Keeping Your Pets Safe at Christmas

Everyone loves Christmas but we love our pets too! We’ve compiled a simple guide on how to keep your pets happy and safe this Christmas whilst you are busy celebrating-

Christmas Trees-

The pines and needles from a real pine tree can be harmful and toxic to pets. They can be dangerous if swallowed by your pet. Real Christmas trees also release an oil which can cause excessive drooling in dogs

  • Try putting tinfoil or citrus fruits around the tree to prevent your pet investigating under it!
  • Ensure that you regularly sweep up around your tree
  • Cats and dogs are instantly attracted to Christmas baubles. Try hanging pet-safe decorations from your tree such as plushies, alternatively make your own safe and sustainable decorations from pet safe materials such as paper and card
  • Try holding off putting anything under the tree until the last minute. Your dog is bound to smell the cake meant for Aunt Mary and may tear it to shreds!

Festive Plants-

As well as our Christmas tree there are other plants such as holly that can be harmful to pet at Christmas. Holy berries and leaves are toxic to pets and can lead to salivation, vomiting, and diarrhoea.

  • Place plants out of pets reach if possible

Christmas Tree Lights

Although lovely to us, Christmas tree lights represent a safety hazard where cats and dogs are concerned.  Your pet is likely to be attracted to the sparkling lights but they may pose an electrical or choking hazard.

  • Try to hang lights on higher branches.
  • If you really want to hang fairy lights try putting some Vaseline on the cord. Pets do not like the taste of Vaseline!

Maintain some type of routine with your pet

Whilst humans love the hustle and bustle of a full house at Christmas, your pet might not.

  • Try to keep a quite calm corner for your pet that they can retreat to if they get stressed by strange sounds or smells (or people!)
  • Remember to make time for your pet even though you might be very busy. Your pet will still want some pets, attention (and a walk)
  • If your cat is particularly stressed out at this time of year you might consider using an electrical diffuser such as Felliway

Make some Christmas treats for your pet

One way of showing your pet you love them is to bake some home-made treats. You can cut them out in silly shapes for your pet.

Our Christmas dinner is not good for cats or dogs. Things like gravy, turkey, chocolate, alcohol and mince pies are very harmful to pets and can make your pet very sick.  Instead invest some time with your pet and make some festive fun treats. Your pets will thank you for it.

 Easy Christmas Cat Cookies

Ingredients

Salmon

Egg

Flour

Place the canned salmon, undrained, in a food processor.

Pulse the salmon to chop finely.

Combine the chopped salmon, egg, and flour in a mixer until it forms a dough.

Roll out 1/4-inch thickness on a floured surface and cut into shapes.

Bake until lightly browned and crispy: about 20 minutes.

 

Christmas Dog Biscuits

Ingredients

whole wheat flour

1 egg

cup peanut butter

1cup water

2 tablespoons honey

 

Preheat the oven to 350F.

In a large bowl combine flour and the egg. Add peanut butter, water, honey and stir until you have stiff dough.

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough about 1/2 inch thick and use a cookie cutter to make fun shapes.

Bake for 18-20 minutes, until golden.

 

We hope that you and your pet have a wonderful Christmas. We hope that these tips will help keep your furry friends safe