Mansfield vets issue warning for Christmas that all new pet owners need to know – including how to ‘pet proof’ your home this festive season

A recent study from The Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association, PFMA, found that two million Brits bought a new pet in lockdown, while last month the UK's Chief Veterinary Officer predicted a 400per cent increase in the number of searches for ‘buy a puppy’ in the run up to Christmas, meaning many people may soon be experiencing their first Christmas with a new pet.

To help, national veterinary group, Vets4Pets which has practices in Mansfield, Sutton and Kirkby, has pulled together the ultimate Christmas pet online hub, with advice on everything from food to family socialising, to give owners peace of mind and help keep their pet companions safe and happy this festive season.

Dr Samantha Butler-Davies, vet and veterinary clinical services manager at Vets4Pets, said: “Pets have been a lifeline for millions of people this year, offering companionship to combat loneliness, entertainment during days in and for dog owners, a reason to get out of the house.

“With so many people in the UK having decided to add a pet to their family during lockdown I’m sure for many this will be their first time owning a pet.

“We therefore wanted to make sure everyone knows the key do’s and don’ts for pets during the festive season, so owners can be assured that they can enjoy a relaxing and happy Christmas with their family, without any surprise emergency visits to their vet.

“One of the top issues we see in our vet practices over the holiday season is accidental poisonings, with pets falling seriously ill after eating festive nibbles.

“Although it can be very tempting to treat our pets to their very own helping of Christmas dinner, we would advise against this as a lot of the traditional festive foods are unfortunately harmful to our pets.

“Raisins from mince pies and Christmas puddings are toxic to pets and if ingested can affect their kidneys, while chocolate contains the ingredients theobromine and caffeine, which pets cannot tolerate and can be fatal. Leftover turkey bones can also be a choking hazard, stuffing often contains onions which are harmful to pets and pigs in blankets can even cause pancreatitis.

“To be safe, vet approved treats are a much better way to give your pet some indulgence of their own over Christmas, such as pet ‘chocolate’, which contains carob instead of theobromine and is available to buy in most pets stores. Of course, we always advise to feed any treats in moderation.”

Dr Butler-Davies also warned against some festive decorations, she added: “Christmas plants holly, mistletoe, poinsettia and even real Christmas trees can also be mildly toxic to our pets if eaten and can result in vomiting, drooling or diarrhoea, so ensure to keep them well out of reach and hoover up any fallen Christmas tree needles.

“Christmas trees are a key centrepiece in most family homes over the festive season, but they can be a potential hazard. Cats love to climb trees, so it is key that cat owners make sure to fully cat proof their tree, from ensuring it is well-anchored, to keeping all the decorations securely fastened higher up and towards the centre of the tree, so they are less easily accessible. Most cats dislike the sensation of tinfoil on their claws, so you can even try wrapping tinfoil around the base of the tree to deter any curious cats. Make sure any water in the tree base is also kept covered, so no inquisitive pets take a drink.”

She also added that pets being given limited interaction with new people during the lockdown could lead to stress in your new pet when people gather on Christmas Day, she added: “A new issue that many pets will have to get accustomed to this year, is potentially sharing their home with multiple new guests for the first time.

“Socialisation is a crucial stage in development for puppies and kittens. Normally, by the time you collect your new pet, reputable breeders will have begun socialisation by handling them, letting them see all sorts of people of different ages and appearances, including children, and introducing them to other animal species.

“However, continued socialisation this year has been difficult with the national and local lockdowns, with many pets only having limited interaction with new people and experiences. Therefore, if people are going to enjoy a socially distanced Christmas gathering this year, it is crucial that they ensure their pet is calm and relaxed. The easiest way to achieve this is to create a cosy den with their favourite toys in a quiet area of the house that they can escape to.

“This has been a tough year for us all, and I am sure we are all looking forward to the Christmas break more than ever before. That’s why we want to ensure owners take these simple precautions, so they can enjoy a merry, stress-free Christmas with their pets.”

For more information on how to keep your pet safe this Christmas and winter, including which festive foods are toxic, how to keep outdoor pets safe and warm in the colder weather and more expert advice, please visit the Vets4Pets Christmas hub – https://bit.ly/2KlNYSs.

Vets4Pets is part of the Pets At Home Vet Group, which has 441 first opinion vet practices across the UK, including 140 standalone and 301 in-store practices under the Vets4Pets and Companion Care brands.

10 new jobs you can apply for right now in Mansfield that start over Christmas and in the New Year

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.