We wish you a MERRY CHRISTMAS

It’s that time of year again, the trees go up, and the house is full of nice smells, people, food and presents. A wonderful time to be had by all, or so we hope... But do our pets enjoy Christmas as much as we do? Here is a quick guide to keep your pet happy, healthy and safe over the festive season.

Nothing says Christmas more than a nicely decorated tree. It doesn’t matter if it’s real or fake, we nearly all have one in our house. Cats also love them, they can climb in them, play with the twinkly lights and knock the baubles around so unless you don’t mind picking your tree up off the floor every five minutes it is worth making sure it very secure either with weights on the bottom or by tying the top to something sturdy with some tinsel. Tuck ends of tinsel in, so they are not dangling temptingly in your pets’ way.

Cats & dogs have been known to try and eat strings of tinsel resulting in nasty intestinal blockages. Put chocolate decorations on the higher branches out of your dog’s reach. Also, invest in a circuit breaker for your lights so if your over inquisitive pet does chew them there is less chance of a shock.

Mistletoe and poinsettia plants are both highly toxic so keep these out of your pets reach.

One of the joys of Christmas is all the food and drink, but unless you want to spend Boxing Day mopping the kitchen floor or visiting the vets it probably best not to change your pets normal diet.

Don’t forget a lot of the things we love like fruit cake and mince pies contain grapes in the form of raisins which are toxic to dogs.

Also beware of the thief that lurks in every dog, that box of chocolates, that big bar, that glass of sherry left on a low tablet are all very tempting but can result in a very poorly pooch. If you do want to treat your pets then use something you know they can tolerate. A couple of extra biscuits even if the same sort they have everyday won’t hurt for one day. After all it is Christmas.

If the worst happens and they get an upset tummy, don’t panic, as long as they are bright and happy in their selves it will normally settle in 24 hours with bland food fed for a couple of days. If your pet is particularly prone you can always keep some of the digestive pastes and supplements in the cupboard just in case.

Dogs especially are great fans of toys and they don’t mind if they belong to them or the children but even the cutest minion loses its appeal after passing through the digestive system of your dog. Small toys that are easily swallowed may get stuck needing emergency surgery, so ensure dogs can’t get at the small bits and pieces.

If you want to buy your pet a present, and most of us do, then go for a quality toy from a reputable manufacturer. Some cheap toys are badly made and can be dangerous.

Unless your pet is the life and soul of any party then they may find lots of visitors stressful, especially if they are not used to large numbers or small excited children. Give them a quiet room to escape to, with their own bed and toys. Leave the radio or telly on to drown out loud noises.

Take dogs for a walk before visitors are expected so they are ready for a nap and let them meet visitors only if they want to. If friends and family are visiting or staying with their own pets make sure they get on before leaving them alone and be prepared to provide separate areas for them to have.

Will probably be going off over the Christmas and New Year period, and so if your pet is bothered by fireworks then you can get further information by visiting our advice page.

All of the staff at the Bilton Veterinary Centre would like to wish you and your pets, a Happy, Healthy and Peaceful Christmas.