Santa Paws is coming to town
You'd better not howl, you'd better not yowl, you'd better not bite, I'm telling you why: Santa Paws is coming to town.
It's no secret that we love to include our pets in the festivities over the Christmas holidays.
In fact, 57 per cent of all pet parents admit they include their fur babies in Christmas photos, according to PETstock's Pet Parent Survey 2022.
With pet ownership continuing to rise across the nation, pampered pooches and fancy felines are set to be spoiled come December 25.
PETstock's brand manager Rebecca Ryles said there has been a significant increase in sales year-on-year during the Christmas period due to the unfolding "humanisation of pets" movement.
"We're seeing a global trend where owners have come to value their pets as integral family members and want to include them in the Christmas festivities and gift giving," Rebecca said.
Rebecca said the Christmas Joy range (exclusive to PETstock) includes something for all cats and dogs - whether they love toys, dressing up or snuggling with a cuddly reindeer.
"For playful dogs, there's everything from plush toys to tug-of-war ropes, sure to keep them amused for hours. If your canine loves to dress up, the range also boasts festive bow ties (available in green and red) perfect for Christmas parties or everyday wear.
"For fun felines, there's sparkly balls and mice, and Christmas tree-shaped scratch boards that will see them entertained all day long."
PETstock's Christmas range of exclusive treats for cats and dogs is set to keep tails wagging for all 12 days of Christmas and will be high on every pet's wish list.
Gift ideas include:
- PETstock's Christmas 2022 Product Range: PETstock's exclusive Christmas Joy range includes something for all cats and dogs.
- PETstock's top gifts under $15: Top gifts to spoil pets without breaking the bank this Christmas.
- PETstock's range of festive treats: From Bons Bons, Advent Calendars and Variety Boxes, PETstock's range of tasty stocking stuffers are set to keep tails wagging.
- The Petspiration Foundation Christmas Range: Gift bags, wrapping paper and accessories: pay it forward with gifts that help pets and humans across the country.
- Expert Christmas Safety Tips: a 101 guide to Christmas food toxicity, calming anxious pets while entertaining, and keeping pets safe around the Christmas tree, decorations and presents.
During festivities with family and friends, don't give in to those pleading puppy eyes.
PETstock vet Dr Kathy Macmillan has compiled a list of toxic foods that pets must avoid this Christmas.
- Cooked bones - ensure pets aren't given leftover cooked bones from the Christmas turkey, chicken or ham, as they can splinter into shards and can cause choking and serious internal damage.
- Raisins and grapes - raisins and grapes are some of the most toxic foods to dogs, even in small quantities.
- Pork, bacon and ham - most pork products contain a high amount of fat, causing illnesses such as pancreatitis.
- Chocolate and lollies - if ingested, chocolate and lollies can make a pet very ill, as they cannot metabolise the food as well as humans can. The darker the chocolate, the more toxic it is for pets.
- If you suspect that your pet has eaten something dangerous, monitor for any changes in their appearance or behaviour. Common reactions may include bad breath, excessive panting, poor breathing, muscle twitching, vomiting and diarrhoea.
If your pet demonstrates any of these symptoms, contact your local vet immediately or call 13PETS.
While the holidays are fun for humans, they can present a lot of dangers to our furry family members, especially if you're decorating the home and hosting parties.
Dr Macmillan compiled her top tips for keeping pets happy and safe:
Christmas tree
- Supervision - Make sure curious pets are always supervised when near the tree or consider restricting access by setting up your decorations in a room where the door can be closed, or a pet-proof barrier can be created around the tree to prevent access.
- Secure the tree - No matter the type of Christmas tree you'll be displaying, ensure it is stable and secure to avoid a tree-tipping disaster! Curious dogs and cats are notorious for trying to jump onto the tree, which could easily cause it to come crashing down.
- Tree water - If you're decorating a fresh tree, ensure the water base is not easily accessible, as it may contain dangerous chemicals that could harm your pet if consumed.
Christmas decorations
Although fascinating for our four-legged family members, twinkling lights, shiny baubles and sparkling tinsel can be dangerous. To avoid potential choking hazards or injury, tuck away any cables and place decorations out of reach of curious paws.
If your pet does cause destruction with your Christmas decorations and ingest plastic, glass or tinsel, seek veterinary advice immediately.
Presents
If your pet is known to prematurely open presents, refrain from placing gifts that contain food, toxic Christmas flowers and substances that may be harmful to your pet under the tree. Additionally, once Christmas gifts are unwrapped, avoid leaving wrapping paper lying about as it can cause harm if swallowed.
Christmas entertaining
Entertaining guests at Christmas can be fun for humans, but not always for our pets as the presence of unfamiliar guests and increased noise can cause your pets undue stress and anxiety.
- Exercise - if it's not too hot, take your dog for a long run or trip to the dog park so they feel happy and calm ahead of the celebrations. A well exercised dog is less likely to engage in anxious behaviours such as barking or chewing at the furniture while guests are visiting.
- Create a quiet space - ensure your pet has a quiet space where they can retreat to with plenty of water, their bed, and favourite toys.
- Give your dog a 'job' - enrichment toys such as a Kong or food puzzles are a great way to keep anxious pets comforted and entertained. Giving your dog or cat a 'job' to do will keep them mentally stimulated, offer a sense of comfort and help to manage their anxiety.
- Calming agents - to keep pets calm during festivities, consider products such as Adaptil Pheromone for dogs or Feliway for cats, and accessories such as a Thundershirt. If your pet is highly anxious, it may be worth discussing options with your veterinarian.
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