and your loved ones the best chance of avoiding (or at least surviving) a fire, make sure you follow these rules. <ul> <li>Have fire alarms installed around the home and regularly replace their batteries.</li> <li>Always switch off and unplug unused electronics.</li> <li>Keep plugs to a minimum and located away from flammable materials.</li> <li>Never leave stovetops, irons or other hot surfaces unsupervised.</li> <li>Have fire extinguishers available around the house.</li> <li>Organise an action plan in case of fire, including routes out of the house and meeting places outside. </li> </ul> 2. Falls Unfortunately, as our age increases, so does our risk of falls. To remain independent for as long as possible, take the following measures to prevent falls in your home. <ul> <li>Keep floors clear of small, moveable objects at all times.</li> <li>Install assistive handles and rails around the home – particularly in the bathroom.</li> <li>Place anti-slip safety mats in bathrooms and in the kitchen, as well as anywhere else that may become slippery for any reason.</li> <li>Invest in emergency help buttons in the kitchen and in bathrooms in case of a fall.</li> </ul> 3. Silent killers Toxic mould and carbon monoxide are dangerous and potentially fatal hazards that everyone needs to be aware of. Protect yourself and your loved ones from these silent killers by following these simple tips. <ul> <li>Regularly clean and ventilate wet areas to prevent the growth and spread of mould.</li> <li>Dry wet areas immediately (i.e. use a squeegee to wipe down tiles and shower recesses).</li> <li>To avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, have your heating system, water heater and other appliances serviced every year.</li> <li>Install a carbon monoxide detector or alarm to keep on top of any rising levels.</li> </ul> With Over60 you can tailor your home insurance to suit various needs and budgets so you can enjoy the peace of mind in knowing that the things you hold near and dear are protected. <a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/insurance/home-and-contents/?utm_source=over60&utm_campaign=insurance&utm_medium=in-article-link-home-contents&utm_content=home-contents-insurance" target="_blank">Find out how you can get up to 30 per cent off^ Over60 Combined Home & Contents Insurance now</a>.

Insurance

The most common items dogs choke on

There are all sorts of items that could be a choking hazard for dogs but did you know many of them could be lying around your house? Steer your pooch away from these potential dangers for their sake and yours!Sticks. There’s no doubt that dogs love sticks but vets don’t recommend playing fetch with sticks. Not only can it cause intestinal damage if the stick splinters when swallowed but there has also been many eye and mouth injuries as a result of dogs running with a stick.Cooked bones. These can splinter when chewed and break into small, sharp fragments that can harm dogs. It’s best to stick to chew toys. Gristle. It’s a popular table scrap to feed dogs but gristle can be difficult to chew and can be a choking hazard for gulping dogs. Just make sure to cut pieces in small sizes.Chew toys. Not all chew toys are created equally so make sure the chew toy is made of safe material, large enough not to swallow and durable. Squeaky toys with small movable parts can be a potential choking hazard as well.Kids toys. If you’ve got young grandkids and their toys over keep an eye out for curious dogs looking for small items to chew.Balls. Even the right sized rubber ball can easily be chewed up by a dog and thereby become a potential danger. Look for any deterioration and replace when necessary.  Rocks. Many a dog loves to grind and chew on a rock but just like sticks they pose a risk to dogs. Even if digested, rocks can become lodged in the intestines.Plastic wrap. Dogs won’t go seeking out plastic wrap unless it’s wrapped around delicious smelling food. Their lack of opposable thumbs means they won’t unwrap the food before consuming so always store food safely.String, rubber bands, hair bands and even dental floss. These are all too easy to swallow by inquisitive pets and can cause serious intestinal blockages.Rawhide. These dog chews carry a higher risk of choking than other chews because of their consistency. Although they start out hard when soaked in dog’s saliva they become soft and soggy. Make sure you are supervising and once soft, take it away and let it re-harden.Human medication. Pills, vitamins, ointments and creams can all be toxic to animals. Keep medical items away from dogs that can chew right through them and find any dropped pills.

Family & Pets

Sitting is a “health hazard”

It’s time to get off the couch and away from the computer in order to fight diabetes and heart disease, research shows. For many adults, spending over 70 per cent of the day sitting down is the norm according to Professor Neville Owen of the Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute. "Physical activity is so fundamentally important and is being under-utilised in many areas of preventative health and medicine," he said. Prof Owen said that while the recommendation for 30 minutes of exercise each day was to be commended, this was just a small proportion of people's waking hours. Other research has shown that the amount of time spent sitting down was a strong predictor of health problems. Another study showed that there was also benefit found from breaking up the amount of time spent sitting down, especially at work. Research conducted by Baker IDI laboratories had participants sit down all day and then measure their blood glucose, insulin and other health levels. "They then have one experimental day when they, very simply, just break up their sitting time every half hour, moving for two to three minutes," said Prof Owen said. This led to "huge improvements" in their levels. "More activity is always better, but there is still so much more to explore, such as whether three or four longer breaks during the day could make a difference," Prof Owen said. Related links: <a href="/news/news/2015/07/food-bad-for-brain/">This food could alter your brain in a scary way</a> <a href="/news/news/2015/07/grandmother-told-shes-pregnant/">Great-grandmother, who is nearly 100, told she’s pregnant</a> <a href="/news/news/2015/07/83-year-old-beats-breast-cancer-becomes-athlete/">83-year-old beats breast cancer and become champion athlete</a>

News

Summer health hazards everyone should take note of

Don’t you just love summer? Beaches, warm weather, cool water, barbecues and road trips… unfortunately, all these things can also spell trouble. Here’s how to stay safe this summer.WaterCooling off on a hot day is one of life’s simple pleasures, but it can also end in tragedy. 266 people drowned in Australia in 2013/14, and the majority of those (33 per cent) were over 55 years old. You might be surprised to know rivers, creeks, streams and dams pose the greatest risk. So what can you do?Never swim by yourself and always enter water slowly in case it’s not as deep as you expect, or colder beneath the surface than you think (diving into cold water can be dangerous). Be careful not to stand near the edge of overhanging riverbanks, which could crumble away, and watch out for uneven river beds.At the beach, always swim between the flags at patrolled beaches, never run or dive into the water, read and obey the signs and learn how to spot a rip.At parties and gatherings where there’s a pool, designate a responsible adult to watch the children at all times and take it in turns.WildlifeBeing outside more, and the warmer weather, mean various little critters come out in force.Ticks can cause rash and flu-like symptoms right through to weakness in the limbs and partial paralysis. Remove them using fine-pointed tweezers, grasping the tick as close to the skin as possible. If you can’t remove all of the tick, or you’re feeling unwell after a bite, make sure to check in with your doctor as soon as possible. Mosquitoes can carry a wide range of dangerous viruses - so don’t forget to apply your mozzie spray when you’re outside between dusk and dawn, cover up in loose, long-sleeved tops and bottoms and keep screens closed. Watch out for bluebottles at the beach, particularly after stormy weather. Although they’re not going to cause you any lasting damage, they release a powerful toxin that causes immediate and severe pain. Current recommended treatment is the application of hot compresses or immersion in hot water to minimise the pain.BarbecuesBarbeques become potentially dangerous when mixed with a party atmosphere, drinks flowing freely and children playing. Simple precautions, pre-planning and care, especially regarding young children, is vital.Fire and Rescue NSW advise you ensure your barbeque is serviced and maintained correctly, that you carry out a check of the cylinder for rust or damage and ensure any connections are correctly tightened. Put your barbeque on a firm, level base sheltered from wind gusts and well away from anything flammable such as garden sheds, vegetation and fences. Have a garden hose nearby, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the correct start up and shut down procedures, ensure that the lit barbeque is in the care of a responsible adult at all times and keep children away from the barbeque. If a gas leak does occur, shut off the cylinder immediately and allow any gas to dissipateHayfever and allergiesAround 40 per cent of Australians suffer from some kind of hayfever or allergy, and symptoms are often worse in summer when trees and grass release their pollen, and weeds begin to grow. Sudden temperature changes, smoke from bushfires and increased ozone levels can also contribute.Keep doors and windows closed when you’re inside and dust with a damp cloth. If you need to go out, try to go out early in the morning when airborne allergens are less prevalent and air quality is better.

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