Caring for Your Pets During Christmas and New Year

The festive season is a time of joy, celebration, and indulgence, but for our pets, it can also bring unexpected risks. Christmas and New Year celebrations often mean changes to routine, unfamiliar visitors, and tempting treats that can pose dangers to dogs, cats, and other furry friends. At Highgate Veterinary Clinic, we want to ensure your pets remain safe, happy, and healthy during the Christmas & New Year period.

Festive Hazards to Watch Out For

While decorations and treats may brighten the season, many holiday staples can be harmful to pets. Here are some key dangers to avoid:

Chocolate and Sweets: Chocolate, especially dark varieties, is toxic to dogs and cats. Sugar-free sweets containing xylitol can also be highly poisonous. Keep all treats out of reach and remind guests to do the same.
Christmas Dinner Leftovers: While sharing food is tempting, fatty meats, bones, and certain foods like onions, garlic, and raisins can cause serious health issues such as pancreatitis or poisoning.
Decorations: Tinsel, ornaments, and fairy lights might look like toys to pets but can cause choking, blockages, or even electric shocks if chewed. Keep decorations out of paw’s reach.
Seasonal Plants: Poinsettias, holly, mistletoe, and lilies are festive favourites, but they can be toxic to pets if ingested. Opt for artificial alternatives to keep your home pet-safe.

Reducing Stress for Pets Over the Holidays

The hustle and bustle of Christmas can be overwhelming for pets, especially if their routine is disrupted or there are many visitors in the home. Here are a few tips to keep them calm:

Create a Quiet Space: Set up a quiet, comfortable room where your pet can retreat if things get too noisy or overwhelming. Include their bed, toys, and water.
Stick to Routines: Try to maintain regular feeding and exercise schedules to help your pet feel secure.
Be Mindful of Fireworks: New Year celebrations often involve fireworks, which can be frightening. Keep pets indoors, close curtains, and play calming music to mask the noise.

If you’re worried about your pet’s anxiety over the holidays, don’t hesitate to reach out to the best vet near me for advice.

Preparing for Emergencies

Despite our best efforts, accidents can happen. It’s essential to be prepared in case of an emergency:

Save our contact number so you can reach us quickly if needed.
Know where your nearest 24-hour emergency vet clinic is located.
Keep an eye out for warning signs such as vomiting, lethargy, difficulty breathing, or sudden changes in behaviour.

In the event of an emergency, please call us for advice on 01954 620555.

How Highgate Veterinary Clinic Can Help

At Highgate Veterinary Clinic, we’re here to help you navigate any festive challenges with your pets. Whether you’re concerned about holiday-related hazards, managing stress, or just need advice, our team is ready to support you.

For more information on how we can assist you, visit our services page or get in touch.

A Safe and Happy Festive Season for All

Christmas and New Year are special times, and with a little care and preparation, you can ensure your pets enjoy the festivities safely. By keeping harmful items out of reach, maintaining routines, and knowing what to do in an emergency, you’ll keep tails wagging and purrs coming all season long.

From all of us at Highgate Veterinary Clinic, we wish you and your pets a safe, happy, and peaceful festive period!