Blue Cross blog

Want to treat your pet this Christmas? Our chief vet Wendy Adams has some top advice… 

Give your pets a merry little Christmas this year and give them a gift they will really enjoy.

It doesn’t have to cost much and many pets will appreciate things that are totally free, like a favourite game, a special bit of fuss or an extra walk with your dog – which will help you to walk off some of the Christmas dinner too!

Why not join them in a game of hide and seek or teach them a new trick to impress everyone on Christmas day?

Money-saving presents are easy to make yourself. Use an empty cardboard box stuffed with used, torn wrapping paper for them to play with - turn it into a lucky dip by hiding their favourite treats inside.

Cats love to play detective and this simple game will fascinate and entertain them for ages. Place a favourite treat or small piece of de-boned turkey or tuna inside a screwed up paper ball and watch them work out how to retrieve the treasure.

Cats also love to play with cotton reels and old yoghurt pots. Drag a piece of string along the floor or dangle it in the air for them to chase – but never leave them on their own with it as they could swallow it by mistake.

Don’t forget smaller or outdoor pets too – rabbits also love a game of hide and seek so leave cardboard boxes out for them. You could make a tunnel out of them too.

Remember, some pets find all the visitors and excitement a bit too much so always make sure they have somewhere safe to go and hide if they want to.