Christmas Cheer and Christmas Caution: Keeping Pets Safe This Festive Season

It's almost December - which means we’re all aboard the Christmas cheer train here at Wings and Paws Rescue. 🎄✨ Mince pies, fairy lights, cosy blankets and maybe an extra slug of mulled something for the grown-ups. But before we get lost in tinsel and festive feasting, it’s worth remembering that Christmas and winter bring a whole host of hidden dangers for our four-legged mates.

Whether you’ve got a bouncy dog, a curious cat, or a small fluffy critter, it pays to plan ahead. Here's a paws-on guide to spotting seasonal hazards, keeping pets safe this Christmas and staying one step ahead.

❄️ Winter Weather & Outdoor Dangers: It’s Not Just Cold

Winter isn’t just about turning up the thermostat, it brings real risks for pets right under our noses (or paws).

• The grit and rock salt used to keep pavements safe? It can be nasty for animals. It irritates paw pads, gets stuck between toes, and if they lick it off, it can become poisonous.

• Snow and ice might look magical, until a pet slips, injures a paw, or falls through thin ice on a frozen pond or lake. Best to keep curious paws on the lead and away from icy water.

• Cold, wet fur can make them prone to hypothermia or frostbite, especially if they’re left outside for long, or don’t have a warm, dry bed indoors.

• And when darkness falls early, winter walks can be risky. Reflective gear or LED collar lights help keep you both visible.

  
  

What to do: Wipe paws (and tummies, if your pet rolled about) after walks to remove salt or grit. Keep pets on the lead near snow or ice. Provide a warm, dry, draft-free sleeping spot indoors. And double-check their microchip/contact details, unsteady ground and loud festive noises can spook pets more than usual.

🎄 Festive Food & Drink — Not for Pet Consumption

Ah - the big temptation. The turkey drippings. The mince pies. The Christmas cake. The chocolate hat under the tree. But here’s the brutal truth: many festive treats are poison for pets.

• Chocolate: yes, the ultimate festive treat. But packed with theobromine and caffeine, it’s toxic to both dogs and cats. Even a little can cause sickness, tremors, rapid heartbeat, or worse.

• Mince pies, Christmas pudding and fruit cakes often contain raisins, currants or sultanas, even small amounts of dried fruit can lead to kidney failure in dogs and cats.

• Onions, garlic, leeks, shallots, chives (the allium family) are also big no-nos. That stuffing or gravy might look tempting but can damage red blood cells, causing anaemia.

• Alcohol? Absolutely off-limits. Even small amounts can dangerously lower blood sugar or body temperature in pets.

• Cooked bones (like turkey bones) might seem like a treat, but they splinter easily and can cause choking or internal injuries.

• Rich, fatty bits, like gravy, skin, fatty meats or leftovers can upset tummies or even trigger serious conditions like pancreatitis.

  
  

✅ What You CAN Do (and Should Do) to Keep Pets Safe

Okay, not to be a Grinch! But with a few simple safety moves, we can make sure our rescues (and fosters!) enjoy Christmas safely.

• Wipe paws after every outside trip, salt and grit are sneaky.

• Keep an eye (and lead) on pets during walks, avoid icy water, frozen ponds, unsalted pavement or gritted roads if possible.

• Provide warm bedding, away from cold drafts or hard floors, especially good if your pet’s older, has a short coat, or isn’t used to frosty nights.

• Stick to pet-safe treats. If you want to treat your dog or cat, opt for store-bought pet treats or plain, unseasoned meat (no skin, no bones, no gravy and definitely no raw-hide).

• Store human food, leftovers, chocolate and treats well out of paw reach. Remind festive guests, “no scraps for Fido” is the rule.

• Double-check microchip and ID details in case a loud guest, fireworks or overly excited visitors spook them.
  

Make It a Merry - But Mindful - Christmas for All 🐾

Christmas is a magical time, full of warmth, joy and cosy moments. But for our furry pals, it can also be full of hidden hazards. With just a little planning and care, we can make sure they stay safe, comfy and loved.

So let’s make this season the safest, snuggliest, fluffiest Christmas ever. And of course, don’t forget to give your rescue a big festive cuddle under the tree from us 💛🐾