How to keep your pets safe at Christmas

Make sure your pets have a healthy and happy Christmas with some of these important bits of festive safety advice

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by Fiona Day |
Published on

Decorations

Mistletoe and Holly are poisonous to cats, and Christmas trees are mildly toxic so try to keep pets away from these.

Christmas decorations may look pretty, but if you’re not careful some can be hazardous to your furry friends.

Cat’s LOVE climbing trees and Christmas trees are no exception. Make sure your tree is sturdily set up so it can survive a cat attack.

Tinsel and glitter looks fabulous but if swallowed or chewed on can cause your pet serious damage. Try and make sure you keep tinsel hanging in harder to reach places and avoid leaving it around the house.

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Many Christmas ornaments contain berries which can make your cat or dog very sick. Holly and mistletoe are both poisonous for pets so always keep them out of reach. If possible avoid the real deal and opt for a placates alternative. This will last you next year as well.

Food

Christmas is the season where we all stuff our faces with delicious food. Cats and dogs, however, can get sick if they are able to get their paws on too many festive treats. Keep food covered and don’t leave dishes unattended. Don’t feed your pet their own serving of ‘human’ Christmas dinner, instead find a nice pet-friendly alternative to treat them with at your local pet shop.

Alcohol

Everyone loves a tipple on over Christmas, but very young pets won’t know the difference between your whiskey dram and regular water. Don’t leave drinks unattended and you’ll avoid getting a sick dog or cat.

Home safety

Roaring fires and candlelight creates a cosy Christmas atmosphere in your home, but make sure flames are covered and protected. Nobody wants to see your pet’s fluffy tails getting caught!

Weather

As the temperatures start to drop make sure that your pet has somewhere warm and safe to sleep every night. Make sure that cats have the option to come in through a cat flap and that dogs aren’t left outside to battle the elements. Keep those furry friends cosy!

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