Last Christmas Day, I found myself at Chestergates, our local out of hours emergency vet. Thankfully, my pooch had not got into anything she shouldn’t have done – she’s an old girl and the issue we went for was merely coincidental to Christmas BUT when I was there (about 8pm) the receptionist said that already that day, they had seen 60 dogs who had ingested things that were poisonous – mostly chocolate and mince pies! Since the first week of December, she told me that the number topped several HUNDRED and its worth saying that sadly, some of these beloved pets never made it back home again.

So, whilst Christmas can be just as exciting for pets, as for humans, here are a few reminders on how to keep them safe from common festive hazards.

1. Watch Out for Dangerous Foods
Christmas brings plenty of delicious treats, but many are harmful—or even toxic—to pets. Busy days, with less supervision of animals and kids, combined with interesting things hidden in wrapping paper, means that even if you KNOW what is dangerous, an ever-hopeful pooch can find opportunities to get these forbidden treasures:

• Chocolate: Contains theobromine, which is highly toxic to dogs and cats
• Raisins and Grapes: In mince pies, Christmas puddings, and fruitcake, these can lead to kidney failure in dogs.
• Onions and Garlic: these can damage pets' red blood cells, leading to anaemia.
• Alcohol: Small amounts can cause severe reactions including vomiting, difficulty breathing, and sometimes coma.
• Fatty or Salty Foods: High-fat foods like gravy or salty snacks can upset your pet’s stomach and lead to more serious conditions like pancreatitis.

Ensure all holiday treats are kept well out of reach, and educate guests not to share food with pets unless it’s specifically made for them.

2. Secure Your Decorations
Dogs and cats are naturally curious, so take precautions to ensure your festive decor doesn’t turn into a hazard:

• Christmas Tree Water: If you have a live tree, the water at its base may contain chemicals like preservatives or fertilisers to keep it fresh. These can be harmful to animals if ingested. Use a tree stand cover or other barrier to keep them away.
• Ornaments: Hang fragile or edible decorations, like cookies or candy canes, high up where pets can’t reach them. Tinsel and Ribbons can be irresistible to pets but pose a choking hazard or cause intestinal blockages if swallowed.
• Tree Stability: Secure your Christmas tree to prevent it from toppling over if your pet decides to climb it or play underneath.

3. Avoid Toxic Plants
Some popular Christmas plants can be harmful to pets if ingested. These include:

• Poinsettias: Mildly toxic, causing irritation and upset stomachs.
• Holly and Mistletoe: Can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and other severe reactions.
• Amaryllis: Often used in Christmas displays, this flower can lead to drooling, tremors, or even heart issues in pets.
• Lillies – the pollen is extremely poisonous to cats – even touching it can cause kidney failure and death.

Final Thoughts
With a little thought, good supervision, and preparation, the whole family can enjoy a magical holiday season that’s safe for everyone—including your four-legged family members. By combining festive creativity with practical safety tips, your home will be full of holiday cheer and you will not be in receipt of an unexpected, large vet’s bill or, even worse, have your Christmas spoilt by a poorly pet,

Here’s wishing you and your pets a very Merry Christmas!