Top Christmas dangers that could put your pet at risk

The holiday season poses a number of potential risks for our pets, ranging from harmful leftovers to toxic plants. It is crucial to be aware of what can affect the well-being of our animals.

To ensure a memorable and safe Christmas for you and your furry companion, Bella & Duke’s pet behaviorist Liz Lannie provides her top five tips for making the holiday season more comfortable for our pets:

During the Christmas holidays there are often many changes; trees that appear in the house and extra visitors for example.

Some dogs may find this a bit stressful. To help them feel safe in the chaos of Christmas, make sure you have a designated retreat space, whether it’s a covered crate with an open door, or a room where visitors don’t go, make sure you always have the option of get away from it all.

You can provide a longer chew like a pizzle stick, play soothing music and consider using Pet Remedy, for example, which can also help relieve anxiety.

With the increase in online shopping during the Christmas season, bells, buzzers and increased strangers at the door can create anxiety for many pets.

If you know that your pet may find this stressful, try to organize the deliveries to be left at a collection point, or organize an alternative, such as using the option of the package being left in a safe area if possible.

When deliveries arrive, do not give your dog access to the front door. Take them to another room before answering. If your dog barks at the doorbell, consider contacting a dog trainer in the New Year to address this so that you and your dog are ready for next year.

Wrapped Christmas presents may contain food items that could be unhealthy or toxic to your pet.

You can safeguard these gifts by asking the sender about the contents and storing them in a safe place, keeping all gifts safely hidden until Christmas Eve and then leaving your dog under supervision, or having a gift table of Christmas by the tree. for example.

Keep the doors closed to prevent premature exploration present.

From a dog’s perspective, unexpected food is fair game. To prevent this never leave your food unattended and make sure that all the leftovers or buffets have been stored before your dog has access to the room.

Keep your pet safe by making doubly sure that dangerous foods are out of reach. Foods that are potentially toxic or harmful to dogs include:

Crackers bouncing around the Christmas table can be scary for some dogs.

If you have a nervous or anxious dog, or he does not like other loud noises, such as fireworks, avoid crackers, or even make your own goal without the banger in.

There are often fireworks around New Year’s, so if your dog doesn’t like it, remember to prepare for New Year’s Eve as well as for Fireworks Night.

Liz added: “As we line the aisles and wrap presents, let’s not forget our four-legged family members during this magical season.

“Creating a calm and merry Christmas for our pets is like adding an extra splash of happiness to the festivities.

“After all, it’s not just a party for us; it’s a joint celebration with our whole family, with furry friends!”