Chocolate and sweets
Chocolate is dangerous to both dogs and cats, and over the holidays there is plenty of it around: in gift boxes, advent calendars and on the tree. A dog can smell a present under the tree and unwrap it itself, so keep sweets up high or in a closed cupboard.
Some sweets, chewing gum and baked goods contain xylitol. This sweetener is very dangerous to dogs, even in a small amount.
The festive table
Grapes, raisins and cakes with raisins can damage a dog's kidneys. Alcohol is dangerous to both dogs and cats, so do not leave drinks where an animal can reach them.
Fatty meat, skin and gravy can upset the stomach and bring on an inflamed pancreas. Cooked poultry bones splinter into sharp shards. Do not give your pet festive leftovers, keep the bin closed and ask guests not to feed it.
The tree, decorations and candles
Secure the tree firmly so a cat or a playful dog cannot pull it over, and hang breakable baubles higher up. Tinsel and ribbon are especially dangerous to cats: once swallowed they can tangle in the gut.
Hide or cover electric cables so your pet cannot chew them. Never leave lit candles unattended, and keep them where a tail or a paw cannot knock them over.
Flowers and guests
Poinsettia can irritate the mouth and stomach. Lilies, which turn up in festive bouquets, are extremely dangerous to cats: even the pollen or the vase water can damage the kidneys.
When guests arrive, the door opens again and again and a pet can slip out. Prepare a quiet room for it, and ask guests to close the door and not to leave bags with sweets on the floor.
What to do
- Keep chocolate and sweets up high or in a closed cupboard.
- Do not give festive leftovers, bones or fat.
- Keep the bin closed.
- Secure the tree and hang breakable baubles higher up.
- If you have a cat, skip the tinsel and keep lilies out of bouquets.
- Hide electric cables and never leave lit candles unattended.
- Ask guests to close the door and not to feed your pet.
When to contact a vet urgently
Contact a vet straight away if your dog or cat ate chocolate, sweets with xylitol, grapes or raisins, drank alcohol, or if your cat came into contact with a lily, even if the animal seems well. Contact a vet too if your pet is vomiting, has diarrhoea, seems to have a painful belly, has become dull, or has swallowed tinsel, ribbon or part of a decoration.