Despite being one of the most magical events in our yearly calendar, Christmas can get many of us in a tizz and create a whole new level of chaos when it comes to our pets.
From toppled over trees to gobbling up food they shouldn’t, our furry friend can hit new levels of mischief we never thought they could, leaving our December delights more stress-ful than any other time of year. However, no fear, Tooth & Tail are here to hand out some helpful hints of how you and your pets can have the most magical yuletide and you can all stay safe and stress-free this Christmas.
Take Care with the Tree
It wouldn’t be Christmas without a 7ft tree laden with lights and baubles sparkling away in the corner of our livingrooms. However, with the beauty of this festive favourite comes the anxiety of the antics of prying paws that just can’t seem to get enough of the twinkly lights and dangling decorations.
If you dog or cat tends to become more playful when the trees come out this December, try and hang fragile baubles such as ceramic or glass in higher places upon the tree leaving them free from furry paws. Encourage your cat away from the tree this year by adding catnip onto their scratching posts which will entice play far away from your beautifully, tinselled tree. Also ensure that lights are turned off and unplugged when not supervised and your pets are left alone to prevent any electrical hazards.
Dangers with Dinner
It simply wouldn’t be Christmas without the plethora of fabulous, flavoursome food we get to indulge in. However, unlike us humans, our pets can end up a little worse for wear if they nibble on some nosh they aren’t supposed to this December. It is important to be wary of the following foods as they can be toxic for our pets leading to an unnecessary and stress-ful trip to the vets this winter:
- Chocolate
- Alcohol
- Onions
- Nuts (Specifically Macadamias and Walnuts)
It is important to keep any hazardous food firmly away from your pets reach as consumption can lead to side effects such as; vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, weakness and even convulsions. If you believe your dog has eaten anything they shouldn’t have, we recommend seeking veterinary advice straight away but like anything…prevention is always better than cure.
Create a Cosy Corner
For the first time in recent years, we can welcome our friends and loved ones into our homes this yuletide. As many of us prepare for increased visitors this December, it is important to create a safe space for your furry friend. Easily affected by increased noise levels and attention, providing your pet with somewhere to relax when the celebrations become too overwhelming can prevent anxious behaviours from occurring. Our pets are incredibly sensitive creatures and at Christmas, things can become a little too much.
Place their bed in a quiet area of the house where visitors won’t enter. Add their favourite blanket or toy and allow them to leave and enter as they wish. Above all, ensuring their happiness and comfort is what we should ensure during any festive celebrations.
So, with Christmas preparations well and truly underway. Follow our helpful hints to ensure both yours and your pet’s Christmas is as merry as it can pawsibly be!