Christmas music is playing on the radio, and holiday lights are going up. You can't help but get into the mood for Christmas. It is an excellent time of year to bond more with your pets and gives them a great holiday too. We wanted to share some ways to Celebrate Christmas with your pets.

Keep your pets involved as much as possible throughout the festive period, it's a fantastic treat for them to have you around more during the day. Go for festive walks as there are lots of christmas markets which you can visit and take your dog to. There are also lots of national trust locations which have cafes with winter treats for you & your dog to enjoy after a beautiful winter walk.

Christmas Tree’s

More than 6 million UK households decorate their homes with Christmas trees, which mostly have prickly needles when they drop. These unfortunately can cause pets harm and injury, if trodden on and eaten. Some firs such as the Blue Spruce or Nordmann Fir do not drop their needles and are more pet-friendly to use.

Thankfully, fake trees won't dry up and drop needles and their branches will be less tempting for your furry friend to taste. Understand you'll still need to cat-proof an artificial tree—because when it comes to kitty finding a high place to perch, fake is as good as real. There are a few ways to do so:

  • Set up a barrier around your tree - Keep your curious kitty on the ground by setting up a barrier around the base of the tree - consider lattice fencing

  • Set up tinfoil around the base of the tree - Cats do not like tinfoil and this might stop them from going near your tree

  • Keep fragile decorations out of reach - Make sure your ornaments and hooks are securely hung high on the branches when decorating your tree

  • Skip the tinsel - Cats can be attracted by the shine and try to eat them

  • Trees for cats – There are several trees missing their lower branches which is perfect for cats. This stops the tree from toppling over while they play

VioVet staff tip for cat owners: Put something they like more beneath the tree. For example, Michelle’s cat like’s the felt stocking - “Thanks to the softness of felt, this is something they like to lay/sit on. This keeps them occupied and away from any decorations you have decided to put up”

Christmas Food

Christmas food can be dangerous for your pets, and much of it is highly toxic. Giving the following food as a treat can make them very unwell:

  • Chocolate

  • Mince Pies

  • Christmas Pudding

  • Onion Gravy

  • Alcohol

  • Bones - Can be a choking hazard

  • Leftovers

However, there are lots of other options that they will love such as Skinless and boneless white meat such as turkey. This is okay for dogs and cats as long as it isn't covered in skin, salt or gravy. Salmon, Lamb, Green beans, Brussels sprouts, Carrot, Peas, Swede and potato. Your pet will also love these and start to expect a seat at your table this Christmas. Please read more about foods to avoid this christmas in one of our other blogs here.

Christmas Crackers

The best pet-friendly crackers are those that are filled with a robust, non-destructible toy that will keep your pet occupied for days. Or can contain nutritionally balanced treats with a taste of Christmas. Usually containing dog biscuits they are perfect for keeping your dog busy while you eat your dinner or give out presents.

Wrap and Ribbons

Brown paper is by far the best pet-friendly wrapping to use crafted from sustainable forests. The paper can be printed on and recycled. The ink in wrapping paper can be toxic, making kraft brown paper much safer for your pets.

Fill a stocking or wrap a present for them too so they feel involved and it will also keep them busy whilst you crack on with your presents. Stick with natural and recyclable material when wrapping your presents this year. This not only does your pet a favour but the planet too as the ink and plastic used in modern wrapping is toxic for your pets.

Decorations and presents

Keep goodies away from your pet as mischievous behaviour during Christmas time includes finding and eating the chocolates that you forgot about, and placed under the Christmas tree. Also take care with tinsel and other decorations, which can look like toys but can shatter if chewed. Watch for trailing cables on tree lights. Don’t have them trailing across the room or swinging about where pets can chew or pull them.

It's fun to buy your pet extra special gifts and treats at Christmas. Choose quality toys and treats that are made especially for pets. Also, don’t feed your pet too many treats, especially ones that are high in colourings or flavourings. Take care that your pet is not overfed with too many titbits. If you have house guests over the festive season, make sure they don’t slip your pet too many treats.

Further Reading

If you are feeding your pet a special Christmas meal, bear in mind that what is good for us might not suit your dog. A little white meat and vegetables will make your dog much happier. Please read more on how to take care of your pets this Christmas in one of our other blogs here. Do you also want to make sure your dog has the best Christmas please read our blog regarding your furry friend here.

We hope this gives a few ideas to make Christmas better for not just you but your pets as well. If you are still looking for that special gift for your pet please go to the Christmas section of our site below. You can get toys, treats and even clothes. Who doesn't love a matching PJ set?

Written by: Lee