You can help keep pets safe during the holiday season by following the tips below.

  • Annual vaccinations up to date, remember boarding kennels and catteries will not take your pet if they are not vaccinated. Make sure you take a copy of your last vaccination certificate with you when you drop your pet off.
  • Make sure your pet has a microchip, and is wearing his/her collar with a contact phone number on it. Make sure if you are taking your pet away with you that the contact number is your mobile, and not your home phone number.
  • Make sure you are aware of Christmas celebrations in your area that may have a fireworks show, and have your pet in a safe area that they can’t escape from during the fireworks. Some pets are not bothered by fireworks, while others will try and escape or get highly stressed by them. If you know your pet gets highly stressed by fireworks, talk to the team at your local Vets4Pets about your options on keeping your pet stress free during these events.
  • If you are going away and can’t take your pet with you, either take your pet to a boarding kennel or cattery, or get someone to look after them, while you are away.
  • Many holiday plants can lead to health problems in dogs and cats. Among the plants to keep out of reach are holly, mistletoe, poinsettias and lilies.
    • Snow globes often contain antifreeze, which is poisonous to pets.
    • Pine needles, when ingested, can puncture holes in a pet’s intestine. So keep pet areas clear of pine needles.
  • The extra cords and plugs of holiday lights and other fixtures can look like chew toys to pets. Tape down or cover cords to help avoid shocks, burns or other serious injuries. Unplug lights when you are not home.
  • Do not let pets drink the Christmas tree water. Stagnant tree water can harbour bacteria. Some people use screens around trees to block access to electrical cords and gifts.
  • Pets, particularly cats, can be tempted to eat tinsel, which can block the intestines. Hang tinsel high and securely to keep it out of reach of pets.
  • Keep other ornaments out of reach of pets. Ingestion of any ornament, which might look like toys to pets, can result in life-threatening emergencies. Even ornaments made from dried food can lead to ailments. And remember, shards from broken glass ornaments can injure paws, mouths and other parts of the body.
  • Put away toys after children open their gifts. Small plastic pieces and rubber balls are common causes of choking and intestinal blockage in dogs. Ingested plastic or cloth toys must often be removed surgically.
  • Holiday guests and other activity can be very stressful and even frightening to pets. It can also trigger illness and intestinal upset. Make sure pets have a safe place to retreat in your house. And make sure they are wearing current I.D. in case they escape out a door when guests come and go.
  • Reduce stress by keeping feeding and exercise on a regular schedule. When pets are stressed by holiday activity or during travel, they may require more water. Dogs typically pant more when they feel stressed. Keep fresh water available for them to drink.
  • Do not let guests feed your pets human food. There are many holiday foods, including fatty meats, gravies, poultry skin, bones, chocolate and alcohol that can cause illnesses from vomiting and diarrhoea to highly serious pancreatitis and other toxic reactions. In addition, candy wrappers, aluminium foil pieces and ribbons can choke pets.
  • Keep pets away from gift packages as well as your gift wrapping area. Ingested string, plastic, cloth and even wrapping paper can lead to intestinal blockage and require surgical removal. And pets have been severely injured by scissors and other items left on floors and tables.
  • Keep pets away from the garbage. Use pet-proof containers.
  • If you suspect that your pet has eaten something toxic, call your veterinarian and/or the Poison Information line 13 11 26.