News archive - 2010

The Blue Cross is warning owners of the top 10 dangers to animals over the festive season.

The hustle and bustle can be overwhelming for animals and there can be extra temptations around the home for inquisitive mouths. 

Add to these dangers the freezing conditions outside and pets can find themselves in trouble.

Following a few simple rules can mean the Christmas period can be as enjoyable for pets as for their owners.

The top 10 dangers to look out for are:

1. Pets falling into icy ponds
2. Cats climbing into engines to escape from the cold and suffering burns
3. Swallowing tinsel or Christmas wrapping
4. Eating Christmas chocolates – they can be poisonous to pets
5. Chewing through fairy lights
6. Eating or licking festive plants such as Poinsettia, lilies, holly and yew, which can be poisonous
7. Eating human food – turkey bones can choke pets and a lot of Christmas treats are too rich for animals and can cause upset tummies
8. Crackers, party poppers and champagne corks which can spook animals
9. Christmas tree needles which can spike pets’ paws
10. Freezing conditions which can leave pets with frostbite or hypothermia

For advice on keeping your pets warm in the winter weather visit our blog.