24 - Emergency contact
Be prepared this holiday season! Do you have your vet’s emergency contact details handy? 📞🐾
Emergencies can happen at any time, so it’s always good to know where to turn for help. Fortunately, we have three 24-hour hospitals around London.
Visit our website to make a note of the one closest to you!
www.goddardvetgroup.co.uk/emergency-care
23 - Candles
Festive Hazard:
Candles add a warm glow to the holidays, but curious paws and wagging tails can quickly turn them into a hazard! Pets might accidentally knock them over or get too close to the flame 🕯️🐾
Holly advice:
For your pet’s safety, always place candles high and out of reach, and consider using flameless candles for a worry-free holiday vibe.
Fun fact:
Did you know that a dog’s wagging tail can reach speeds of up to 30 mph? That’s fast enough to knock over a candle in a flash! ⚡
22 - Gift wrapping
Festive Hazard:
The holiday hustle and bustle is nearly here, and so is the gift wrapping madness! While you are busy wrapping presents, your pet might be eyeing those shiny ribbons and paper. But beware - chewing on them can lead to choking or tummy troubles! 🎁🐾
Holly advice:
While you’re wrapping up gifts, make sure to keep the shiny ribbons, papers as well as sticky tape and gift tags out of your pet’s reach!
Fun fact:
Did you know cats can see more shades of green and blue than humans? So when you’re wrapping gifts, they might be particularly drawn to some shiny, colourful paper ✨🌈
21 - Holly berries
Festive Hazard:
While holly berries may look festive, they can be dangerous to pets who might be tempted to nibble on them. The berries contain compounds called saponins and cyanogenic glycosides which can cause symptoms like vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, and, in severe cases, lethargy and difficulty breathing.
Holly advice:
Keep your pet safe this holiday season by keeping holly and other festive plants out of reach. Some plants may look pretty, but they can be harmful if your furry friend gets curious!
Fun fact:
Did you know that dogs have a much stronger sense of smell than humans - about 40 times stronger? This means they’re extra curious about the scents of traditionally festive plants like holly, mistletoe and poinsettia 🌿
20 - Cold weather
Festive Hazard:
The winter season makes this holiday feel more festive. However, just remember that while winter walks are fun, cold weather can be tough on your pets ❄ 🎅
Holly advice:
Always keep your dog on the lead in icy conditions and avoid areas with frozen ponds or lakes - dogs may not recognise the danger. After a snowy walk, be sure to wipe their paws and belly to remove ice and salt and check for any cracks or redness in their paw pads.
Fun fact:
Did you know dogs have sweat glands only in their paws? That’s why their paws can get extra chilly in the snow! ⛄🐾
19 - Cooked bones
Festive Hazard:
Beware of cooked bones! Turkey, chicken, lamb, beef and pork bones can easily splinter and harm your dog's stomach, leading to serious injuries 🍖🐾
Holly advice:
Keep your puppy safe by avoiding cooked bones. Opt for vet-approved chew toys or treats instead. Always supervise chewing time and contact your vet if your pet swallows something harmful.
Fun fact:
Did you know that a dog’s jaw can exert a force of up to 320 psi? That’s why it’s so important to give them the right chew toys—something designed to handle their strong bite! 💪
18 - Travel
Festive Hazard:
The holiday hustle and bustle of travel can sometimes prove overwhelming for pets! New surroundings, car journey sickness and unfamiliar noises can all cause stress to our furry friends 🚗🐾
Holly advice:
To help your companion stay comfortable and stress-free, keep them securely in a crate or seatbelt harness, take regular breaks, and bring their favourite items like toys and blankets with you. A little extra care can make all the difference for a smooth journey!
Fun fact:
Did you know that pets have excellent memory when it comes to familiar places? Dogs and cats can remember locations, scents and routines for years, which is why they often get excited when returning to a favourite spot, like the family member’s home or a park! 🏡
17 - Toys
Festive Hazard:
While we all love to spoil our pets with gifts, it’s important to remember to be mindful of toys with small parts! These can be a choking hazard or cause other safety concerns 🎁🐾
Holly advice:
Make sure to choose toys that are the right size and free of small parts! Always inspect toys for wear and tear and supervise playtime to keep your furry friend safe.
Fun fact:
Did you know that dogs love squeaky toys because the sound mimics the high-pitched noise of prey animals? It triggers their natural hunting instincts, making them even more fun (and exciting)! 🧸🐶
16 - Fireworks
Festive Hazard:
The loud noises caused by fireworks can trigger fear and anxiety in pets, leading them to hide or even try to run away 🎆🐾
Holly advice:
If your pet is scared of festive fireworks, talk to your vet for advice ahead of time. Keep them safely indoors, close the curtains, and turn on the TV to help block out the noise. A calm and cozy environment will help them feel safe 🥰
Fun fact:
Did you know that dogs have an incredible sense of hearing and can hear sounds up to 4 times farther away than humans? That's why fireworks can sound so much louder and scarier to them!
15- Sweets
Festive Hazard:
Sweets and baked goods may contain ingredients like xylitol, chocolate, raisins and alcohol, which can cause serious harm if consumed. Even sugar and fat in large amounts can upset their tummies or lead to long-term health issues 🍪🐾
Holly advice:
Always offer pet-safe treats and store baking ingredients out of reach. Stay alert for signs of poisoning, and, if you suspect your pet has ingested something harmful, contact your vet immediately!
Fun fact:
Did you know that dogs have up to 300 million scent receptors in their noses, making them excellent at sniffing out food? That means they can easily find those tempting sweets, making it so important to store any of them out of curious paws' reach 🐾🍬
14 - Antifreeze
Festive Hazard:
Watch out for Antifreeze! This common winter chemical contains toxic ethylene glycol, which is found in radiator coolants, motor oils, and more. Even a tiny taste may be fatal to pets 🚗 ⚠
Holly advice:
Store antifreeze securely, clean up spills right away, opt for pet-safe alternatives and always supervise your furry friends around driveways and garages.
Fun fact:
Did you know that dogs have about 1,700 taste buds, while cats have only 470? That means dogs might be more likely to find antifreeze sweet and be attracted to it more than cats. Always keep antifreeze well out of reach 🐾❄️
13 - Decorations
Festive Hazard:
While decking the halls, remember that our furry friends love shiny lights, tinsel and baubles. These can be tempting but may pose dangers like cuts, blockages, or even electrocution if chewed 🐾
Holly advice:
Opt for shatterproof ornaments, secure cords out of reach, and skip the tinsel to prevent any festive mishaps. Supervise curious paws around the tree and give them plenty of toys to keep the season safe and sound! 🎅
Fun fact:
Cats are often drawn to Christmas trees because they mimic the climbing and perching opportunities of a real tree. 🎄 🐱
