It’s that time of year again: the sun is shining, the Christmas tree has been decorated and Santa and his reindeers are loading up their sleigh. But as we prepare to enjoy the holiday period, how can you make sure that this Christmas is the best your pet has ever had? Tim Falk reports.
Tinseltown
Be careful with your feline friend around the Christmas tree this December; some cats like to treat themselves to some tinsel as a Christmas treat, which can cause major problems.
Fit as a Fiddle
We all like to indulge a little bit over Christmas and maybe be a little bit lazy during those long summer days, but don’t forget that dogs need exercise on a regular basis not just to keep them physically fit but also to keep them mentally stimulated. “Taking a break from exercise would not be harmful necessarily but you might find your dog will start to get bored and misbehave or forget its manners in the park,” says Chiara Perri from Point Cook Dog Training.
Meet and Greet
Will your family be entertaining a lot of guests this Christmas? If so, it’s important that you take steps to ensure your pooch isn’t overwhelmed by the new arrivals.
Rover’s Wish List
Stuck for gift ideas for your pooch this Christmas? Never fear, PETS is here.
“Everyone loves a gift at Christmas time and even though dogs don’t know what it is all about, they certainly love something new and exciting,” Chiara says. “A nice big, juicy bone always goes down well, or how about freezing an ice cream container and putting water, some chicken stock and your dog’s favourite treats inside so you have a giant dog icy-pole! Or a big cardboard box with some holes poked in it and lots of dog biscuits and treats inside so we now have a doggy piñata!”
You don’t necessarily have to go down to the local pet store to buy a toy to make your dog happy.
Digital Delight
Browse Google Play or the Apple Store and you’ll soon see that there are stacks of apps designed just for cats. From apps to test their reflexes, to apps to let them paint a masterpiece, there’s hundreds of great options to provide hours of fun for your pet.
Let’s Ride!
If your dog could talk, what do you reckon she’d say if you asked her what her favourite activity in the world was? We think a good old-fashioned car ride would be pretty high on the list for most dogs, so treat your dog to a road trip this Christmas — she’ll love it!
Romping in the Wrapping Paper
Cats, especially kittens, love playing with wrapping paper. Give them a pile of wrapping paper and sit back and laugh as they indulge in some frenetic play time — just make sure there’s no risk of them swallowing any.
Felix’s Wish List
Is your cat impossible to buy for? Try these great ideas to spoil your purr-fect pet this Christmas.
If your pet is big on personality, a blinged-up personalised collar is sure to be a hit. For lazy kitties, a new snuggly bed or mat will make a memorable gift, while a new scratching post will be perfect for sharp claws (and your furniture).
Doggy Deliveries
Want to get your dog involved in the gift giving fun? Why not train him to deliver presents to their recipients? Not only will it be great fun but it will also give your dog plenty of mental stimulation.
Gift with a Difference
As much as we all love a gift we can hold and touch, your pet will often appreciate Christmas a whole lot more if you give them the gift of time. Spend the afternoon playing games with your cat, giving her a nice long pat or even just curling up together for some cuddle time.
Decorations for Dinner
“Christmas decorations come in all shapes and sizes and have the potential to cause gastrointestinal obstruction,” explains Sydney small animal veterinarian Dr James Crowley. From baubles to Christmas lights, there are heaps of common Christmas items that look shiny, interesting and downright delicious to cats and dogs. As a result, the safest option is to prevent your pets from accessing the Christmas tree if you can.
Safe Place
Christmas crackers popping, people talking and yelling, excited kids running everywhere and strangers as far as the eye can see: from a pet’s perspective, Christmas can be pretty full on. That’s why it’s important that your cat or dog has somewhere they can withdraw to if it all gets a bit too much and they need some quiet time. Your pet will enjoy the holidays so much more if he or she has their own little retreat when they need to relax and de-stress.
Pet Holidays
Is your cat or dog off to the cattery or boarding kennel while you go away for a summer holiday? If so, it’s important to ensure your pets are up to date with their vaccinations prior to their stay, and to make sure you have a record you can show the staff on arrival. “Even if they aren’t due for vaccinations, a check-up with your vet to confirm your dog or cat is physically healthy and has no special needs prior to boarding is a really good idea,” Dr Joanna says.
Hide and Seek
Cats love hiding in warm, comfy places where they feel safe and secure, so keep a hold of any cardboard boxes you get over Christmas — they’re perfect for some hide-and-seek fun with your feline.
Pets Aren’t Presents
If you’re thinking of giving someone a pet as a gift this Christmas, think again. “I don’t believe dog or pets in general should be given as gifts, as studies have shown that pets in this case tend to be seen more as a novelty rather than something that was researched, desired and had a lot of thought put into it,” Chiara says. “Instead, the pet should be a family venture with everyone taking part in the selecting, preparing and looking after.”
Dietary Dilemmas
There are some festive foods that should definitely be kept away from our four-legged family members. Anything with chocolate in it can be incredibly tempting to dogs and cats but is a definite no-no.
Fireworks Fears
If your dog is terrified of fireworks, the holidays can be a pretty stressful time. Shelters become inundated with pooches that have been spooked by fireworks and run away, so ensure your dog is micro-chipped and has a collar with a tag on it. If you’re going out for the night, maybe consider leaving your dog inside in a quiet and safe spot so if the crackers do start going off, it will not feel as scared.
Guinea Pigs and Rabbits
There’s no reason your pet guinea pig or rabbit should miss out on the festivities this Christmas. Our furry friends bring so much fun and companionship into our lives that the least we can do is spoil them once in a while.
Feathered Friends
There are plenty of ways bird lovers can spoil their beloved pets this Christmas. Whether your feathered friend is cute and colourful or chirpy and cheerful, he’ll love being treated to the gift of a new toy or two. A new swing, a remodelled bathing area and a different mirror will fascinate them for hours — and if you want to take your renovation to the next level, getting your bird a whole new cage is sure to put a smile on his beak!
Horsing Around
Looking for a special way to spoil your horse this Christmas? Why not go for a special trail ride on Christmas Day? Not only will your horse love the workout and the opportunity to explore, but she’ll also adore the chance to spend some quality time with you.
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