Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat, some of us are happy and some of us are not. Our pets are in much the same situation, the festive
season having many implications for our animal companions who if given the opportunity will overindulge in rich foods, eat things that are not good for them and often get stressed at this time of year (sound familiar?). The good news is that we are able to regulate the quantity and quality of the foods that we give to our pets and can take steps to minimise the amount of stress that they are subjected to. Here are a few things that you can do to help make this Christmas and New Year a happy time for your pets...
Do not introduce a new pet into your home now. Pets need time to settle in and you need time to bond with them and to care for them properly.
If you already have a pet they will need your attention and supervision to keep them safe and happy, especially young pets for whom everything is a potential chew toy and life is an adventure. Make sure that all pets are kept exercised and amused and are prevented from having access to potentially dangerous items or unsafe areas of your home.
Keep pets away from Christmas trees, pine needles, holly, mistletoe, yew, house plants (e.g. poinsettias), lights, baubles, decorations, tinsel, balloons, children's toys, presents, wrapping paper, string etc as they are all
potentially dangerous if played with or ingested.
All pets, but especially the more sensitive or elderly, benefit from having a "special place" where they can go and relax in peace. A quiet, safe, area of your home where they will not be disturbed with their bed, something safe to chew (ie stuffed Kong) or amuse themselves with (ie activity ball) is ideal. Leaving the radio on also helps mask sudden loud noises such as crackers, party poppers and fireworks, which often frighten pets.
Ensure that children and pets are not left unsupervised together and that pets always have the option of getting away from guests or even family members if they feel uncomfortable. Pets are not toys, do not let them get molested, teased, tormented, overexcited or out of control and ensure that they are treated with respect and consideration.
Remember that any sudden change of diet is likely to cause a digestive upset (ie diarrhoea/sickness) or may trigger a food intolerance or allergic reaction (ie itchiness) and do not feed cooked bones (especially chicken or turkey) as they can splinter or cause an obstruction. Never give pets human chocolate as it can be poisonous (especially to dogs).
Liz Jakeman, Animal Warden, St Albans District Council
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