Pet Owners Christmas Guide - hints and tips
Stick to your usual routine - even though the festive season is upon us it is still important to stick as closely to normal feeding and walking patterns as we can in order that our pets are not put under any undue stress, as a change in routine can often cause pets to become anxious and unsettled.
- Feeding - for most of us Christmas means lots of great food and tasty treats but whilst a one off nibble on some leftover's won't do your pet any harm try to resist the temptation to overindulge your pet (after all with pet obesity becoming a serious problem for many UK pets we certainly don't want to make it worse!)
- Treats - Did you know, pets can easily choke and experience serious internal damage from snacking on cooked bones or that macadamia nuts can cause poisoning and caffeine can be fatal..? Well if not click here to view our straight forward guide on what foods to avoid feeding pets!
Christmas Decorations - We are by no means advising to pack up the tinsel, Christmas tree, balloons and other decorations but we simply want to remind you to bare in mind that these will attract your pet and if swallowed can be fatal so try to keep him out of rooms you have decorated unless supervised
- Exercise - Just like any other time during the year regular exercise is important to keep your pet healthy so don't slack just because it's a bit colder outside or you are too busy to nip out for a walk - simply make a conscious effort to set by some time and wrap up warm.. your pet will thank you for it!
(Click here to view our guide to winter walks)
- Toys - once Santa has been our homes often look like a toy store, so when possible try to ensure children's' toys are not left lying around if they have small parts that your pet could tear or chew off and chock on. What's more when it comes to children and your pet keep a close eye on your pet to make sure they dont get over excited with all the christmas fuss!
- Visitors - Christmas can be a busy time with visiting friends and relatives so make sure your pet doesn't make an escape in the commotion, and ensure all the excitement of having visitors doesn't distress your pet by simply keeping an eye on them or letting them relax in an unoccupied room
Christmas Plants - Just like all plants where possible keep Christmas plants such as poinsettias, mistletoe, spider plants and ferns out of reach of your pet as if ingested these can be toxic (if you suspect your pet may have snacked on a household plant it is vital to take your pet to your vet straight away or alternatively visit your local Vets Now Out Of Hours emergency clinic).
In addition, don't forget to sweep up those jaggy pine needles that can inevitably cause irritation to both you and your pet if stood on!
- Hidden dangers - Christmas is a busy time so its worth reminding yourself of some of the most common hidden dangers posed to your pet at home so that while your busy opening presents and preparing a fantastic meal your pet isn't slipping out an open window or nibbling on an electric wire so why not click here to view our top 12 household hidden dangers - after all prevention is the best cure!
Merry Christmas!! - So with these Pet Owner Christmas Hints and Tips in your mind its time to put the fire on... sit back... sip on some mulled wine... tuck into a mince pie and enjoy Christmas with your pet - Hope Santa is good to you!!!