Keeping Pets Safe This Christmas: 7 Essential Tips

With Christmas just weeks away, the festive rush can mean our beloved pets sometimes get overlooked amidst preparations. This guide will help you keep your cat, dog, or small animal safe and comfortable during this joyful yet busy season.

1. Secure Toxic Foods Away from Pets

Christmas goodies often contain raisins and sultanas, which are extremely harmful to dogs. Make sure to store all food containing these ingredients in cupboards your dog cannot access. Consider locks or bolts to prevent accidental poisoning, which can cause serious illness needing urgent veterinary care.

2. Careful Cleaning: Keep Products Out of Reach

Cleaning up before visitors arrive is essential, but be mindful of chemical products. Always ensure lids are securely replaced on cleaning sprays and liquids, and store them in locked cupboards. Pets licking residue from paws after stepping on spills can suffer poisoning, so be vigilant.

3. Stabilise Your Christmas Tree

Young cats, especially kittens, love to climb and play with shiny decorations, posing risks of falling trees and broken shards. Secure your tree firmly to avoid tipping. Choose unbreakable decorations and avoid tinsel or ribbons, which can cause serious digestive issues if ingested.

4. Keep Alcohol and Festive Drinks Safely Stored

Festive drinks like eggnog or Advocaat may tempt curious pets. Alcohol is toxic to animals even in small amounts and can cause vomiting, incoordination, or worse. Store all alcohol securely and clean any spills promptly to keep your pets safe.

5. Use Pet-Friendly Decorations and Plants

Some traditional Christmas plants such as poinsettias, holly, and mistletoe are toxic to cats, dogs, and small pets. Opt for pet-safe alternatives like Christmas cactus or orchids. Avoid using tinsel and ribbons altogether, as these are attractive yet dangerous to pets.

6. Maintain Routine and Provide a Safe Space

Christmas can be noisy and stressful, especially if you have visitors. Keep your pet’s feeding and exercise schedule as normal as possible. Provide a quiet, cosy retreat where they can relax away from the hustle and bustle to reduce anxiety and stress.

7. Prepare for Emergencies

Keep your vet’s contact details handy, including emergency out-of-hours clinics. This ensures you can respond quickly if your pet accidentally eats something harmful or injures themselves. Prevention combined with preparedness can save your pet’s life.

Keeping pets safe this Christmas goes beyond decorations and food. Include them lovingly in your festivities by making time for play and affection amidst the busy season. Careful planning and awareness mean a joyful holiday for all family members, including your furry, feathered, or small companions.