Our top tips to avoid pet pandemonium this Christmas!?!

As Christmas trees and decorations spring up across the country, many pet owners are now facing a familiar dilemma – just how do you manage to keep your dog or cat away from the Christmas tree this year?!?!

Each festive season, trees are toppled, ornaments are broken and edible presents are sniffed out and unwrapped all because temptation got the better of our four legged friends!?! So here at the Aquatic and Pet Warehouse we have tracked down a few simple tricks of the trade to help keep your pets safe and your Christmas tree in one piece over the festive period!?!

1. A Christmas tree laden with lights and decorations acts like a magnet to both cats and dogs so tethering your tree is always a good plan. This is a really simple idea and can be done for only a nominal expense. The idea works in much the same way as free standing furniture tethered to a wall when you have a toddler around the house, and it will prevent the tree from toppling over onto your inquisitive pet!!!

2. When you put your Christmas tree up always try to conceal the trunk of the tree with gifts – even if you have to use imitation presents until the big day arrives. If you manage to conceal the tree trunk from your cat then you have already seriously hindered his chances of climbing the Christmas tree at all!?!

3. Although dogs won’t try to climb your Christmas tree, they will quite happily try to chew the branches or even play tug of war with the whole tree!?! If you can, try to position your Christmas tree in a separate room and then you can limit your dog’s access to supervised visits only!?!

4. Always check with your family and friends if a gift contains anything edible before putting it under your tree. Your dog will be able to sniff out any concealed treats in a nano second – and will helpfully unwrap and sample them for you too if given half a chance!?!

5. Poinsettias, mistletoe, holly berries and even some Christmas trees themselves are toxic to dogs, cats and birds so make sure your Christmas decorations are pet friendly before bringing them into your home!!!

By taking a few simple precautions you can help to make sure that Christmas is an enjoyable time for everyone in the family. Here at the Aquatic and Pet Warehouse we’re only an e-mail or phone call away if you need any advice – and remember we’re online too if you need any pet friendly treats or supplies!!!