Festive dos and don’ts – how your pets can have a pawsome Christmas!
As the season to be merry is well underway, we want to spend time with our nearest and dearest, including our not-so-secret favourites of the family, our beloved pets. However, it is easy to forget the risks Christmas can pose to our furry friends in the run-up to the big day. From pesky sticky tape to toxic treats, the festive season can present a world of hidden dangers.
A whopping 34% of new pet owners have declared it is their first experience of owning a pet as an adult1, and this rise in first-time pet ownership has led to an increased need for expert advice around all things pets this Christmas.
Here, Kevin Thackrah, Director of pet-care specialists, Petpals, and resident vet, Sophie Bell, offer their dos and don’ts for any pet parents to ensure this festive season is a happy and safe one for our four-legged companions.
DO – Keep decorations pet-friendly
If you are going to be decking the halls this Christmas, it is important to remember that decorations can be a hazard when left in pets’ reach. From tinsel to dangling baubles or nibbleworthy wires – pets can get up to some dangerous mischief when left unsupervised around festive décor. To keep pets safe, put decorations high up and out of reach, and avoid leaving pets unattended in a decorated room. For ever-inquisitive pets, edible ornaments like chocolate or candy canes may prove too irresistible, so choose decorations that are non-toxic to your pets to ensure they do not become ill if they ingest them.
Sophie’s expert tip:
“If your preference is a real Christmas tree, don’t forget that pine needles can be sharp on your pets’ paws and can lead to internal damage due to their sharpness if consumed, so you may need to keep your pet away if needles start to drop.”
DON’T – Overindulge them with table scraps
The Christmas dinner is one of the most-loved parts of the big day, and it can be tempting to offer those doe-eyed pets a portion at the dinner table. However, festive foods can be high in fat and cause upset stomachs in pets. Thankfully, turkey is generally a well-tolerated meat in our dogs and cats. Chicken and beef are two of the most common meats that cause allergies in our dogs so if you are going less traditional this year, be sure your pet does not have any allergies before offering them a Christmas dinner! Stock up on your furry friend’s favourite pet food ahead of the festive season and offer them a pet-friendly treat instead.
Sophie’s expert tip:
“We see many dogs in the clinic who have consumed mince pies or chocolate over Christmas, and both can cause toxicity in our dogs and cats. Mince pies contain raisins and sultanas which have the potential to cause kidney failure even if consumed in small amounts. If you are going to offer your pets any festive treats, make sure you are clued up on any that may be harmful.”
DO – Stick to pets’ normal routine
Stress can hugely impact your pet’s health. Cats for example are at an increased risk of developing urinary issues when feeling anxious. Making sure they have access to a litter tray always, even if they do go outside. A steady sniff walk is a great idea for dogs who may struggle with disruption due to festivities. Mental stimulation can release feel good hormones and help your pet to relax. There are plenty of natural calming remedies on the market which can be useful. For those who really cannot manage their stress levels, chat to your vet who will be able to help.
Sophie’s expert tip:
“All pets big and small can be sensitive to busy environments, so a place which provides solitude that escapes the commotion can keep them calm on the big day.”
DON’T – Place Christmas plants in paw’s reach
Many festive plants can have some not-so-festive side effects on our pets when ingested. While poinsettia, mistletoe, holly and ivy make the perfect decorations, they can cause our pets to become poorly so are best kept out of pets’ reach.
Sophie’s expert tip:
“Keeping festive plants in out-of-reach areas is really important, or better still – avoid them altogether and opt for some artificial, pet-friendly Christmas decorations instead.”
DO – Tidy away any present unwrapping mess
Unwrapping presents is one of the most magical parts of Christmas Day, but it is important we consider our pets during the excitement of opening gifts. Wrapping paper or discarded boxes can be a choking hazard for our pets, so tidy as you go to make sure pets are kept safe. Be careful of sticky tape as this can cause internal blockages in pets’ stomachs.
Sophie’s expert tip:
“To reduce the risk of ingestion or choking, I’d suggest keeping your pets away whilst you unwrap your gifts. If you are certain your pet will not attempt to chew or pick up any presents or wrapping, then of course they can get involved in the action. However, some inquisitive pets are notorious for grabbing everything, so it can be an avoidable vet visit!”
DON’T – Leave them at home alone
The festive season is a very busy time that sees pet owners out of the house more than usual. Whether you are out Christmas shopping, meeting up with friends for Christmas get-togethers or having a well-deserved holiday, remember, our pets deserve the love and a share of the festive fun as much as us. If you do go away this festive season, Petpals is the pet-preferred alternative to dog boarding kennels and catteries. You can leave your pets safe in the knowledge they are being looked after by Petpals staff, who are licenced, fully trained, insured and DBS checked.
Sophie’s expert tip:
“If you are popping out for some evening fun, leaving a lamp on, especially for senior animals whose night vision often diminishes with age, ensures they do not feel stressed and disorientated.”
DO – Have fun!
Include your pet in the festivities by getting them a Christmas gift. It will keep your pet busy and entertained amongst the commotion, and you will have fun too watching them discover their new toy.
Sophie’s expert tip:
“Avoid rope or material-based toys if your dog is a chewer, I have seen many a blockage caused by such toys if your dog is a chewer! Always monitor your pet when introducing new toys and/or chews and use size appropriate items to lower the risk of choking.”
Hopefully these dos and don’ts go a long way in ensuring that you and your furry friends have a stress-free, pet-friendly festive season!
For more information about Petpals’ pet-care services, visit www.petpals.com/
1 PDSA, Population Report, 2021