It's a pet's Christmas

Photo by Nathan McDine on Unsplash

It’s a pet’s Christmas

The trees are decorated, the presents are wrapped and pending last minute gift deliveries, we’re all set for a wonderful Christmas! As we finalise our festive to-do lists and prepare to welcome loved ones, we mustn't forget about our furry friends. From changes to their routines, to loud snaps of crackers, Christmas can be a stressful time for our furry friends.

If you’re still settling in with a new lockdown pet, you may be worrying about how they will react to new visitors, unusual noises and the general Christmas hubbub. Find out more on your cat or dog breed’s nature and social quirks to get you both prepared!

Pet Christmas Dinner

Lovejoys know a thing or two about treating pets to a tasty dinner! If you’re cooking up a turkey and trimmings storm for your (human) diners, it’ll be tempting to give the same to your pet. Be wary of what you include. Things like onions and garlic can be toxic for cats and dogs, and the goosefat cooked potatoes we all look forward to can cause pancreatitis in pets.

Skip the sweet treats too, Christmas desserts containing chocolate, raisins, sultanas and figs, although delicious for us, are poisonous for our pets. Stick to the classics , like plain turkey and vegetables. Since you’ve probably got enough on your plate with cooking, Lovejoys have done the work for you with our turkey collection!

Sticking to routine

Most of our routines go out the window around Christmas and we often forget what day it is. Pets are creatures of routine when it comes to their daily walk and feeding schedule. Try to stick to this as much as possible between your cooking and hosting. If you have guests coming over, make a calm and quiet space somewhere at home for your pet to retreat to if they feel overwhelmed. New voices and commotion can be unsettling, and our pets may need some quiet time to themselves.

Pet-proofing your tree

The introduction of a new and spiky object in your pet’s space change can be very confusing. Set up your tree and allow your pet to sniff around to get used to the idea, before you add your sparkling lights and (through the eyes of a cat or dog) toy shaped baubles. Don't have flashing lights that draw attention and keep any fragile baubles higher on the tree to avoid accidental knocks or pet injuries. If your cat is prone to climbing, you could include some jingling bells in your branch décor to alert you any time your pet has taken an interest in the tree.

Photo by Jessica Lewis on Unsplash

Poisonous plants

Did you know poinsettias are poisonous for dogs? Although not particularly appealing to pets as a snack, mistletoe and holly are also toxic - avoid any accidents by making sure they’re not accessible for a lunchtime nibble.

Wrapping prezzies

Like most pets, yours probably acts as your unofficial shadow so will be wanting in on the present wrapping action. They can help pick out paper options through some very scientific sniff-choosing and once everything is wrapped, just make sure you don’t put anything edible under the tree.. Chocolate and alcohol especially should be avoided. Whilst you're at the wrapping, don’t forget to treat your pet to a well-earned prezzie! Edible treats or toys are top of the Christmas list – how about a perfect combo of the two with one of our many snack balls?

Photo by Bermix Studio on Unsplash