‘Tis the season for festive fun, so our Christmas tree is up and decorated, we’re wrapping our presents to our favourite festive songs and have plenty of hot chocolate to hand. But, whilst we’re busy getting in the Christmas spirit, it’s important to keep an eye out for any festive risks for our four-legged friends. Here are a few of our top tips to help everyone have a happy howl-iday.
Christmas Trees
We all love a well-decorated Christmas tree, with many of us opting for a real one to take pride of place at home. But fresh Christmas trees, whilst looking (and smelling!) festive, can cause a few issues for our four-legged friends. As they shed their needles, curious dogs can step on them, causing injury to their soft paws. They’re also not good for their tummies if your dog decides to eat them, especially as the needles contain natural oils that are mildly toxic for your dog.
The water that keeps your tree fresh until Christmas day can also pose a threat, as stagnant water is a breeding ground for germs. Keeping a close eye on your dog near your tree and making sure they stick to their bowl of fresh water should keep your four-legged friend out of trouble.
Decorations
Sparkly tinsel may catch your dog’s eye, however, if your four-legged friend tries to eat this it can cause many problems such as blockages as well as vomiting and diarrhoea. Twinkling fairy lights also pose a threat if your dog decides to chew the cables, and could cause an electric shock. If you notice your dog near your lights, we recommend checking the cable for teeth marks or any punctures. Older lights may also cause burns if they are overheating or if they have been on for a long time, so should be a ‘look but don’t touch’ decoration for all.
Candles and Fires
With the nights drawing in so early, many of us are enjoy getting cosy with our favourite scented or advent candle. While they’re a quick way to get us in the Christmas spirit, they can post a threat to our pets if left unattended. Never leave an animal alone in a room with a burning candle, even if it is just a tealight, and always keep them out of reach in case your dog knocks them over or decides to have a closer look.
If you’re looking for festive outdoor activities, roasting chestnuts or marshmallows over an open fire is traditional fun for all the family but carries obvious risks, especially for dogs that love to explore. Make sure to keep a close eye on them and think about investing in a screen or guard to put in front of the fire and deter mischievous paws.
We hope you and your families have a wonderful and safe festive season. Thank you for your continued support and make sure to share your top safety tips with us on social.