Keep your pets safe this Christmas

Woman’s vet Linda Simon explains how you can avoid the festive hazards that could harm your pet

- Linda Simon

Christmas is a time for family gatherings and good cheer. But within all of that festive chaos, pets are sometimes overlooked and can end up getting into mischief. Read on to learn about some of the most common Christmas dangers and how to keep your furry friend safe this festive season.

Presents and gift wrap

Who doesn’t love the ‘big present unwrap’ on Christmas morning? However, all of that shiny paper and ribbon may be too tempting for some cats and dogs to ignore. Pets love to play with packaging, but if swallowed, it could make them very ill. Clean up as you go along to ensure nothing indigestible is eaten. Keep an eye out for small gifts and toys that may be swallowed. Rubber balls, magnets, batteries, kinetic sand and slime can all be tempting for curious pets who explore with their mouths.

Beat stress

While most of us enjoy the hubbub of having Christmas guests over, our four-legged friends aren’t always so keen. Consider having your pet in a separate room and playing some classical music. It can be helpful to use a species-specific calming plug-in such as Adaptil for dogs and Feliway for cats. Similarly, natural calming supplements can be started a few days before the Christmas chaos begins.

Travel safely

Some of us choose to take our pets with us when visiting family and taking mini-breaks away. Make journeys safe and hassle-free by planning ahead. Ensure your pet is secure in the car, which may mean a pet seat belt, cat carrier or crate. Take regular breaks so dogs can stretch their legs and empty their bladder. Offer your pet small and easy-to-digest snacks as well as plenty of water.

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