How to keep your pets safe this Christmas

18th December 2023

While Christmas can be a magical time to spend with your pets, seasonal treats, tempting decorations and Christmas get togethers mean it can also be a stressful and even dangerous time for them.

Dr Samantha Butler-Davies, Head of Clinical Services at Vets for Pets, shares her tips on how to keep furry friends safe and happy over the holiday season.

Keep sweet treats to yourself

At this busy time of year, it’s easy to become distracted and it’s not unusual for cats, dogs and rabbits to find themselves accidentally eating something that is harmful to them. Some of the most popular foods and drink at Christmas such as chocolate, macadamia nuts, sultanas, raisins and alcohol are all poisonous to pets, so make sure you put edible gifts safely out of the way. This includes not leaving wrapped food-based presents under the tree.

If you suspect your pet may have eaten something poisonous, act quickly and contact your vet immediately. Don’t try and treat your pet without the help of an expert. Although there are plenty of proposed antidotes and home remedies online, many of these may cause more harm than good, so it’s essential that you always get the advice of a veterinary expert first.

Find further advice on what foods to avoid here.

Beware of the bones

Although it may be tempting to involve them in your Christmas dinner, don’t give your pet any leftovers, especially no turkey or chicken bones. Small bones can splinter off and cause serious issues like getting stuck in your pet’s intestines.

If you do want to involve them in the fun, Pets at Home has a range of pet-friendly alternatives that have been designed specifically for cats, dogs and small animals that rival the human equivalents. From festive dog biscuits to canape cat treats and even Christmas dinner gravy for dogs.

Keep festive plants out of reach

They may look pretty, but popular Christmas plants such as poinsettias, mistletoe, holly, lilies, amaryllis and pine sap are all poisonous to cats and dogs. To avoid accidents, try to keep them well out of reach of your pets.

Be careful with Christmas trees

Although most types of Christmas trees are low in toxicity, they could cause stomach upset if chewed. Try to regularly clean up fallen tree needles so that they don’t get ingested or stuck in paws, and make sure your tree has a heavy stand to prevent it from falling over. You should also make sure that if you have water in your tree stand, it is covered, to stop pets from drinking it.

If you have a particularly inquisitive pet, extra precautions such as small fences around your tree will stop them from chewing needles, decorations and light wires.

Watch out for wires and wrapping

If you’re gift wrapping and have string, ribbon or bows on the floor be aware these can also be tempting to your pet and, if ingested, can cause internal blockages, choking or become wrapped around their neck.

Prepare for Christmas visitors

Festive celebrations with family and friends are a big part of Christmas, but new visitors coming into the home can sometimes cause anxiety in our pets. It’s a good idea to create a safe space for your pet, perhaps in a spare bedroom or utility room, where they can escape the commotion. Put food, water, toys and a bed in there a few days in advance as this will help them get used to their new spot and feel secure.

It’s also important to prepare your visitors by making sure they know to close any doors, windows or gates to stop a panicked pet making an accidental escape. You might also want to advise them not to feed table scraps or other treats to your pet, as they may not realise the dangers. For pets who become particularly anxious, it’s worth investing in a pheromone diffuser or Thundershirt to help them stay calm in the run up to the festive season and beyond.

Stay on safe roads

Christmas can often mean lots of travelling to see friends and family. If your dog is coming with you – either on short or long car journeys – it’s important to ensure they are comfortable and safe in the car. Here Dr Karlien Heyrman, Head of Pets at Pets at Home shares her advice on travelling with pets:

Resist the temptation to let your dog move around the car. Rule 57 of the Highway Code states that when travelling in the car, dogs must be suitably restrained at all times. Breaking this rule not only puts yourself and your dog in danger but can result in a fine of up to £2,500 or nine points on your licence. Should you be involved in an accident and there is no evidence you restrained your pet, your insurance may also be void.
Always use the right harness for the size of your dog and purchase from a reputable supplier. Pets at Home 3 Peaks harness has been crash tested to FMVSS 213 child restraint systems standards. It not only keeps your dog safe, but ensures the driver isn’t distracted by a dog that’s on the move.
You may find that your pet prefers to travel in a crate and Pets at Home offers a variety of suitable solutions.
While it’s not illegal, having your dog in the front with you on a long drive can be very distracting. If you can, they should always be kept on the backseat or in the boot.
Embarking on journeys with your cat can be stressful for them, unlike dogs who are accustomed to outings. Cats thrive on the security of their own homes. While we strongly advise opting for a cattery or house sitter for your cat’s well-being, if travel is unavoidable, ensure they are safely confined in a secure carrier within the car.