“Simple changes to your home environment can significantly reduce the risk of injury to your pet over Christmas.”
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Christmas can be a confusing and sometimes dangerous time for your pet.
Suddenly there are changes to their routine; Christmas trees, decorations and presents that they are not allowed to touch; strange people entering your home; and plenty of unusual noises and enticing smells.
Every year I see clients whose Christmas has been ruined by an unexpected injury to their pet, so here are some top tips to help minimise the chance of harm to your pet these holidays.
Christmas tree and decorations
If you have a puppy or kitten in your home, you will need to put your Christmas tree out of harm’s way. If your pet is small enough you might be able fence your tree off with a pet playpen.
Another option is to use a smaller tree that you can display high up on a table, out of your pet’s reach. Or put your tree in a room where your pet will not be allowed unsupervised.
Kittens and cats are wonderful climbers and will see your Christmas tree as the ultimate challenge! Unfortunately, they can also jump onto the tree and knock it over, littering your floor with broken glass and sometimes even causing a house fire.
Your puppy or dog will especially be attracted to any ball-shaped object hanging on your tree, and tinsel and electrical cords pose a particular risk to cats and kittens.
You may require emergency treatment or even surgery for your pet if they:
- Break an ornament in their mouth, as the shards of plastic or glass can cause
- painful and dangerous internal injuries
- Swallow tinsel, which can obstruct their intestines
- Decide to chew on electrical cords, causing electrocution
Watch out for symptoms such as decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhoea, listlessness and weight loss in your pet and contact a mobile vet immediately if you think your pet has ingested a Christmas decoration.
Christmas presents
Your pet does not understand that they have to wait for December 25 to open presents! So to avoid early opening of gifts, it’s best to wait until Christmas Eve to place presents under the tree, especially food gifts with an enticing smell.
Christmas food
Unfortunately, many of the foods we enjoy at Christmas are harmful to our pets. And even giving your pet safe leftovers may trigger tummy upsets, due to a change in their diet.
Never feed your pet cooked bones, chocolate, Christmas cake or pudding, grapes or dried fruit, or lollies. Leftover scraps of ham or turkey are okay in small portions.
And be careful about hanging candy canes and chocolate coins on your Christmas tree.
If you want to give your pet some special foods, your local supermarket or pet store has a range of treats specially designed for pets.
Other Christmas hazards
Some other things you might want to think about to prevent injury to your pet this festive season include:
- Fireworks and loud noises. Ensure your pet has somewhere safe and quiet to go when your house is full of noise of on New Year’s Eve when fireworks are exploding
- Hot days. Pets can easily overheat at this time of year. Click here for some tips on keeping your pet cool during summer.
- Christmas lights. Keep electrical cords out of sight and out of reach of puppies, kittens and cats.
- Christmas plants such as poinsettias, mistletoe and holly are all poisonous, so should be kept out of your house or out of reach of your pet.
- Gift wrapping. After unwrapping your presents, quickly clean up any gift wrap, plastic packaging, ribbon or bows that could strangle or be swallowed by your pet.
Spend time with your pet
Your pet will cope much better with Christmas if you can spend some extra quality time with them.
Exercise and feed your pet first before going out or expecting visitors, so your pet is tired, full and calm when they arrive.
And once your festivities start, settle your pet in a quiet, cool spot where they can have some time away from all the noise and activity.
With a little forward planning, your pet with safely enjoy the festive season as much as you and your family.
But if you have any concerns about your pet, you can contact your mobile vet.
Key Takeaways
- Christmas introduces multiple risks for pets
Changes in routine, decorations, food and visitors can all increase the chance of injury or illness. - Common hazards include decorations and food
Tinsel, ornaments, electrical cords and festive foods can cause serious problems if ingested. - Prevention is mostly about planning and supervision
Keeping items out of reach and maintaining a calm environment reduces risk. - A quiet, familiar space helps reduce stress
Providing a safe area away from noise and activity supports your pet during busy periods.
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Debby Ross
First visit from Ari and Ellie and it went beyond all expectations. They were so genuinely interested in my two cats. Of course I couldn’t stop talking about them but they clearly were not bored. Did excellent health checks and vaccinations – was an absolute pleasure and I would totally recommend them to anybody. So fabulous having no stress of lugging…
Daniel Birchall
Elle’s exceptionally professional, warm, and helpful phone manner, together with Dr Ari’s prompt arrival, gentle approach with Hudson, and clear, thorough medical explanations and recommendations, immediately put my mind at ease. The high level of care and professionalism demonstrated confirmed that contacting VETaround was the right decision.
Amanda Yeates
Ari is the best vet ever. His home visits are incredible. Such a great service to not have to put your beloved pets in the stressful situation of a car. Or around sick pets in a waiting area. My cats LOVE HIM. Ollie my male cat NEVER comes out of hiding when visitors come over. With Ari, he not only came out, let him weigh him, have his check up done…
Charmaine Caffrey
I was very pleased with the ladies from VETaround Mobile vet. Professional, polite and very knowledgeable. Certainly eased my mind about my cat 🐈 would recommend them to anyone needing good veterinary care for their pet. We all know just how important our four legged friends are!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Christmas hazards for pets at home?
Common risks include decorations, electrical cords, festive foods and gift wrapping materials. Items like tinsel, ornaments and ribbons can be swallowed and cause internal problems. Noise, visitors and changes in routine can also increase stress and lead to behavioural issues.
Can Christmas tree decorations harm my pet?
Yes, decorations such as ornaments and tinsel can be dangerous if chewed or swallowed. Glass or plastic pieces may cause internal injury, while tinsel can obstruct the intestines. Electrical cords around the tree also present a risk of electrocution.
What Christmas foods are unsafe for dogs and cats?
Foods such as chocolate, cooked bones, grapes, dried fruit and lollies should be avoided. Even safe foods can upset your pet’s stomach if their diet changes suddenly. Small amounts of plain leftovers, such as ham or turkey, may be tolerated, but only in limited quantities.
How can I reduce stress for my pet during Christmas gatherings?
Providing a quiet, cool space away from noise and visitors can help your pet settle. Feeding and exercising your pet before guests arrive can also reduce restlessness. This allows them to remain calm during busy periods.
Are Christmas plants dangerous for pets?
Certain plants commonly used during Christmas, such as poinsettias, mistletoe and holly, are poisonous to pets. These should be kept out of reach or avoided entirely. Ingestion may require veterinary attention.
What should I do if my pet eats something they shouldn’t?
Watch for signs such as vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite or lethargy. These may indicate your pet has ingested something harmful. If you notice any of these symptoms, have your pet assessed by a vet as soon as possible.