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Top Tips for Pets at Christmas

Question: I have just got a new puppy and wondered if he can share some of food and chocolate our family will be eating this Christmas?

Answer: Christmas and the New Year is a fun time for many of us but it also brings a number of problems for our pets.  Follow these tips and you can all have a great time.

• High fat, festive foods are very rich and can easily cause diarrhoea or vomiting by irritating the lining of your pets’ bowels, making them quite poorly. Dog-specific treats are best, but use them sparingly as any sudden change in diet can cause stomach upsets.
• Human chocolate can be particularly dangerous in dogs as it contains Theobromine – a substance which dogs cannot break down and excrete anywhere near as easily as the human body can. It causes neurological and cardiac problems in dogs, which are frequently fatal.
• Turkey bones need to be cleared away properly.  Cooked bones, especially poultry, tend to splinter so they can puncture your pets’ bowels and/or lead to a serious infection.  Pets can also choke on these small bones.
• Christmas decorations present themselves as tempting toys and need to be kept out of the way.  Glass baubles can break and lead to splinters that can stick into paws or mouths – it is better to use plastic ones! Tinsel can be chewed and swallowed and get stuck in the intestines causing a blockage. Be wary of playful pets chewing through fairy lights as they can be electrocuted. Also don’t forget to be careful of children’s toys as small parts left around can easily be swallowed.
• Certain decorative plants such as holly, ivy, mistletoe and poinsettia are potentially toxic and may cause anything from vomiting, retching and weakness through to more serious symptoms. They are therefore best keep well away from pets.
• Don't leave your pets at home alone if you are going out for long periods - ensure you have arranged for someone responsible to look after them whilst you are away. If you are going away for longer periods over Christmas, make sure you make arrangements with the local kennel/cattery well in advance.
• Don't leave your pets at home alone if you are going out for long periods - ensure you have arranged for someone responsible to look after them whilst you are away. If you are going away for longer periods over Christmas, make sure you make arrangements with the local kennel/cattery well in advance.

Most importantly of all, remember - a pet is for life not just for Christmas – it is very sad when the new arrival ends up in a rescue shelter.  Don’t buy a pet as a Christmas present.