Pets at Christmas

We love Christmas! However, while we're getting wrapped up in the festive fun, we can easily forget how the holidays can affect our pets.

Here you'll find some practical advice you'll need to keep your pets safe and calm during the festive season.

From festive foods and plants to avoid to how to animal proof your Christmas tree!

Festive food can be poisonous to pets
Festive food is delicious, but much of it is highly toxic and dangerous to our pets.

Avoid giving your cats, dogs or small furries (such as rabbits and guinea pigs) these foods as they can make them unwell:

Chocolate
Mince pies
Christmas pudding
Onion gravy
Alcohol
Cooked bones and cured meats

Bones from carcasses are a dangerous choking hazard and can pose a risk of internal blockages and cause intestinal perforations. If you are feeding raw bones, look at size and strength appropriate options:

BONES, BONES, BONES! I can't even count the number of times people told me they worry about bones splintering and harming dogs. The reality is, crunchy RAW (NOT COOKED) bones are essential for keeping teeth healthy.

Here is a handy chart to explain what bones you can give your dog and what purpose they have: FOOD, DENTAL or PLAY.

Also, here's an article on the topic of bone feeding:

Additionally, while rabbits and guinea pigs can eat grapes in small quantities (as they are very high in sugar), they’re poisonous to cats and dogs. Any pitted fruit can cause a blockage, but you can feed some fruits like:

Christmas foods safe for pets

dogs and cats, but be careful that it's not covered in fat, salt or gravy. Your pets should stick to their normal food.

If you want to treat your pet to festive bites, try some easy-to-make cat and dog treats below.

Be sure to feed treats in moderation, as extra weight isn't good for their health.

Avoid toxic Rawhide treats!! https://www.facebook.com/share/p/15FioFY9du/

Festive plants can be poisonous to pets

Some festive plants and flowers can be toxic to pets, including:

Poinsettias
Holly
Ivy
Mistletoe
Lilies

PET POISONS for further information:

Pet-proof your Christmas tree

Avoid using breakable &/or glass baubles but if you do, hang them higher up.
Avoid chocolate decorations.
A tree stand may prevent cats from climbing up from the bottom.
Anchor the tree to a wall to prevent it from falling.
Provide alternative cat enrichment. Cats can be inquisitive and Christmas trees are novel and exciting so providing lots of other activities such as toys and feeding puzzles might keep them occupied elsewhere.
Tinsel, wrapping paper, hanging decorations and especially edible decorations might be tempting for your pet to play with, but make sure they don't eat them!
Try some eco friendly options if you're not confident about your animals getting into the tree ornaments.
A puppy play pen around the tree can also help keep animals safe (& presents too!)
Set up your Christmas tree in an area where pets can't access if you think it's too tempting to

Keeping pets calm at Christmas

Christmas can be stressful for pets. Changes in routine, visitors, children, loud music and decorations can all worry them. Planning can help minimise stress for pets and ensure they have a happy home at Christmas. Here are our top tips for helping your pets have a stress-free Christmas:

Dogs and cats
Stick to their routine - try to keep food, exercise, bed and toilet break routines the same, as consistency can help pets feel more secure.

Introduce new people carefully - if you have visitors, let your dog or cat meet people at their own pace.
Give them somewhere cosy and quiet to retreat to, away from all the excitement, where they won't be disturbed by anyone. Leave toys there to help them associate the area with positive experiences.
Hiding places - you can also give cats hidey-holes to retreat to in case they feel unsure. Try on top of wardrobes or under furniture - even cardboard boxes can make good hiding places.
Don't leave them alone too long - although Christmas is a busy time and there's a lot to do and people to see, be careful about leaving your pet alone for too long.
If you're spending Christmas day with friends or family and your dog is coming with you, take something that smells familiar, like their bed, to help them feel secure. You can also take some of their favourite toys and chews to entertain them.
If your animals are finding it all too much, pop them into a room or crate to give them a safe space and ensure all your visitors understand they aren't to be disturbed. Set up enrichment activities to occupy them whilst visitors are in other rooms. Pop on white noise to help with the excess noise from Christmas merriment.

Christmas pet care checklist

Keep the number of an emergency vet on hand in case of accidents or if your pet eats something they shouldn't. Also understand Rescue’s emergency protocols if you have a foster & contact details at hand.
If your pet is on medication, stock up before the holidays so you don't get caught out.
Put together a pet first aid kit: