Christmas care
Christmas is a magical time for us humans but it can be pretty bewildering for our pets. Follow our festive advice to make sure this Christmas is full of peace and joy for ALL the family.
Christmas trees
- if you have a real Christmas tree you should be aware that the needles will fall from your tree over time. They are hard and sharp, and can easily get stuck in animal paws or throats. Keep animals away from them, or frequently clear up the fallen needles.flashing fairy lights can freak your pet out especially if he is close to them. Try using lights that don't flash on and off.
- Build a pen or fenced off area surrounding your Christmas tree to separate pet and tree
- Move your Christmas tree to a room that your pet is not allowed in, or use a dog gate to limit your pet's access to the room, allowing your pet in the room only when supervised.
Back to the top
Decorative dangers
- cats may show a keen interest towards the baubles and decorations hanging from your Christmas tree, which could result in a nasty accident. Try to use unbreakable baubles, don't use anything too small, and make sure your tree is well anchored, so your cat's attentions can't pull the tree over.
- it is advisable not to hang human chocolate from your Christmas tree, as this will be an added temptation for your pet. Human chocolate is bad for your pet - it contains theobromine which is dangerous when eaten in large quantities. Baking chocolate has approximately nine times more theobromine than milk chocolate and is particularly dangerous, but either can cause problems. Don't panic, however, if your dog sneaks a bite from your chocolate bar. A toxic dose of theobromine for a 20-pound dog is about 1 milligram, and he'd have to eat 28 ounces of baking chocolate to get that much. If you are unsure how much your dog has eaten, call your vet for advice.
- Holly, mistletoe and yew are poisonous to pets and can be extremely dangerous - so make sure they are well out of reach.
Back to the top
Over indulgence
- always remove wrapping paper (and toys) when not using to avoid your pet chewing or choking on them.
- if you give your pet human leftovers, only give them a little to avoid diarrhoea. Avoid giving your pets bones that can splinter (i.e. chicken / turkey bones), as these can be dangerous if they get lodged in the throat.
Back to the top
Prevent pet panics
- remember balloons, Christmas crackers, poppers and champagne bottles all go off with load bangs. Ensure your pet is kept away from these noises to prevent unnecessary panic.
- has your dog regularly met all the family members and friends that you might be inviting to your house during the Christmas period? If not, your pet may be a little shy, nervous or apprehensive when meeting people for the first time. Ensure your pet is supervised when they meet your guests for the first time, and that visitors understand the situation.
- if you have young members of the family visiting over Christmas, your dog or cat is likely to be more excited than usual. Ensure your pet is always supervised around young children especially when they are playing with new toys. Certain toys may be loud or electronically mobile which may excite or scare your pet.
Back to the top
Pet presents and presence...
- make sure your pet presents are dog or cat proof. Buy them from a reputable pet shop or veterinary clinic. Make sure you avoid giving your pet things that may make them act possessively - especially if children are around.
- Put your pet in a separate room from the festive mayhem. Choose the furthest room away from the noise, and perhaps leave a radio or television on to block out any noises that may startle your pet. Give your pet something of comfort like his bed, scatter some treats, and leave your dog a nice marrowbone to keep him occupied or some toys to play with.
Back to the top
And finally...
Don't let these issues worry you too much, as it's easy to avoid most pet related Christmas disasters. For additional peace of mind, find out when your veterinary surgery is open over the holiday season, or the number of another vet that has an emergency service available.
Back to the top
|
