PET SUBJECT: Make Christmas stress-free for your pets

Despite 2020 being a year that many of us may wish to forget, ‘Party’ season is quickly approaching.

Although this year will be a somewhat different experience for us all in relation to family, work and friend gatherings and celebrations, please remember that this time can be a potentially stressful and hazardous period for our pets.

Home parties and gatherings bring noise, hustle and strange smells into the environment and this can cause worry and stress to cats especially but also to our dogs.

Pet Remedy, Feliway or Adaptil can be very helpful to keep a home stress-free. Don’t forget to build a den and create a safe place for a worried animal to hide if needed, especially if fireworks are expected.

Use other anxiety relief like Selio, Zylkene or Calmex if needed.

Festive food is one of the many things we look forward to on Christmas Day and Boxing Day (family gathering or no family gathering!).

Just as we enjoy our Christmas dinner, there are many of us who like to
indulge our dogs and cats too. However, there are some toxic foods that we cannot feed to our pets. Common food toxins include: garlic, chocolate, grapes/raisins, onions and artificial sweeteners.

Remember not to feed cooked bones, especially avoiding poultry, neck or knuckle bones. Any bones offered must be too big to swallow or get stuck in the mouth.

Be mindful that decorations can become a choking or ingestion hazard, especially for curious puppies!

Remember to always have a contact number for emergency veterinary care over the festive period so that you have a point of contact should you need it.

If you suspect that your dog or cat has eaten something that they shouldn’t have, please contact your veterinary surgeon immediately.

Please call and talk to your veterinary team in advance of the party season if you need any advice on stress management.

We all wish you a Healthy, Happy and Safe Christmas and New Year!