Keep your pets safe this Christmas with Kelperland Vets’ festive guide. Learn about seasonal hazards, safe treats, decorations, and how to help your pets enjoy Christmas just as much as the humans.
1. Deck the Halls… Carefully
Tinsel looks suspiciously like a sparkly snake to most cats. Dogs aren’t much better. If your decorations dangle, twirl or shine, assume your pet is already planning to eat them.
Safer options include:
- Shatterproof baubles
- Avoiding edible decorations – care with chocolate in particular
- Securing trees so they don’t “mysteriously” fall over!
2. The Temptation of Turkey
We know it’s irresistible, but turkey bones are not cool…they can easily get stuck. Stick to pet-safe treats and keep the leftovers high enough that even the wiliest spaniel can’t reach.
3. Festive Greenery
Mistletoe, holly and poinsettias look gorgeous — and can be irritating or toxic to pets. Keep them up high or go artificial.
4. Visitors, Noise & General Festive Madness
Some pets adore guests; others can get really scared… Create a quiet sanctuary room with water, bedding and toys.
Also, be careful with food and parties and dogs…when we had my son Theo’s birthday party just before Christmas a few years ago, our then puppy Finlay (the border terrier) cleaned up the mess and was seen eating a mince pie! This can be toxic due to the raisins. So, I popped round to the practice and got an injection to make him sick. In the middle of the party, to my wife Camilla’s horror, I injected him, and he promptly vomited up a plethora of mince pie, cocktail sausages, pizza, cake, etc etc – it really was quite impressive!
A Very Merry (and Safe!) Christmas
With a bit of planning — and perhaps a mildly indestructible Christmas tree — everyone can enjoy the festivities. If you’re unsure what’s safe, just give us a shout!
Merry Christmas to everyone at Kelperland Vets!
New family member? Take a look at our Puppy & Kitten Info Sheets.
You can even download them and pass them on to friends and family.
