Christmas is almost upon us and with all the cooking, wrapping and parties it can be easy to forget that these festivities can have an effect on your pet. So the team at Burgess Pet Care would like to share some seasonal tips with you to help you ensure your pet enjoys the festivities as much as you do…

Pet christmas safety tips

Bones

Watch out for bones! The delicious smell of turkey wafting through the home is enough to make any tummy rumble. With a hungry tummy usually comes pleading eyes from your cat or dog (or both); you must remember though that small bones are a choking hazard. With this in mind you should avoid offering your pet any part of the turkey which includes a bone, so no drumsticks or thigh.

Overfeeding

Whilst it is nice to offer your pet the occasional tasty treat you don’t want to over indulge them (we can’t say the same for you… if you want another chocolate you should treat yourself, it is Christmas after all)!! Go easy on the treats and of your pet has eaten more cooked or raw meat than usual you should bear this in mind when portioning their regular pet food.

Foods to avoid

Certain festive foods can be harmful to cats and dogs, including raisins and grapes. Remember that mince pies and Christmas puddings contain raisins so they should not be offered at all. Chocolate is another pet no-no so please avoid feeding it no matter how much your dog pleads.

Out on the road

Many of us travel at this time of the year and often have overnight stays at houses unfamiliar to our pets. If you are travelling with your dog this year then you should consider a dog harness to help keep him safe in the car if there was to be an accident. Cats should be kept in a cat carrier. Make regular pit stops and take a two feeding bowls with you, one for fresh water and one for food. If you are planning an overnight stay then try to take your pet’s bed with you. It will offer a safe, familiar and comfortable place to sleep.

Brrrr, it’s cold outside

If you have pets that live outdoors such as Rabbits or Guinea Pigs then you need to ensure that they are kept safe and warm (true for the entire winter period, not just Christmas). Ensure the hutch is insulated and packed with plenty of straw so safe and snugly burrowing. Make regular checks on the water bottle so you ensure it is never frozen.

Ideally your guinea pigs should be kept indoors during prolonged periods of cold weather, so consider moving them from the garden to your garage or other room.

Frantic Fun

Christmas should be a time that we can meet with our families and enjoy ourselves. But parties and social gatherings can be rowdy affairs and this can be frightening to any pets. Some pets will take crowds, noisy music, young children etc in their stride but others will become incredibly stressed. Dedicate a familiar room in your home to your pet, such as a spare bedroom or conservatory. Place their bed / hutch / cage in there along with food, water and a litter tray for a cat. Make sure you tell people to avoid this room, especially children. Allow your pet some time to familiarise themselves with this room and let them use it as a safe haven if things start to get too rowdy for them.

If you have any other Christmas related tips you would like to share with us please drop us a “comment”. We would love to hear them.

The entire team at Burgess Pet Care wishes you all a fantastic, happy and healthy Christmas and New Year! Give your pets an extra big hug from us.