Christmas is almost here – but before you transform your home into Santa’s grotto, it’s important to be weary of the potential threats the festive season can bring to pets in the house. In this blog, we cover how best to safeguard your pets this winter.
Potential dangers and how to avoid them…
New people in the home
Over the Christmas season it is likely you’ll have guests over more frequently than usual. As exciting as this is, it can be unsettling for your pets. The best way to mitigate your animal’s anxiety as much as possible is to stick to their routine in terms of food, sleep etc so they feel reassured. It is also a good idea to provide a cosy space where your pet(s) can go if they get overwhelmed. This could be a spare room filled with their favourite toys, cardboard boxes (that cats can hide in) and maybe even a few treats.
In terms of guests, make sure to let them know which doors and windows need to remain closed to keep your pet from making a dash!
Decorations
Choose decorations that don’t contain chocolate (your pets WILL make a jump for them and knock over your tree in the process). Also ensure that Christmas lights are well out of reach, so your pets don’t chew their way through them…
Pine needles
Hoover your living room on the regular to avoid your pet eating pine needles, even if you have an artificial tree, it’s better safe than sorry.
Festive food
Tis’ the season for food glorious food – but for your pets, not so much. Make sure they stick to their usual diet because chocolate, mince pies and bones from the remains of your Christmas dinner can be very harmful and some cases toxic to our furry friends. The RSPCA have come up with some alternatives to keep your pets’ tummies happy here.
Christmas plants
Be mindful about the plants you choose to decorate your home with this December, because what might be an innocent kiss under the mistletoe for you could be the kiss of death for one of your pets. Other poisonous plants for pets include holly, poinsettias, ferns, pine sap and amaryllis.
Dressing up your pet
As adorable as it looks, dressing you pets in costumes can irritate their skin, inhibit movement, and hide their ability to communicate via body language. Why not spread the holiday cheer with with your animals by treating them to a festive collar or new toy.
If you have any further questions or concerns about looking after your pets over the Christmas holiday, then don’t hesitate to reach out to our knowledgeable team.
Are you an animal lover looking for a new veterinary role? Call us on 0203 9784 104 and we’ll find you the perfect job match.
Christmas is almost here – but before you transform your home into Santa’s grotto, it’s important to be weary of the potential threats the festive season can bring to pets in the house. In this blog, we cover how best to safeguard your pets this winter.
Potential dangers and how to avoid them…
New people in the home
Over the Christmas season it is likely you’ll have guests over more frequently than usual. As exciting as this is, it can be unsettling for your pets. The best way to mitigate your animal’s anxiety as much as possible is to stick to their routine in terms of food, sleep etc so they feel reassured. It is also a good idea to provide a cosy space where your pet(s) can go if they get overwhelmed. This could be a spare room filled with their favourite toys, cardboard boxes (that cats can hide in) and maybe even a few treats.
In terms of guests, make sure to let them know which doors and windows need to remain closed to keep your pet from making a dash!
Decorations
Choose decorations that don’t contain chocolate (your pets WILL make a jump for them and knock over your tree in the process). Also ensure that Christmas lights are well out of reach, so your pets don’t chew their way through them…
Pine needles
Hoover your living room on the regular to avoid your pet eating pine needles, even if you have an artificial tree, it’s better safe than sorry.
Festive food
Tis’ the season for food glorious food – but for your pets, not so much. Make sure they stick to their usual diet because chocolate, mince pies and bones from the remains of your Christmas dinner can be very harmful and some cases toxic to our furry friends. The RSPCA have come up with some alternatives to keep your pets’ tummies happy here.
Christmas plants
Be mindful about the plants you choose to decorate your home with this December, because what might be an innocent kiss under the mistletoe for you could be the kiss of death for one of your pets. Other poisonous plants for pets include holly, poinsettias, ferns, pine sap and amaryllis.
Dressing up your pet
As adorable as it looks, dressing you pets in costumes can irritate their skin, inhibit movement, and hide their ability to communicate via body language. Why not spread the holiday cheer with with your animals by treating them to a festive collar or new toy.
If you have any further questions or concerns about looking after your pets over the Christmas holiday, then don’t hesitate to reach out to our knowledgeable team.
Are you an animal lover looking for a new veterinary role? Call us on 0203 9784 104 and we’ll find you the perfect job match.