How to keep your pet safe this Christmas
Our animal warden team have developed this list to help keep your pets safe over the Christmas holidays.
Chocolate
Everyone loves chocolate but it’s toxic to cats and dogs as it contains a substance called theobromine. So make sure to leave the chocolate treats in a cupboard they can’t reach and think twice about having chocolate tree decorations.
Christmas Pudding & Cake
Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without some Christmas pudding and a Christmas cake. However there’s lots of ingredients in both that are dangerous for our four legged friends. They’re packed with raisins, currants and sultanas as well as potentially poisonous additives for pets, such as xylitol.
Festive Green ‘Living’ Decorations
The tradition of bringing ‘living’ green decorations into our homes at Christmas goes back hundreds of years. However did you know that festive plants such as holly, ivy and mistletoe can be toxic to pets?
Christmas Leftovers
Many leftover items, such as gravy, stuffing and pigs in blankets shouldn’t be fed to pets as they have high salt content. Onion, leeks and garlic are also toxic to pets. Don't give your dog cooked bones as they can splinter and cause internal injuries.
Plain cooked turkey and carrots are safe to give to your dog.
Alcohol
Obviously anything with alcohol in is a complete no-no for pets.
Christmas Gifts
Make sure that your pets don’t eat any of the Christmas wrapping paper, tinsel or bows. They might want to play with them and ingest them by accident. Also be careful to collect up any of the small sachets of silica gel that often comes in packaging.
Quiet Time
With lots going on, and potentially new people in the house, your pet might become stressed. Make sure there is a quiet space that they can retreat to if they want, and that when they're there everyone knows to let them be.
Tag & Microchip
Please make sure your dog’s tag and microchip details are up to date. Rescue centres, animal wardens, kennels and vets are likely to be operating limited hours over the holiday period. Incorrect micro chip details and out of date tags could result in delays getting your dog returned to you if it were to get lost.
