Simple Tips to Keep Pets Safe at Christmas
Christmas can be a wonderful time of celebration, but if animal friends around, the festive season can bring hazards, so here are some simple tips to keep them safe at home, or when visiting friends or relatives.
- Always give pets a quiet place to retreat to if they need a break, and avoid dressing pets in jumpers or antlers (could choke or over-heat).
- Don’t let dogs run immediately after long car drives (like running after food or gulping water, this could cause bloat, a serious medical emergency), and never leave dogs in cars.
- Due to visiting and loud noises, ensure tags and microchips are up to date, also read how to find lost pets. It’s good to avoid fireworks and use zero-waste Christmas crackers (with less bangs).
- It’s good to rinse paws after snowy walks (with lukewarm water), to remove rock salt which can burn inside at higher temperatures.
- Keep a simple pet first-aid kit to hand. Keep the vet’s number on your mobile and posted in the kitchen.
Secure the Tree and Decorations
Christmas trees should have sturdy bases and be secured, and avoid tinsel, glitter and baubles where paws or noses could get to them. Sweep up fallen pine needles and never use snow globes (contain pet-lethal antifreeze).
Avoid facing indoor foliage to gardens, to help stop birds flying into windows
Keep Pets Away from Toxic Plants
Holly, mistletoe, poinsettias, lilies, and festive wreaths can be toxic, also use pet-safe flowers for the table. Avoid sending ‘plantable cards’ to homes with pets, as most contain toxic wildflowers.
Keep Toxic Foods Away from Pets
Read more on food safety for people and pets.
Foods to keep away from pets include:
- Cooked bones (can choke)
- Chocolate (including white chocolate) & Caffeine
- Raw Eggs & Fish (salmon has a fatal parasite)
- Alliums (garlic, onion, shallots, leeks, chives)
- All Citrus Fruits & Dried Fruits
- Mushrooms & Avocado
- Fruit Pips & Seeds (contain natural cyanide)
- Faux Meats (inc. jackfruit)
- Raw Bread Dough (expands in the stomach)
- Corn-on-the-Cob (choking hazard)
- Spices (esp. nutmeg & mace)
- Most Nuts (esp. macadamia) & Seeds
- Xylitol (a sweetener, if used)
Keep Pets Away from Fairy Lights and Candles
If you use real candles, read about cleaner safer candles. Fireplaces should also have secure screens.
Alternatives are LED lights without trailing cords, or battery-operated candles for a safer effect (store safely and recycle, they are choking/fire hazards).
