Tree decorations need to be chosen very carefully to avoid your inquisitive pet from being injured or becoming ill.  Glass ornaments should they fall, will shatter leaving sharp pieces that could easily cut your pets paws.  Edible ornaments encourage secretive foraging, possibly resulting in the tree being knocked over, chocolate poisoning (from chocolate decorations) or choking on items such a edible garlands (popcorn etc) held together by string. Tinsel and ribbon if ingested can cause gastrointestinal blockages.

Avoid placing lights on the lowest branches of your Christmas tree and ensure that electrical cords and wires are positioned out of your pets reach. If they are bitten or chewed not only are they potential fire hazards but they can cause serious harm, electrical burns and electrocution.

There are many plants associated with Christmas which are poisonous to pets should they be eaten. These include Holly, Poinsettia, Mistletoe, Lilies and Peace Lily.

Beautiful... ... but unhealthy.

Christmas is a wonderful time to eat drink and be merry and a time for us to indulge in vast quantities of rich foods and beverages.  Unfortunately, many of the things we love to eat and drink can be hazardous to our pets should they do the same. 

• Chocolate can be extremely toxic to dogs and should NEVER be given as a treat or left in areas where your pet can access it. 
• Grapes and raisins if eaten in large quantities can be lethal and only a handful can make your dog very ill, NEVER feed them to your pet and ensure that they are kept in a safe inaccessible place.
• Avoid feeding bones to your dogs, turkey and chicken bones become extremely brittle when cooked and could once chewed, splinter. This could lead to them becoming lodged in the throat, or puncture the intestinal tract.
• Dogs should never be given alcohol; the effects can lead to coma and death.

The safest option for your pets throughout the Christmas period is to keep them on their regular diet. Avoid feeding them treats of human food, sweets, bones, cakes etc. and inform children and visitors alike of your wishes. It seems a little harsh when you dog looks pleadingly at you licking his/her lips and hoping for a taste of something delicious but denying him/her may just save a life.

Good for us... ... bad for them.

Don’t forget, dogs are wonderful scavengers, secure the bins and ensure that leftovers are disposed of safely together with food related hazards such as silver foil, cling film etc.

If you suspect that your pet has ingested anything poisonous then contact your vet immediately and never try to induce vomiting without Veterinary advice.

Christmas and New Year are always busy with visits from friends and relatives, lots of coming and going, doors constantly opening and closing and lots of hustle and bustle.  Make sure you know where your pet is at all times, with a constant chain of visitors it is so easy for them to slip out without being noticed. Inform everyone before they arrive and leave that the dog should not be allowed out without supervision.  Unfortunately at this time of year many pets slip out of the home never to be seen again.

During this time try to keep your dogs routine as close to normal as possible, this includes attention from you, exercise requirements, dietary needs and above all try to keep the stress levels low. Remember elderly and nervous dogs may need a quiet sanctuary to retreat to during the hustle and bustle. Young dogs should not be forcibly introduced to large amounts of visitors, introductions need to be done gradually, allow your pet to choose if he/she wants to be petted or simply sleep quietly in his/her bed. Don’t shut your pet away if he/she is normally involved in everything that is happening and above all make sure that visitors are informed of the pet rules in order to ensure that there are no mistakes and everyone stays safe and happy.

Christmas is never a good time to introduce a new pet into the family.  New arrivals need to be introduced to a calm, quiet, stable environment (definitely not something associated with Christmas!).  Being separated from their mother and siblings, they need extra care and attention from their new family members in order for them to settle into the new environment and become familiar with daily routines.

If you are thinking about bringing a new pet into your home, wait until after the holiday season. If you are serious about becoming a dog owner, wait until after the New Year and why not visit one of your local rescue or re-homing centres, this is usually their busiest time. Never buy a pet as a surprise gift for a friend or family member, their arrival may not be as welcome as you expected.

Stay safe and have fun.

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Julie Jackson-Corney AMACC
Fragrant Friends

Read the December Newsletter for advice on Protecting your Pets during the Winter Months