A home bursting with friends and family, fancy decorations and tasty treats sounds like the perfect Christmas.
However, Pets at Home is warning pet owners that a home full of new people, new foods and new presents can be a little overwhelming for our furry friends.
A change in routine, including missed walks, late mornings and different feeding times can all contribute to a restless and anxious pet.
With so many festive treats around the home, pet owners are also more likely to feed their pet human foods, which aren’t suitable for animals. Chocolate, for example, contains theobromine which is dangerous and toxic for pets. Cooked chicken and turkey bones, which might look appealing for dogs can splinter and cause serious digestive issues.
Dr. Maeve Moorcroft, veterinary adviser at Pets at Home, said: “Christmas should never be a stressful time for anyone, but with lots of loud noise, new people and a change in routine, it’s very easy for our furry friends to become unsettled.
“However there are lots of simple ways to support them and make them feel at ease.”
1. Try as much as possible to stick to your pet’s routine, with regular walks and feeding times or keeping items in their usual place. This will help your pets to feel more settled
2. Find a quiet part of your home to turn into a ‘safe place’ for your pet, with access to water and comforting item
3. Try to keep any decorations out of reach from your pets. Keep cables from Christmas tree lights out of reach or get a cable guard they can’t chew through, because rabbits, cats and dogs will try! Whilst plants like poinsettia and mistletoe can be poisonous
4. While a busy household might increase your stress levels, it is important to stay relaxed as pets will become hyper-sensitive to your own mood if they are feeling anxious around new faces
5. If your home is likely to get noisy, introduce your pet to a variety of toys to keep them entertained and distracted from the noise.
The festive season is a magical time to share with loved ones, and that includes the furry members of the family. We’ve selected our five favourite gifts for pets, everything from Christmas jumpers, to festive treats and cosy, Christmas beds:
1. Create the Christmas cheer in your household with this Red Velvet Dog Harness Dress, made from soft fabric this piece of clothing will be sure to get the festive feelings flowing
Sizes S- L, at £10 to buy here.
2. Ensure they dine in style during their Christmas dinner with this Reindeer Pattern Jumper
Sizes XS-S, at £9, M-XL at £12, to buy here.
3. Everyone should have something to open from Santa, so why not treat your cat to a Christmas Scrunchie Collar so they can join in with the festivities too
Pirced £2, to buy here.
4. Don’t forget to treat your tiny treasures, make sure they’ve got something this Christmas. This Reindeer Hamster Bed is a great festive addition to their home
Priced £6, to buy here.
5. It’s dangerous to feed pets human food such as turkey bones or chocolate, so make sure they don’t miss out. Get them some tasty treats such as these Christmas Munchy Balls which come in a handy tube
Priced £5, to buy here.