So, Christmas is upon us, and lots of us will include our pets. My dogs will get some tasty extra meals, although Evie, the youngest German Shepherd, will probably be smashing up any leftover boxes – she finds that far more exciting than anything inside!
However, we do have to be careful at Christmas because pets can get into all sorts of trouble.
The Christmas Tree
For young cats and dogs enjoying their first Christmas, a beautifully decorated tree can be far too tempting, especially if left alone.
Unfortunately, peeing on it is another possibility, as the attraction can be too much for some dogs. Adventurous cats see the tree as a massive climbing pole or the hanging decorations as target practice.
I once left my dogs home alone with a carefully adorned tree, which I could trust my German Shepherds with. However, Shana, the Löwchen, removed the chocolate decorations and ate the contents. Fortunately, being very cheap chocolate, they did her no harm. So, it was off back to the shop for more decorations. It happened many years ago, but it was a lesson learned and never forgotten!
Letting the family parrots and caged birds have their daily flying-free session in the same room as the tree can also turn traumatic, as they can be hard to extract once buried deep inside the branches. Plus, a parrot wrapped up in fairy lights doesn’t bear thinking about.
The Presents
Don’t leave your presents under the Christmas tree – a sneak overnight attack might mean there aren’t as many to choose from on Christmas morning.
Dogs, cats, ferrets and rats have exceedingly good noses. A wrapped present’s contents might be “magicked away” when no one is looking.
Sunday Dinner and Festivities
After many years as a dog trainer, I have heard the odd story of Christmas dinner missing the main culinary attraction. Owners often keep an eye on their dogs when preparing a meal because they know the opportunistic scavenger can strike at any time. But dogs know the best time to act, which tends to be when the meat is “left to rest”. It’s then too late to cook another piece of meat, vegetables and gravy.
And don’t think cats won’t be so “naughty”. The piece of tasty salmon you bought for your fish-eating guest will soon be whipped away with one swipe of a dexterous paw. So take care over the Christmas season, as there are probably some beady eyes and sensitive noses paying close attention to your every move.
Merry Christmas from all at Beastly Thoughts Professional Dog Services.
For more pet articles, click here.
