PET PARADE
Where would we be without out fine feathered and furr y friends? We help you to make the best of your pet with a spot of animal whispering and all the best in pet news
Tis the season to be jolly – so don’t be one of those rogue statistics relating to injuries sustained while putting up decorations, eating undercooked turkey or tripping after too many sherries.
It can be a hazardous time for our pets too – so along with avoiding trips to A&E we also need to take a few precautionar y measures to avoid the emergency vet.
While food items such as Christmas pud, mince pies and chocolate are treats for us, they are toxic for our pets. A little skinless, boneless white meat such as turkey is fine for dogs and cats in moderation – and as long as it is fat, salt and gravy-free – but it’s really better to keep your pets to their usual, appropriate food.
Restrict treats to those made with pets in mind, such as Lily’s Kitchen Christmas Advent Calendar for Cats, available from Dobbies garden centres at £9.99 or www.dobbies.com.
Spiky pine needles, fair y light cables and mistletoe berries are just some of the potentially hazardous items for inquisitive noses or beaks at home at this time of the year. It’s something to keep in mind when choosing presents for pet owners, too.
Poinsettias, for example, are a Christmas gift favourite but they are mildly toxic if ingested by animals. Why not tick all the boxes with a pet-friendly potted indoor plant instead, which are also kind to the planet and the recipient for their air purifying qualities? Leaf
Envy’s pet-safe range star ts from £8.50 www.leafenvy.co.uk/collections/pet-friendly.
It’s also the season of goodwill, so spare a thought for pets which won’t be enjoying a loving home this Christmas. Suppor t your local animal refuge or charity by donating an item from their wish list, or suppor ting any fundraising activities. Be a Santa Paws and spread a little festive cheer!