Vets advise how to keep pets safe at Christmas

The halls are being decked with boughs of holly, the tinsel is being wrapped around the tree and a hot pan is bubbling with some mulled wine on the stove.

Our excitement is starting to build because Christmas is around the corner! However, as fun as the busy shenanigans can be, we need to think about our pets and provide what they need to prevent them from feeling overwhelmed and stressed.  

Dr Jo Myers, practising veterinarian for Vetster (a digital platform which connects licensed vets with pet owners virtually) shares her advice on how to ensure everyone in the household enjoys a happy Christmas, including all pets. 

The run-up to Christmas often means a busy house with new faces for your pet to meet. Dogs will no doubt enjoy these seasonal greetings, but cats tend to scarper.

On these occasions, training comes into its own and a well-trained dog won’t be jumping up and licking the face of each visitor, but will no doubt still be excited. If it all becomes a bit much, dogs will benefit from some alone time so they can calm down.

Children need to be warned that forcefully cuddling any animal can induce stress and if a pet decides to take itself into a quiet room, it shouldn’t be disturbed.

Sticking as closely as possible to the pet’s usual routine will help to quell its stress levels so don’t be tempted to walk your dog less just because it’s chilly outside and you’re keen to return to your guests.  

It’s really important to talk to your guests about your pet’s diet. Many people think there’s no problem giving a dog the odd chocolate here and there, but they are extremely toxic to dogs and must be avoided.

Watch out for those chocolates dangling on the Christmas tree and keep them well out of reach.

Other dangerous festive foods for canines include mince pies and blue cheese so it’s best to tactfully ask your guests not to feed your pet at all.

The same goes for cats. Most people think it’s fine to give them milk, but cats are lactose intolerant and drinking milk does not give them any health benefits.

In a recent survey, Vetster found only 38 per cent of pet owners are "very confident" when it comes to knowing what their pet can and cannot eat, so it’s always important to check whether a food is safe before scraping Christmas leftovers into your pet’s bowl.

It’s not just human treats which need to be considered: fir trees can also be toxic to animals and pine needles can get stuck in a pet’s throat.

Vetster found in its survey that four per cent of pets had actually ingested pine needles. While these will most likely be vomited out, or cause diarrhea, they may also cause a stomach blockage.

Monitor your pet for warning signs such as salivation, excessive vomiting, diarrhoea or abdominal pain, in which case book an appointment with Vetster and seek help from a vet immediately.

Fairy lights look great strewn around pictures and mantelpieces, but as with all electrical equipment, they should be used with care. As they twinkle and dangle, pets will naturally be drawn to them, and may be tempted to chew them.

They are especially a risk to puppies, so it’s best to keep them well out of reach and unplug them if you’re leaving your pet unattended in the room. Electrocution causes burns to the skin, but it can also be fatal.

Candles also pose a risk and can be easily knocked over by a waggy tail or a prowling cat. A Vetster survey found that four per cent of pets had suffered burns from candles at Christmas. Make sure this doesn’t happen in your home. 

With the colder temperatures, your rabbit may need the equivalent of a hot water bottle to stay warm and toasty. There are plenty of options for chew-proof heat pads and the hutch should be checked over for any cracks and holes to ensure it remains draught-proof.

It’s tempting to bring a rabbit inside at Christmas, but this can cause chaos if the animal isn’t used to being let loose indoors. Stress in rabbits can kill and increased levels of noise and excited children at Christmas time are dangerous.

You’ll also need to watch out for the added hazards of any munching on Christmas lights and nibbling on human food.

If your rabbit hasn’t previously roamed around the house, the festive period is not the time to try this out. 

Christmas is a time of general mayhem at home, particularly with guests. Some common-sense approaches will ensure your pet can also enjoy the festivities, so long as they are given the time to stay calm and stick closely to their usual routine.