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Pet Gift Guide:  What your pet really wants this Christmas!

With Christmas around the corner, you might be treating yourself to a gingerbread latte, hoping for the first flakes of snow to fall (or not!) and wrapping gifts for under the tree, but what’s on your pet’s wish-list for Santa this Christmas?  Read on for the ultimate guide to giving your pet a magical festive season!

Food for Thought

Let’s be honest, one of the best things about Christmas is the free pass to eat chocolate for breakfast (or is that just us?), and tucking in to all the delicious Christmas goodies throughout the festive period (Boxing Day leftovers, anyone?). But, tempting as it is to let our pets share the fun, some of these foods can make them really ill, and are best kept well out of their reach. See our handy checklist of the most common Christmas foods that your pets should avoid:

  • Chocolate (even small amounts can be poisonous)
  • Raisins and grapes
  • Christmas pudding/cake
  • Mince pies
  • Onions and garlic (avoid that stuffing)
  • Macadamia nuts

Even just sudden changes to your pet’s diet can give them an upset tummy, and the fallout from that is no gift for anyone!  So, sorry to be the party-pooper, but try to ignore those puppy dog eyes and accusing cat stares, and stick to their usual meals with the occasional pet-friendly treat thrown in!

Not So Silent Night

Presents to buy, food to prepare, decorations to put up…there is a whirlwind of activity leading up to the Big Day, and changes to normal routines can be stressful for our furry pals. Whether your pet adores an ear tickle from well-meaning Christmas visitors, or would rather keep well out of the way, make sure they have a safe space to retreat to when they want to escape the festivities- a comfy bed in a quiet spot is ideal. Festive fireworks can cause a lot of stress for some pets too, so here are some tips to help your pet cope:

  • Tire them out with a long daytime walk
  • Provide a safe space/den to hide in
  • Close the curtains
  • Put radio or TV on to mask the noise
  • Provide a chew toy with treats in to help distract them

Unwanted Christmas Guests

No, we’re not talking about the two-legged kind! If your pet picks up fleas when out and about, you could find yourself with some unwelcome creepy crawly house guests, as fleas lay eggs which hatch in your carpets and sofas, urgh!  Worms are no one’s idea of fun either, they can live inside your pet and are definitely not on your pet’s gift list this year. Making sure you keep up with regular flea and worm protection helps your pet stay healthy and is a great way to show your pets you care this Christmas.

Treat Them This Christmas…

Googling “gifts for pets” gives a mind-boggling array of ideas, but when it comes down to it, what your pet really wants is your time and your love (soppy, we know!), including taking steps to help keep them in tip-top health.  With your to-do list ten times as long as normal at this time of year, it’s easy to forget routine things like flea and worm treatment, but fear not, help is at hand…we’ve put together a list of gift ideas to help keep your pet as happy and healthy as they can be!

Gifts for Good Health:

  • Beds and blankets- older pets, especially, can benefit from a firm but comfy bed to ease any joint pain
  • Dental chews – help keep their gnashers gleaming
  • Parasite Protection- keep those pesky parasites at bay!
  • Puzzle toys – give their brain a workout while they try and root out the treats!
  • Grooming brushes –  gleaming coats for pets that love a fuss
  • Foldable water bottles-  keep dogs hydrated on those long walks
  • Snuffle Mats for Dogs- challenge your dog to snuffle out the hidden treats!
  • Water Fountains for Cats- make drinking fun and keep them hydrated

Above all, whatever your Christmas plans this year, make some time to snuggle up on the sofa with your pooch or purr-er, knowing that by keeping them as healthy as they can be, you’re giving them the best gift of all!