PDSA Vet Nurse Gemma Renwick said:
“Christmas is a time of joy and celebrating with your loved ones, and for pet owners, including your pet in the festivities can be part of the fun and enjoyment. If you are planning a Christmas celebration, it’s important to make it a pet-friendly one, as there can be lots of hidden hazards during festivities for our pets.
“Be aware of any tempting toxic treats and keep them out of paws’ reach. Things such as chocolate gifts that may be wrapped ready for Santa or low hanging chocolate decorations on a tree! Bones should also be avoided as they can be extremely dangerous, potentially causing choking or gut blockages.
“Onions, garlic, leeks and shallots are also bad for our furry friends, these can often be found in gravy too! Also steer pets clear of mincemeat, currants, raisins and sultanas, all of which are in Christmas favourites such as mince pies and Christmas pudding.
“Alcohol is also toxic to pets, so as well as keeping your drinks out of reach, remember to avoid any foods that may contain it. All of these are harmful to pets, so it’s best to make sure they are stored away or consumed away from your pets.
“Many parts of a traditional Christmas dinner are high in fat, sugar, or salt too, so as tempting as it can be to also share a festive feast with your pet, keep in mind it may not be the healthiest option for them. If you do want to give your pet a little bit of a Christmas dinner, lean parts of cooked turkey, boiled carrots and green beans without added sauces are all pet-safe but best given in small amounts to avoid a potential upset tummy.
“Some of the festive plants that we use in wreaths and garlands are poisonous to pets, including poinsettia, mistletoe, holly and ivy. They can all cause your pet to become poorly, so it’s best to keep them out of your pet’s way or switch them out for safe plants (or artificial ones, which can be safer but still shouldn’t be eaten!).
“Christmassy decorations, including tinsel, lights, baubles and Christmas trees can be very tempting for our pets to play with! Pets like to explore with their mouths so they can be at risk of a serious blockage if they were to accidentally swallow something they shouldn’t. It’s best to keep your pet out of harm’s way while you decorate, just in case they think it’s time to play. If you have a curious pet who may want to explore the decorations, we advise not to leave your pets unsupervised around them to ensure no accidents take place.
“The hustle and bustle of Christmas can be a little overwhelming for our four-legged friends, but there’s lots of things we can do to help them feel safe and included amidst the festive fun:
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Avoid the costumes, as most pets don’t enjoy being dressed up, but that’s fine because they’re adorable just as they are!
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Sticking to your pet’s usual routine, despite the festivities, can help them to feel calm and relaxed. This could be going for walkies at their usual time or sticking to mealtimes.
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It can be a good idea to provide your pet with a safe space before the Christmas festivities begin and ahead of any guests arriving. This way, your pet will know they have a safe place to retreat if it all gets a bit too merry! You could do this by building a den, or for small pets, moving them to a quiet room.
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Making an ‘on the day’ plan for Christmas Day can help make your day as safe and stress free as possible for the whole family. For a Christmas ‘on the day’ guide, take a look at PDSA’s Christmas Survival Guide at: www.pdsa.org.uk/xmas-survival-guide
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You can also include your pet in the festivities by giving them a Christmas present, this doesn’t have to be bought, there’s plenty of cost-saving ways to DIY easy, fun-filled gifts for your pet!
“It’s also important to remember that whilst it may seem like a lovely idea to give a pet as a Christmas present, taking on a pet is a huge commitment, and is a decision best made by the person who will be responsible for the pet. Children also often see puppies and kittens and pull on their parents’ heart strings for one as a Christmas gift. Children may not understand the responsibility that comes along with owning a pet, no matter the animal, pets aren’t a short-term commitment and do often require years of care. It’s always best to fully research if a pet will suit the whole family before adding a pet to your home.
“Each year, PDSA treats over 430,000 pets and supports 360,000 owners. Without public support, this wouldn’t be possible. For those who are in a position to do so, we are extremely grateful to supporters who choose to donate to us throughout the year, as well as during the Christmas period. Christmas time does bring about new and added dangers for pets, so it can be a very busy period in our Pet Hospitals. We do everything we can to make poorly pets better, to get them back to their families in time for Christmas.”
To find out more about caring for pets at Christmas, and all year round, head to PDSA’s website: www.pdsa.org.uk/phh
