How to look after your pet at Christmas
Christmas is a time when families come together to celebrate. For many people, this also includes their pets. However, it’s important to remember that the festive season can be a hazardous time for pets amidst all the excitement, presents and delicious food.
Here are some of our top tips on how to look after your pet at Christmas.
1. O Christmas tree!
A real Christmas tree is the centrepiece of every home during the holidays. However, it’s worth noting that any fallen pine needles could be a choking hazard for your pet or get easily stuck in their paws, so remember to keep the area clean. Never leave your pet unattended with the tree either, especially cats who love to climb!
2. Tasty treats
Many popular festive foods, such as chocolate, nuts, grapes and mince pies can be potentially harmful to cats and dogs, leading to gastrointestinal and neurological issues if consumed. Even leftover turkey bones are fatal and it’s important to not let them over-indulge on fatty foods like potatoes smothered in butter. The solution to all of this is buying treats specifically for your dog, cat or rabbit that they’ll love!
3. Dazzling decorations
Decorations make your home a magical place to be in. But all those colourful baubles and glittering lights can look like very attractive toys to play with for your pet. Be mindful of them chewing any decorations, especially if they get knocked off the tree and break, or getting all ‘wrapped up’ and tangled in tinsel. So, remember to keep these out of reach to avoid any emergency visit to the vet over Christmas.
4. A safe space
All the hustle and bustle of Christmas with guests arriving, music playing and lights flashing can be a bit overwhelming for your pet. Therefore, one way to look after your pet at Christmas is making sure you provide them with a safe, cosy space with easy access to fresh water and food, blankets, and their favourite toys. It’s also a good idea to continue their usual routine, including walking your dog at least twice a day and feeding them around the same time.
5. Fire safety
A warm, open fire is delightful when it’s cold outside. But if your pet is a little too curious, avoid burnt paws by investing in a screen to place in front of your fireplace or heater. Furthermore, any lit candles placed on tables or the floor should be kept out of reach too and under close supervision if your pet is in the same room as this could be another potential hazard.
6. Fireworks
Finally, when it comes to New Year, most will be looking forward to the amazing display of fireworks to light up the sky. However, these are a major source of anxiety for many dogs and cats. So, what’s the best thing you can do as an owner? Well for starters, you could distract them with music and TV to mask the noise outside, keeping the curtains closed and letting them enjoy a long-lasting chew.
With a little bit of preparation, you can ensure that your pet has a safe and happy Christmas!
Merry Christmas from Physio-Vet!
From all our veterinary surgeons, nurses and physiotherapists at Physio-Vet, we’d like to say to our patients a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! We’ve got a busy period ahead of us and loads of exciting things to come that we can’t wait to share.
Hopefully Santa-Paws visits your pet with lots of treats and love – after all they deserve it!
If you’re in need of our gold-standard veterinary physiotherapy services in 2022, get in touch with a member of our friendly team by calling 01270 586008, or message us directly via the form on our website and find out how we can help you and your beloved pet.
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