Look out for Santa claws
THE tree is bought, the lights are up, the turkey’s ordered – possibly – but have you thought how Christmas will impact on your pet? There’s plenty of festive fun to be had with your four-legged friend but be aware of the pitfalls and perils too.
Here’s how to keep your pet safe: Dogs like to pick up small toys and chew. Some smaller pieces pass through the system naturally, but larger bits can cause deadly intestinal blockages or gut perforations. If you think your pet has swallowed something, call your vet. Best of all, don’t leave anything lying around. Tinsel and ribbons lure cats, while baubles and hanging decorations appeal to dogs. All cause problems if ingested. Closely supervise animals and don’t leave pets unattended by the tree... assuming you’d like to keep it vertical! Amaryllis, poinsettias, holly berries and mistletoe are all irritants and potentially toxic if digested – causing drooling, sores, vomiting and diarrhoea. Even drinking water from the base of your tree can trigger a reaction. Place a plastic cover over the base and move plants to areas where your pet is less inclined to have a nibble. Clear pine needles daily as they can get stuck in paws or cause diarrhoea if eaten.
Watch out for cigarette butts as nicotine is toxic to pooches – and fag ends are especially dangerous. Replacement patches and e-cig refills also pose a risk.