It’s the most wonderful time of the year… But for pets, the Christmas period can be a very strange, confusing time. Their usual routine is disrupted due to school and bank holidays, and the cold weather can also cause problems, especially in older pets.
Plus, not to mention the fact that their normal home environment is completely transformed at Christmas time. Christmas trees, fairy lights and festive decorations bring with them a whole host of new smells and can make your home look very different and unfamiliar to your pets. Younger pets, in particular, can end up getting very confused by Christmas, even more so if this is the first Christmas they are spending with you.
So how do you go about making your pet feel as comfortable as possible at Christmas?
Ensure your Pet Tags are Up to Date!
Losing a pet is hard at any time of year, but it would be even more heart-breaking at Christmas. Should your pet run off or get lost at any point over the festive period, make sure that they will easily be able to find their way back to you. In the UK, it is a legal requirement for dogs to wear a dog tag, and as of April 2016, all dogs must also be microchipped.
Keep Things Tidy
Amongst all the fun and excitement of the festive season, it can be hard to find time for your usual household chores. But for your pet, a messy environment is a potentially dangerous one. Keep cables and trailing wires off the floor and away from your pets, especially if you have small pets like rabbits or a particularly playful puppy! If you decide to go for a real Christmas tree this year, you should also make sure to regularly vacuum the area around it to avoid any curious pets ingesting potentially harmful pine needles.
Don’t Overindulge
For humans, the wonderful array of tantalising festive food available at this time of year is one of the biggest draws of the season. However, don’t be tempted to share your food with your pet. Keep an eye on any guests or little ones who might feel tempted to give in to those big puppy-dog eyes, as rich food won’t do your pet any good.
As always, take particular care to be sure that no-one gives your pets any chocolate, as it is toxic to animals. For the same reason, keep any edible tree decorations or chocolates out of your pets’ reach. If your cat’s a climber, it might be a better idea to leave them off altogether this year. We also recommend not leaving any edible gifts under the tree, to avoid the risk of furry noses sniffing out the goodies!
Stick to Routines
To minimise upheaval and make sure that your pet is feeling at home this Christmas, try to stick to your normal routines as much as possible. Feed them at the same time each day, and when you’re out walking, try to stick to routes that are familiar to them. For energetic dogs or boisterous puppies, long walks can also help to tire them out and stop them from being disruptive or getting bored.
It can also be a good idea to create a safe space for your pet, especially if they are usually quite shy or nervous. Give them a room or a designated area just for them - with a bed, favourite toys, food and water, where they can escape guests and noise.
By following our guide, you can make sure that this Christmas is an enjoyable one for the whole family – including your furry friends!