Urgent warning over Christmas decorations dangerous for pets

While decorating your house for Christmas can be a joyful activity, the addition of festive decorations around your home can present significant risks to pets – potentially putting their lives in danger. PDSA, the vet charity for pets in need, along with PDSA Pet Insurance, is warning pet owners to safeguard their pets against dangerous decorations this Christmas – and avoid an expensive trip to the vet over the busy festive period.

PDSA vet nurse Gemma Renwick said: “Despite their charm, decking the halls with your favourite Christmas decorations can be dangerous to pets, resulting in severe illness or even death. Knowing which precautions to take, which decorations to avoid, and how to safely decorate your home will ensure a safe and joyful Christmas holiday for both you and your pets.

Snow

“While we would all love a white Christmas – it must come naturally and not from a can. Though artificial snow made in the UK generally doesn’t pose a major risk to pets if ingested, it can result in signs of a stomach upset. Furthermore, imported artificial snow can be dangerous - or even toxic - to pets due to differing safety regulations. Symptoms may include drooling, vomiting and diarrhoea. In more severe cases where large quantities have been ingested, your pet could suffer from a stomach blockage. It’s best to avoid artificial snow entirely if you can, but if you suspect your pet has consumed some and seems unwell, seek help from your vet immediately.

Tinsel

“Tinsel can look like a fun and tempting toy to pets, but it poses a serious choking hazard if it gets stuck in their mouth or throat. It can also become a deadly blockage if swallowed, as the tinsel strands can become lodged as the intestines try to digest them – a life-threatening situation that requires emergency surgery Your pet may show signs that they have eaten tinsel if they are vomiting, lethargic, or if they develop a sudden loss of appetite or diarrhoea – if this is the case, contact your vet right away.

Baubles and Fairy Lights Frights

“Be wary when hanging ornaments and baubles around the house this festive season. Glass can easily shatter and cause injuries to our pets, while baubles can become choking hazards if they are swallowed or cause damage to their digestive tract. Instead use more durable plastic ornaments and place them high up on the tree and around the house – out of harm's way for excitable paws!

“Fairy lights can also look pretty and enticing at this time of year, but be cautious of where to hang them, as they can cause electric shocks if chewed on. Our pets often like to explore new things with their mouths and can get carried away or mistake items for something edible.”

Sweets

“It might be tempting to treat your pet at Christmastime, but it is crucial to remember the dangers of human food to our furry friends. Christmas tree decorations containing chocolate are particularly dangerous as they contain theobromine, a substance toxic to pets particularly dark chocolate or if eaten in large amounts. Similarly, candies and other sweet treats which contain xylitol, a sugar substitute, are highly poisonous to them, so make sure you keep all edible decorations, including your advent calendars, out of reach. If your pet ingests any, seek veterinary care immediately.”