PET PARADE
There’s never been a greater range of animal gifts to choose from – but your companion creatures also need you to keep them safe from themselves over the Christmas period…
What festive hazards are there for pet birds?
The festive season should be fun for all the family – our fur and feather babies too. It’s wor th taking a little time to ensure all the baubles, bling and banquets don’t cause any upsets to our pets.
If you have a real Christmas tree, please be aware that pine needles can be a bit jaggy on paws… and really dangerous due to their sharp nature if ingested. Be ver y careful with poinsettia, mistletoe and holly berries too.
If you have a dog, make sure you put chocolates, chocolate gifts or decorations well out of their reach as it can make your best friend really quite ill.
All vine fruits are extremely toxic to dogs so keep your pooch well away from the fruit bowl, mince pies and the Christmas pudding.
Go easy on the dinner leftovers too, as no matter how much your dog will mooch, new foods or ones they don’t often eat can easily cause tummy upsets.
Cats do like climbing things, so the Christmas tree can seems like the best fun ever to your puss. But Christmas lights, decorations and tinsel are extremely dangerous if ingested, so keep a firm eye on your feline when the tree is up.
If you like a festive floral arrangement, do your research. A number of flowers are toxic to cats – lilies, cyclamen and amar yllis to name but a few.
If you have a budgie or parrot, please be aware that scented candles, pot pourri and room fresheners can be dangerous to a bird’s respirator y tract.
If you want the room to smell Christmassy for a par ty or meal, think about moving your feathered friend into another room for the duration. They might be happier out the hustle and bustle anyway!