Treat pets the right way
at the Christmas table and beyond
As the big day rolls around and we’re seeing our beautiful pohutukawa come into stunning Christmas blossom, Aotearoa pet parents are readying up for a feast where Fido and Fluffy most certainly are invited. But while including pets in the celebrations is to be encouraged, what shouldn’t be on the cards or the dinner plates is inappropriate treats.
That’s because what’s delicious and a bit indulgent for us could be dangerous for your pets. With a little planning and armed with knowledge, make this the best Christmas yet for every family member, including the four-legged ones.
“There are a couple of dos and don’ts not only for the goodies on the dinner table, but also for some other Christmas traditions that might just cause a problem for your pooch or kitty,” says Michelle Le Long, COO of pet insurance specialist PD Insurance.
“The last thing you want over the holidays is going from Joy to the World into an emergency vet’s visit. With our handy tips, it’ll be more fun with no worries.”
Watch the food
Ah yes, food glorious food! With so much of it on offer with the celebrations, you can bet your pets notice. As a starting point, remember both cats and dogs are predominantly carnivores.
They also aren’t human, despite what the cat might imply and regardless of the dog’s careful positioning of himself as your best friend. From here, proceed accordingly:
- No chocolates! It might be cute, but the theobromine in choccies is so bad for dogs and cats it can kill them. Other sweet treats can cause diarrhoea and vomiting: best avoided at any time of year. Read up on why chocolate is toxic to dogs and cats.
- While dogs can have some vegetables, these should be given sparingly; when doing so consider potatoes, carrots, pumpkin, green beans and zucchini, mixed with their regular food. Good luck getting a cat to try a vegetable!
- Lollies. Just no. Neither dog nor cat is built to handle a sugar bomb.
- Ice cream (and other dairy, including milk and cream). For both the pooch and the puss, it’s another hard no, unless it’s in super small quantities. They generally don’t process dairy well, so you could wind up with stains on the carpet. Go especially easy with the rich cream, especially if whipped (more sugar here, along with the dairy).
- Raisins, grapes… garlic and onions. Believe it or not, grapes can be toxic to dogs, even in small amounts. And they’re often included in Christmas pud or cakes and mince pies – avoid giving any to your pup. Onions aren’t well tolerated in the canine alimentary canal, causing stomach upsets and even anaemia, and garlic is a no-no too. Ditch the gravy!
- Rich, fatty meats. Christmas stalwarts to be sure, but pork, bacon and ham and other rich fare can be poison to your pup, causing pancreatitis. While there, don’t give cooked bones as they can splinter, damaging the mouth and block things up further down.
- Booze. Please, no. Intoxicating pets isn’t funny and it definitely isn’t good pet parenting. Save the toots for the humans old and wise enough to indulge.
If you want to really treat your pet, safely, try these great Christmas dinner recipes for pets.
And the other trimmings…
While we’re are all having a grand old time, Yuletide can throw up a few extra challenges for the furbabies. Be aware of these added hazards, so your pets don’t find the most wonderful time of year a literal pain.
- Christmas trees (and decorations). Real pine trees have needles that are toxic if ingested and can cause allergies. Be aware and be cautious. Other plants like lilies can be harmful, too. Cats worked up by all the tinsel? Careful they don’t swallow any; you don’t want a trip to the vet’s surgery. And the strings of lights? Make sure pets don’t get tangled, and watch for frays or damage to the cords; you don’t want any shocks for pets or children alike.
- Lifestyle risks. Be aware that while you’re off having fun and a jolly good old time, you might be neglecting the pets. Keep them front and centre, remember their walkies and cuddles, and try to stick to their routine as best you can.
Finally, Le Long says insurance should be a part of every pet parent’s life. “Whether at Christmas or any other time, if you encounter an emergency, pet insurance means stressing far less about the vet’s bill, even if you need help on the big day itself.
“As an insurance provider, we encourage risk management all year ‘round – it helps manage the finances and the emotions when there’s a mishap. Merry Christmas, one and all!”
Media contact
Leandri Smith – The Mail Room
027 365 9003 | [email protected]