Celebrating safely with pets

Christmas is a wonderful time of celebration and love, and many households share this special time with pets of all shapes and sizes, but there are some hidden dangers to be careful of this festive season. Here are our top tips for celebrating safely with pets this Christmas.

Decorations

Plants and flowers, including poinsettias, holly, ivy, mistletoe and lilies, can be toxic to animals.

Make sure your pets don't eat tinsel or wrapping paper as it can cause a blockage in their intestines which could require surgery to remove.

Ensure glass ornaments are secure and can't be knocked over as the broken glass could pose a risk to your pets.

Keep edible tree decorations, like chocolates and candy canes, off the tree this year so your pets aren't tempted to take a bite.

Lots of pets are very uncomfortable being dressed up - even if it isn't obvious, they can become very stressed. Instead of dressing them up, create a Christmas scene with a backdrop and props for a fun festive photoshoot (see Molly's photo above for inspiration!)

Food

Christmas dinner is delicious, but some of the things on your plate can be harmful to pets: avoid feeding them chocolate, mince pies, Christmas pudding, onion gravy, alcohol, and bones from carcasses (these are a dangerous choking hazard).

Party time

It's great having friends and family over at Christmas, but it can be a worrying time for your furry friends. To keep your animals safe and happy:

Try to stick to their normal routine and introduce them to new people at their own pace.

Give them a safe, quiet space, away from the festivities, to retreat to if they become overwhelmed.

If you have an indoor cat, keep them safe in a closed room so they can't sneak out of an open door or window.

Keep them company! Some pets don't like being left alone for too long, so remember to check on them often throughout the day.

Make sure nocturnal animals are in a quiet part of the house during the day so they can get their beauty sleep.

Emergencies

Have the phone number for an emergency vet on hand, just in case.