13 Dec SANTA PAWS IS COMING TO TOWN BEHAVIOURIST SHARES TOP TIPS FOR A STRESS-FREE HOLIDAY SEASON WITH PETS
With the countdown to the big day in full swing, Brits are looking forward to celebrating Christmas with their friends, families and most importantly their furry companions – with 84 per cent of cat and dog owners saying their pet plays a huge role of their festive celebrations.
Snuggling up on the sofa with pets (22 per cent), gifting dogs or cats with presents (21 per cent) and going on a Christmas walk with the dog (19 per cent) have been named as some of pet-owners most cherished moments during the festivities.
In new research conducted by Pedigree, pet owners also admitted our pawed pals inject some mischief to the festive fun by either knocking baubles off the tree (26 per cent) or taking the tree down completely (21 per cent). 16 per cent of owners also claim their cheeky pets jump up to the table to scrap the leftover Christmas dinner or scratch open the presents before the kids even get a chance to open them (9 per cent).
However, the research revealed that many pet parents feel stressed with pet-related worries in the lead up to Christmas. The holiday season can often be overwhelming for pets, leaving them feeling stressed, overwhelmed, and a little ‘claws-trophobic’ triggering a negative shift in their behaviour.
The research revealed that some of the most stressful situations for pet owners over the festive period include guests giving their pet food they are not allowed to have (23%), their pet accidentally consuming food poisonous to them (23%) and eating wrapping paper (18%).
With more than half (56%) of those surveyed admitting to not knowing where and how to access support on how they can help take extra care of their pets during the Christmas period, rescue dog owner from Battersea, Andrea Mclean has teamed up with Pedigree and Battersea on the Pedigree Relief Fund to provide expert advice and support for pet-owners in need this Christmas.
Andrea McLean commented: “There’s so much for people to think about at Christmas in general but when you’re a pet owner, I know first-hand that it adds a whole other layer of stress. Pets are a big part of the family but it can be difficult to make sure that they are included in the festive fun without everything becoming too much for them.
“Is the Christmas tree a potential hazard?”
“How will they cope around so many people?”
“What food is safe for them to eat?”
Since we adopted Teddy from Battersea four years ago and have helped foster numerous dogs from them, they’ve always been brilliant in supporting us with any problems we have and I hope the Pedigree Relief Fund helps to ensure more pet owners get to have a stress-free Christmas with their furry loved ones.”
Rob Bays, Senior Animal Behaviour Manager at Battersea shares valuable tips and advice for pet owners through the festive period:
“Times are tough and Christmas can be an especially stressful time for pet owners so we’re proud to be partnering with Pedigree on the Pedigree Relief Fund to help support people have a stress free festive season and ensure rescue shelters don’t get overwhelmed.
It’s clear from the research that pets are a big part of families Christmases and Christmas is an exciting time for many, celebrating with friends and family and indulging in some festive treats. However, it is important that owners take steps to keep their pets safe and avoid them becoming stressed or unwell as a result of our merrymaking. With lots of guests around, pet owners might consider setting up a quiet place for your pet, such as a table with a blanket draped over it or a covered crate.
“Owners should keep an eye on their dogs and cats to ensure that they are enjoying the seasonal joy as much as we are whilst also ensuring they don’t get their paws on anything they shouldn’t such as cooked bones, onions, garlic or leeks from your Christmas dinner or chocolate tree decorations and sweet treats wrapped as presents under the tree, all of which can be toxic for dogs and cats.
“Mistletoe, Ivy, Holly and Poinsettia plants can all give your pets a bad stomach if they are eaten and whilst most Christmas trees such as pines and spruces are not poisonous for cats and dogs, they can still give your pet a mild stomach upset if they ingest the needles, or they can get the needles stuck in their paws, so be sure to supervise your pets when around the tree where possible.
If your pet does come into contact with something dangerous, be sure to contact your vet immediately. Enjoy your holidays and remember to wrap your dog or cat in love this Christmas!”
For more information on the Pedigree Relief Fund please visit: https://www.uk.pedigree.com/relief-fund
