|
 |
Have a purr-fect Christmas with PDSA – Pet advent tips
With Christmas fast approaching and people frantically planning for all the winter festivities, PDSA is urging pet owners to ‘Pawz for thought’ and consider your pets this Christmas.
To help you and your pet we have produced a unique series of advent tips for pets!
It kicks off this week with snippets including advice on buying a pet to the risk to pets of consuming chocolate.
For more information on keeping your pet safe and healthy why not check back every few days for more top Christmas tips! 
- A pet is for life - If you are thinking of buying a pet at Christmas, do some careful research as with buying any other present – or more so, as pets are a big responsibility and some can live for a long time. Christmas is the worse time to get a pet as it is always busy and you won’t have time to focus on your new pet. Buying a book and researching online about a specific pet is a good idea.
- Food for thought –Dogs and cats shouldn’t be able to get hold of turkey bones over the festive period, they could perforate intestines and kill your pet. Make sure any left overs are well wrapped and put in a safe lidded waste bin. Also, make sure there is plenty of water for your pet to drink.
- Temptation - Small toys and batteries could be dangerous to pets if they are swallowed. Also, some household items can be a hazard such as baby’s dummies and sewing needles.
- It’s a wrap! – PDSA advice is to try and avoid too much noise and excitement over Christmas as it could cause your pet to become stressed and anxious. Their hearing is much more sensitive than ours which makes playing with noisy wrapping paper so inviting.
- Chocolate warning – human chocolate can be poisonous to dogs. Chocolate may be a treat to us but plain chocolate that contains the highest concentrated doses of theobromine is the most dangerous to pets. Keep all chocolate well out of reach.
- ‘Crash bang wallop’ - crackers, fireworks and loud noises – Some pets have far more sensitive hearing than humans. Firework noises can cause dogs to tremble and shake, pace and pant, or “cling” to their owners. Both cats and dogs may try to run away when they hear loud bangs and may refuse to eat or soil the house because of their anxiety. All owners should help their pets stay safe and calm.
- ‘Curiosity killed the cat’ - safety indoors – Seasonal decorations such as Christmas trees, baubles and lights are a temptation for any cat to want to explore. PDSA advise owners to carry out a house safety check this Christmas to identify potential dangers such as loose wires, unstable trees and glass baubles within easy reach. A falling Christmas tree could cause serious injury.
- Social dogs – Over the Christmas period, people tend to visit family and friends, and they may take their own pets with them. PDSA advise that owners consider their pets in the first instance and prepare a quiet place where they can retire to from the excitement that the festive season brings.
- Furry friends – don’t forget to regularly check and feed all your pets including rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters etc. They mustn’t be forgotten when the Christmas festivities commence.
- Out in the cold – PDSA advise pet owners not to leave their pets outside in the cold winter temperatures as this can cause hypothermia (low body temperature). Shivering is one of the first signs that your pet’s body temperature is too low. This will stop if the body temperature becomes dangerously below normal. Contact your vet if you are concerned that your pet has suffered from hypothermia.
- Pet presents – If thinking about treating your pet to an edible Christmas present, make sure that treats are standard pet treats, are healthy savoury options and not intended for humans to eat. Too many treats could cause your pet to become ill and put on weight!
- Away at Christmas – If you’re planning to be away this Christmas with friends or family, who will be looking after your pet? If you need to consider a kennel or cattery, make sure you book early to avoid disappointment and that your pet’s vaccinations are up to date
- Buckle up – If travelling by car with your pet over the Christmas season, make sure your pet is secure. Pets that aren’t ‘buckled up’ could cause an accident which is a danger to people and pets alike. Pet specific seat belts or harnesses are available for medium or larger dogs. For smaller pets including cats and small furry animals, use a well ventilated pet carrier that is a securely attached or wedged in the foot well to keep them safe.
- ‘Hiccy Christmas’! – PDSA advise owners not to leave glasses containing alcohol within easy reach of their pets. Not only is there a danger from the alcohol, but a broken glass can seriously injure your pet. Contact your vet immediately if your pet is affected.
- Break up Britain – PDSA urges owners to make the well-being of their pets a crucial consideration at the unhappy time of separation. The increasing frequency of relationship breakdown is taking its toll on the nation’s pets. Cats and dogs in particular can develop compulsive disorders because of the stress caused by their owners breaking up.
- Blowing out the cobwebs – Christmas can be a joyous occasion most of the time, but much of it may be spent indoors. PDSA encourage owners to venture outside to enjoy a walk with their dogs over the festive period. A breath of fresh air and a stretch of the legs could be just what everyone needs. Make sure the walk is a few hours after your dog’s festive food as vigorous exercise just after a meal can cause a gastric torsion – a very dangerous twisting of a pet’s stomach.
- Pet toys – a good idea for a Christmas present as, toys can prevent boredom by amusing your pet. Always buy toys that are ‘pet safe’ and are the right size, making sure they can’t be swallowed or obstruct a dog’s wind pipe.
- Mirror, mirror on the wall – We all want to look our best over the Christmas period, so why not spare a thought for your beloved pet and help them to look their best too. Regular grooming is a good way to bond with your pet.
- Paradise for parasites - As the winter weather bites and people gather for the Christmas celebrations, we all dash to crank up the central heating. Leading veterinary charity PDSA is warning pet owners that they could inadvertently be turning their homes into a flea's paradise as heat can cause previously dormant flea larvae to devlop into adult fleas. Fleas can be eliminated and your vet can advise you about how this can be done.
- Peticure – Ask your dog’s groomer to clip the hair between the toes, to prevent snow becoming trapped and developing into painful ice-balls. A correct height scratching post is a great idea for cats; it helps to condition their claws.
- Pet ID – If you are travelling a long distance to visit friends and relatives, owners need to make sure that their dog is micro-chipped and wearing a collar and identification tag when you take it out for a walk. If your dog were to escape, it may become disorientated and wander off. A micro-chipped pet is more likely to be reunited with its owner if found.
- Pet Insurance – Present your pet with a year’s pet insurance this Christmas - it could be the best present ever! Taking out a pet insurance policy could ensure you have peace of mind and your pet has the protection it needs. Shop around for the most appropriate product for your pet.
- Quiet time – Doorbells ringing, children playing and loud music is enough to drive a pet to distraction. PDSA advise owners to consider their pets at this time of year and ensure that they have somewhere quiet where they can have some rest from the excitement that is Christmas!
- In case of emergency – keep the name, address and telephone number of your vet by the phone. Pets are susceptible to accident and injury at any time and Christmas is no different. Make sure you have these important details to hand.
|
|
