PetStock is helping Victorian pet owners keep their furry friends safe during Christmas festivities

Include your furry friends in the Christmas festivities and avoid disaster by reading this guide to protecting your pets during the silly season.

PetStock’s expert vets have put together a guide for pet owners to keep their furry friends safe during silly season. Image: supplied.

With the end of the year quickly approaching and Christmas festivities about to kick off, pet owners are being encouraged to keep their fur babies safe while continuing to include them in the celebrations.

According to a PetStock survey, roughly 57 per cent of people include their pets in Christmas photos, so it should come as no surprise to know our furry friends are being increasingly included in other Christmas celebrations too.

Although Christmas is the time for joy, presents and all sorts of fun and games, the silly season can be a danger zone for pets, who are vulnerable to risks including eating toxic food and hazardous decorations.

To avoid a Christmas disaster, a PetStock spokesperson has shared some tips and tricks to keep your fluffy loved ones safe.

The spokesperson said curious pets should be supervised around Christmas trees and decorations at all times.

“Make sure pets are supervised when near the tree or consider restricting access by setting up your decorations in a room where the door can be closed,” they said.

“A pet-proof barrier can also be created to prevent accidents.”

Making sure the Christmas tree is stable and secure is another important tip.

“Curious dogs and cats are notorious for trying to jump onto trees,” they said.

“Secure your tree and avoid a tree-tipping disaster.”

Protect your curious pets from hazards by avoiding putting enticing food filled presents under the tree. Image: supplied.

 For those people decorating a fresh tree, the spokesperson said it was important to ensure tree water was not “easily accessible”.

“Tree water may contain dangerous chemicals that could harm your pet,” the said.

Moving onto the decorations category, the spokesperson said twinkling lights, shiny baubles and tinsel can be an enticing hazard.

“The last thing you want is for your pet to ingest a decoration,” they said.

“You can avoid choking hazards by tucking away cables and putting your decorations out of reach.”

The spokesperson said this advice could also be taken for presents under the tree.

“If your pet is known for prematurely unwrapping presents, avoid putting gifts that contain food, toxic Christmas flowers and things that could generally be harmful to them under the tree,” they said.

The spokesperson said it was also important to remember your pets when entertaining guests.

“Having guests can be fun for us but for pets, unfamiliar people and increased noise might cause stress,” they said.

“Make sure you’re exercising your dogs ahead of visits if it isn’t too hot. A well exercised dog is less likely to engage in anxious behaviour like barking or chewing things they shouldn’t.

“Creating a quiet space for dogs to retreat to is also a good alternative. Make sure they have water, their favourite toys and their bed.”

Give your dogs a quiet space to escape unfamiliar guests and keep them calm this Christmas. Image: supplied.

The most important ingredient to a successful and disaster free Christmas season is watching out for toxic foods.

“Do not give into pleading puppy eyes,” the spokesperson said.

“While delicious, some of our favourite festive foods can be extremely toxic to pets.”

Food to avoid giving to our pets include cooked bones.

“Cooked turkey, chicken and ham bones can splinter into shards and cause choking or serious internal damage,” the spokesperson said.

“Alcohol, chocolate, avocado, Christmas pudding, fruit cake, grapes, gravy, ham, lollies, macadamia nuts, onion, pork and raisins should also be avoided.”

Pet owners should monitor animals if you suspect they have eaten something dangerous. Common reactions to toxic food can 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 phone 13 PETS.

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