Tips for keeping your pets safe this Christmas

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.While humans revel in the sights, sounds and socializing of Christmas, the festive season can be an overwhelming – and potentially dangerous - time for pets.


New faces coming and going, an increase in noise and chaos, tempting smells wafting around, delicious, rich food within paws reach, not to mention strange objects like Christmas trees, decorations and gifts dotted about the place…


Here are some tips for preventing the things that we humans associate with fun and frivolity, from having an impact on your pet’s mental and physical wellbeing.


Even the most sociable pet can be overwhelmed by the influx of people floating around at Christmas. If your pets show signs of stress at the chaos pop them safely in a room away from the party with a toy or chew to entertain them, and plenty of water. Popping on the TV or radio can help to drown out the escalating frivolities.


Be mindful of children around your pets. While they may mean well with their hugs and kisses, even the most tolerant cats and dogs may not feel comfortable with this attention when they’re in a state of festive sensory overload. Supervise your pets at all times when they’re in the mix – consider nominating someone to be pet monitor – and discourage children from petting them or lavishing them with attention.


Sparkly ornaments, lights, tinsel and bobbing tree boughs can be incredibly tempting, but represent a world of hazards to your pets. Put your tree in a corner and place ornaments out of your pets’ reach to minimize their temptation to launch an attack! Save chocolate decorations for Christmas Day when you’re around to supervise and prevent your pets from helping themselves.


While Christmas is often a time of indulgence for humans, that doesn’t mean you should ‘treat’ your pets with fancy foods as well. Many human foods – such as chocolate, dairy products, grapes and raisins – can be toxic to dogs or provoke food intolerances. Even over the silly season it’s important to stick to your pets dietary routine, so if you want to treat them, buy them some fresh raw meat (I recommend kangaroo) or a delicious bone to keep them occupied during the festive feast.


Poinsettia, holly and mistletoe are all poisonous and should be kept out of reach of your pets, as should the pine needles that drop from live Christmas trees, as they can puncture your pets’ intestines if eaten.

Many of the accouterments of gift-wrapping are highly attractive to pets, especially cats. Keep string, twine, ribbons, bows, plastic, fabric and scissors out of reach. These items can cause intestinal obstructions and lead to serious health issues if eaten, so clear offcuts away as you work.


Following these tips should help you avoid a trip to the vet this holiday season, but if you do see signs of stress or abnormal behaviour in your pet it may indicate a health issue and in such cases you should visit your vet as soon as possible.