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15/12/2011 - A Happy & Safe Christmas for All
Christmas can be a happy and joyous time of the year but it can also pose a threat to your four legged friends. The RSPCA Bristol Branch and Bristol Dogs and Cats Home are advising pet owners how to keep their pets out of danger this Christmas.
Decorations and festive foliage may look beautiful but without care, can be hazardous to pets health. Many plants, including yew, holly, mistletoe & ivy berries and poinsettia, are actually poisonous to pets. Low hanging decorations and tinsel could be inviting toys and if ingested, could cause stomach trouble or obstructions while a chewed, glass decoration would cause harm to their mouth. Discarded wrapping paper and ribbons should be disposed of immediately and make sure your tree is well anchored so any adventurous, tree climbing cats cannot pull it over!
Anoushka Barnes, Veterinary Nurse at the RSPCA Bristol Clinic said, “Many holiday foods are rich and tasty but can be dangerous to your pets. Some seasonal foods, such as grapes, sultanas, raisins and chocolate are toxic to dogs and can lead to organ failure and death. Avoid hanging chocolates low on your Christmas tree as it may be too great a temptation (and not just for your pets!). Splinters of poultry bones are also dangerous to dogs and cats, as they can become stuck in their throats or even pierce their intestinal tract. Not forgetting our smaller furry friends, rabbits can actually ingest a fatal overdose of salt if they eat too many well meant human treats that may be lying around! We want our pets to enjoy the season too but please give them appropriate pet treats and remember that too much food is just as bad for them as it is for us!”
The hustle and bustle of Christmas celebrations can often leave pets stressed and nervous. Staff at the RSPCA suggest keeping to a regular routine of feeding and exercising them. Anoushka continued, “Consider the disruption and stress visitors may cause (and I mean to your pets) and try to prepare for this. Provide a quiet place to escape to and remember some animals don’t like loud bangs from crackers or Champagne bottles.”
Outdoor pets need extra support and monitoring during cold winter months and where possible, relocated indoors or into a shed or outbuilding. Hutches should be kept off the ground to avoid freezing conditions, with pet shops selling winter covers for hutches to keep your small furry friends cosy this Christmas. Providing extra bedding material will also help insulate from the cold and regularly check water bottles as frozen water will leave your little pet dangerously parched.
Anoushka added, “For peace of mind, check your veterinary surgery’s opening hours over the Christmas period, ensuring that any pet prescriptions are collected now to cover the festive season.”
“Most importantly please don’t give pets as presents. Pets are a big commitment and all animals need lots of time and care. There are already many unwanted animals at rescue centres like Bristol Dogs and Cats Home that need loving homes. If you want to help support the home over the Christmas period then please take part in our Winter Warmer Appeal. We are in constant need of food and blankets so please, visit our website or contact us for more information.”
Most pet related Christmas dangers are easy to avoid so have fun and just remember to be pet safe.
For more information at the Winter Warmer Appeal, please click here or call 0117 3003968.
