Christmas with Pets

While Christmas is a delightful season for everyone, it can be a challenging period for our beloved pets. With the hustle and bustle, visitors, rearranged furniture, and new items in their environment, it can be overwhelming for them. Therefore, I will provide you with some tips on how to support your furry friends during this festive time.

Cats and Dogs

Stick to their routine - maintaining consistency in their food, exercise, bedtime, and toilet breaks can provide pets with a sense of security.

Introduce new people cautiously - when expecting guests, allow your dog or cat to interact with them at their own pace.

Provide a cozy and quiet retreat for them to escape to, away from the hustle and bustle, where they can relax undisturbed. Place toys there to create positive associations with the area.

Offer hiding spots - consider providing cats with hiding places, such as on top of wardrobes or under furniture, including cardboard boxes as potential safe havens.

Avoid leaving them alone for extended periods - despite the holiday rush, be mindful of not leaving your pet unattended for too long.

If you're spending Christmas day with friends or family and your dog is joining, bring along familiar items like their bed to help them feel secure. Also, pack some of their favorite toys and chews to keep them entertained.

Small Furries

Ensure that nocturnal animals like hamsters have a quiet place to rest without disturbances during the day.

Avoid exposing small furries to visitors' pets, as this may scare them.

Be mindful of high-frequency sounds that can affect small animals and relocate their cages to quieter areas of the house, especially during noisy events.

Avoid placing tinsel near cages and keep fairy lights and electrical cords out of reach to prevent them from nibbling on harmful objects.

Dangerous foods at Christmas

Chocolate - Many of us understand the risks associated with chocolate, and some varieties of chocolate pose a greater danger than others, such as dark chocolate which is more hazardous for dogs. It is common to have an abundance of chocolate around during Christmas - from advent calendars and gifts to treats and Mom's hidden supply. Chocolate contains Theobromine, which, if consumed, can lead to symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, irregular heart rhythm, tremors, and seizures. Therefore, it is advisable to ensure that your dog cannot access it.

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Raisins, Grapes and Sultanas - These popular Christmas treats, whether enjoyed as snacks, mostly by small people or included in holiday recipes, are harmful to pets and can lead to vomiting and, in serious instances, kidney failure. The specific reason for their toxicity to animals remains unidentified, underscoring the importance of keeping them out of reach of our beloved pets.

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Macadamia Nuts - Should be avoid, macadamia nuts in any form, whether they are chocolate coated, mixed, in cake, roasted, or falling off a tree. Ingesting can lead to poisoning, with symptoms such as vomiting, tremors, hyperthermia, and in severe cases, paralysis and the inability to walk. If a dog eats a macadamia nut while it is still in its shell, there is a risk of digestive blockage. Furthermore, it is important to note that most nuts, including almonds, pecans, and walnuts, contain high levels of oils that can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs.

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Onions - Onions are often a hidden component in numerous recipes. However, consuming onions in excessive amounts can be harmful to our pets. This can result in serious issues for your dog's red blood cells, potentially causing anemia and leading to weakness and lethargy. Additionally, onions may cause gastrointestinal disturbances in pets.

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Nutmeg - Christmas just wouldn't feel the same without the traditional blend of spices wafting through the air, and nutmeg is a key ingredient in that mix. However, it's important to be cautious when using nutmeg, especially around dogs, as it can be harmful to them. The Australian Veterinary Association warns that nutmeg consumption can lead to tremors, seizures, and other nervous system problems in dogs.

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Cooked Bones - Cooked bones can pose a risk to your dog by potentially splintering and causing pain or internal injuries. During the holiday season, there tends to be an abundance of cooked bones around, and it's not uncommon for family members to unknowingly offer them to your dog as a treat. To prevent any mishaps, be sure to promptly dispose of any cooked bones or keep them out of your dog's reach.

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Alcohol - Although it may seem obvious, a spilled drink can be attractive to our pets, and family members may find it amusing how much 'Toby loves a drink.' However, pets are much more susceptible to the effects of alcohol and can quickly become poisoned. This can manifest as symptoms such as vomiting, loss of consciousness, or breathing difficulties.

Looking after your pet over christmas

Make sure to have the contact information for an emergency vet practice available in case of emergencies or if your pet ingests something harmful.

If your pet requires medication, ensure you have an ample supply before the holiday season to avoid running out.

If you are traveling during Christmas, remember to arrange care for your pets, whether they are accompanying you or staying behind.