Keeping pets safe over Christmas

Christmas brings excitement, visitors, decorations, food, wine and merriment but for our pets it can be a dangerous time if we don't take care.

Extra visitors to the house may cause more nervous pets to become worried and anxious, as may the ever-building excitement of children in the days running up to Christmas Day. We need to make sure we keep this in mind to keep our pets safe and happy. With each parcel delivery and visitor, we need to make sure our pets are securely inside the home to avoid any escapees making a run for it and offer them a quiet, safe place where they can withdraw away from all the excitement if they should wish to. As we decorate our homes it is important to make sure that our pets are not left unattended anywhere they can access the decorations, no one wants a hefty vet's bill to remove tinsel from their dog's tummy!

Much of the food and drink we indulge in over the festive period can be harmful to our pets too so, as tempting as it is to treat them to some of our festive fancies, it is best to stick to their normal diet. Here's a list of some of the things to avoid.

• Macadamia nuts
• Excess fat e.g. from ham or turkey skin
• Raw and cooked onions and garlic
• Raw and cooked mushrooms
• Yeast and bread
• Chocolate, caffeine and cooked bones
• Herbs such as Chives and Sage (so be careful with the stuffing)
• Raisins, sultanas and grapes (so watch the mince pies)
• Ibuprofen
• Sugar and the artificial sweetener Xylitol
• Tinsel and other decorations
• Mistletoe and holly (and their berries)
• Alcohol
• Salt (table salt but also rock salt on gritted roads so remember to wash those paws)

If we are aware of the potential dangers we can protect our pets and enjoy a fabulous, festive period with all members of the family!