So you may ask – How do i keep my pets safe at Christmas. Christmas is all about family and that includes our furry family too but this time of year also brings some particular dangers for pets. So our vets have prepared a quick checklist of things for you to watch out for over the festive period.
Toxic foods
We all want to indulge our furry family at Christmas but take care with foods intended for humans as many ingredients can be harmful to pets. Ideally, only use treats designed for pets and avoid human foods with any of these ingredients:
Cooked bones (these splinter easily and can cause intestinal blockage)
Chocolate, especially dark chocolate (advent calendars, tree decorations, wrapped presents under the tree)
Grapes (keep them out of reach)
Alcohol (be careful where you leave your glass!)
Toxic plants
We love to use plants to decorate our homes at Christmas but be careful where you place them as some can be harmful to pets:
Poinsettias
Mistletoe
Holly & Ivy
Stay active but stay safe
The cold weather and dark evenings can make walks a little less attractive at this time of year but don’t deny your pets their outdoor fun. It’s so good for their physical and mental wellbeing (and yours too!) Just follow a few simple rules to avoid any problems and keep your pets safe at Christmas:
Keep your dog warm. Use a weatherproof coat if necessary, especially for smaller or short-haired breeds
Clean paws thoroughly after a walk to remove road salt, grit or crusted snow that can cause irritation between the toes
Consider boots for dogs in snowy and icy conditions
Use reflective jackets, collars or LED lights to make your pets more visible to traffic in the dark
Enjoy more indoor play sessions if your pets are spending less time outdoors
Provide places for your cat to shelter in case they get stuck outdoors for extended periods
Tap the bonnet of your car and check around the wheels before you start the engine and drive off
Keep the stress levels low
Some of us love the bustling chaos that is Christmas and others would just rather have a nap by the fire. So too, our pets. Here’s a few tips to make sure they enjoy Christmas as much as you do:
Look out for signs of anxiety. Dogs may become restless or start panting, pacing, shivering, running away, hiding, not eating, show destructive behaviour or even self-harm (licking/chewing). Cats may hide or startle easily, become aggressive, increase grooming or facial rubbing, change their eating and sleeping patterns, scratch furniture or start urinating/defecating in inappropriate places.
Create a cosy chill-out zone in a quiet part of the house and encourage your pet to spend time there
Be sensitive to pets with noise phobias when setting off fireworks or party crackers
Puppies and kittens need lots of sleep so make sure they have plenty opportunity
Decorations, presents & gift wrap
Christmas is full of attractive things that are irresistible to pets and they tend to explore the world with their mouths so it is easy for things to be accidentally swallowed or cause a choking hazard.
Keep decorations out of reach. Tinsel, baubles and other decorations can be harmful if ingested
Hide cables from fairy lights where curious pets can’t chew them
Tidy up discarded wrapping paper and ribbons straight away
Keep batteries out of reach. They can cause internal burns if swallowed
Clear away children’s toys to where they can’t be chewed
Vacuum up Christmas tree needles regularly. They can hurt delicate paws
Enjoy the festive season and keeping your pets safe at Christmas!
Got a question or concern?
Speak to a vet instantly, 24/7 throughout the festive season
Our team of online vets are here for you 24/7 throughout the year and that includes the Christmas and New Year holidays. Have a quick live text chat or a face-to-face video consultation whenever you need us, for anything from a general question, illness or behaviour problem to instant advice in an emergency situation.
How to Keep Your Pets Safe at Christmas
So you may ask – How do i keep my pets safe at Christmas. Christmas is all about family and that includes our furry family too but this time of year also brings some particular dangers for pets. So our vets have prepared a quick checklist of things for you to watch out for over the festive period.
Toxic foods
We all want to indulge our furry family at Christmas but take care with foods intended for humans as many ingredients can be harmful to pets. Ideally, only use treats designed for pets and avoid human foods with any of these ingredients:
Toxic plants
We love to use plants to decorate our homes at Christmas but be careful where you place them as some can be harmful to pets:
Stay active but stay safe
The cold weather and dark evenings can make walks a little less attractive at this time of year but don’t deny your pets their outdoor fun. It’s so good for their physical and mental wellbeing (and yours too!) Just follow a few simple rules to avoid any problems and keep your pets safe at Christmas:
Keep the stress levels low
Some of us love the bustling chaos that is Christmas and others would just rather have a nap by the fire. So too, our pets. Here’s a few tips to make sure they enjoy Christmas as much as you do:
Decorations, presents & gift wrap
Christmas is full of attractive things that are irresistible to pets and they tend to explore the world with their mouths so it is easy for things to be accidentally swallowed or cause a choking hazard.
Enjoy the festive season and keeping your pets safe at Christmas!
Got a question or concern?
Speak to a vet instantly, 24/7 throughout the festive season
Our team of online vets are here for you 24/7 throughout the year and that includes the Christmas and New Year holidays. Have a quick live text chat or a face-to-face video consultation whenever you need us, for anything from a general question, illness or behaviour problem to instant advice in an emergency situation.