Are you and your pet ready for the most wonderful time of the year? While we don’t want to ruin the Christmas spirit, there are several hazards for pets at Christmas that you need to be mindful of. Have you for instance pet-proofed your Christmas tree? And do you know which foods to keep off your dog’s menu? These are five dangers for pets at Christmas that every pet owner should know about.
1. Christmas decorations
Christmas ornaments, such as baubles and tinsel, can be a choking hazard for pets and cause intestinal issues if swallowed. If your pooch has the spirit of an excited Christmas elf, it’s best to keep them away from any Christmas decorations inside the home.
Place Christmas decorations up high where their paws can’t reach and cat-proof your Christmas tree so your festive feline can’t hurt themselves.
Warning: snow globes are toxic for pets
Did you know that snow globes can be a hidden danger for your pet? Although they look nice and give us a taste of a white Christmas, they can be extremely poisonous to dogs. The culprit is ethylene glycol, otherwise known as antifreeze.
Snow globes usually only contain a limited amount of this substance, but it only takes one teaspoon of the liquid to kill a small dog or cause major harm such as brain, kidney and lung damage.
Not many pet owners know about the risk of snow globes, but the best way to keep your pets safe is to not decorate your home with one of these.
2. Consuming human food
Our pets hold a special place in our hearts, but it’s best not to give them a place at the Christmas table. Most foods we enjoy (a bit too much of) during the festive season can be harmful to our furry friends, including:
- Nuts: some can be a choking hazard, whereas others like macadamias, walnuts and pecans are toxic.
- Chocolate: a commonly known hazard for pets. Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine which are toxic to dogs.
- Onions and garlic: whether they are cooked, fresh or powdered, allium vegetables are toxic to dogs. This includes onions, garlic, shallots, leeks and chives. These ingredients are often used in Christmas recipes, so be mindful not to give your dog a taste test before Christmas dinner is served.
- Grapes and sultanas: grapes and sultanas are highly toxic to dogs and cats. Although cats have a higher tolerance, they can still be harmful to them. Even ingesting just one grape or raisin can potentially lead to kidney failure in your dog and be fatal, so be sure not to give them any. Also steer your pets away from Christmas pudding as this festive dessert is packed with raisins and currants.
- Alcohol: alcohol poisoning leads to a whole array of issues for your pet. Puppies and kittens are especially at high risk because of their size. Even a small sip can lead to trouble, so keep any glasses away from your pet and let them ‘Cheers!’ with a fresh bowl of water.
- Barbecue scraps: even though your dog might be eyeing off a juicy steak sizzling away on the barbecue, meat scraps can be harmful to your dog. Fatty foods are difficult to digest for your pooch and may lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and gastrointestinal issues. They might despise you for not sharing your plate with them, but they will thank you in the long run if you stick to their original diet and foods that are safe for them to consume.
3. Fireworks
Most Christmas carols hosted by local councils nowadays include fireworks. The aerial colourful display is great fun for families, but the loud bangs can scare pets. Check your local council listings and Facebook community groups to find out when events are planned.
If you hear fireworks nearby, bring your pets inside and make sure your gates and doors are securely locked. Is your pet sensitive to loud noises? Consult with your vet before the festive season kicks off to see if they can prescribe any calming medication that will help get them through the night.
4. Heatstroke
If Summer does what she does best, Christmas in Australia can be HOT! While we can jump in the pool and sit in front of the aircon to cool down, our pets have a harder time getting rid of excessive heat.
On hot days, keep your dog in full shade, in an airconditioned room or in front of a fan. Make sure they have access to plenty of fresh water and keep an eye out for any symptoms of heatstroke. It can take as little as 10 minutes for a dog to severely overheat.
The early signs of heatstroke are:
- Excessive panting
- Noisy breathing
- Restlessness
- Pacing
- Drooling
If you suspect your dog may have heatstroke, these techniques can be lifesaving.
5. Anxiety
For some of us humans, social anxiety can be a real pain throughout the festive season, and it’s no different for our significant furry others. Some pets cannot handle too many guests and others dislike being left alone for long periods of time.
Is your dog apprehensive of new people? Put their bed somewhere quiet so they don’t get overwhelmed and tell your guests that your pet needs a bit of space.
If you are out and about visiting friends and family during Christmas and your pet suffers from FOMO, make sure you check in on them every so often. Or, if you are away and you cannot get back home, hire a reliable pet sitting service that can look after your pet for you.
Our team not only takes care of your pet, but we also offer a general home check, mail and bin collection service, and watering of plants when you’re not home.
Bonus tip: check your vet’s Christmas trading hours
Before you dive headfirst into the Christmas festivities, we recommend checking in with your vet’s trading hours at the end of the year. Some vets are open all day, every day, where others close for the Christmas break.
Also make sure you have the phone number of an emergency or after-hours vet clinic on speed dial in case your regular vet isn’t available. This way, you will be prepared for any pet emergencies that may arise while Santa is in town.