Think of your pets this Christmas, points out Halifax Insurance

Overindulging in a Christmas dinner with all the trimming and leftovers, jealousy over someone else’s present and getting tangled in tree decorations are all part of festive fun for humans – but few are aware of the hazards they present to pets. Halifax Pet Insurance research shows that one in four vets have treated a pet that has consumed alcoholic beverages and over six million British dog owners admit to feeding confectionery chocolate to their canine, with potentially perilous consequences. (EDITOR: Chocolate can also be fatal to parrots or birds, too.)

With the Christmas season in full swing Halifax Pet Insurance is warning pet owners of the potential dangers facing our furry four-legged friends and has issued guidelines for owners to avoid spending holiday time at the vets.

1. Mouth watering treats intended for Santa and post Christmas leftover are bound to attract opportunistic thieves - especially those on four legs. However, human food is not suitable for pets’ digestive systems and what is seen as a short term treat could cause long term damage, as pets that consume high calorie, sugar laden human food can experience dental problems, halitosis, stomach cramps and diabetes. Owners should stick to specialist pet food at all times.

2. Christmas tantrums may be rife amongst children eyeing up siblings’ presents, but are not uncommon amongst jealous pets too. Don’t forget to get a little something for them – an upset dog can be just as problematic as a disappointed child.

3. Christmas decorations may look pretty, but are also potentially hazardous. Tinsel, tree lights, electricity cables and hanging decorations can be tempting to paws and claws, which could lead to accidents. Supervise pets around decorations.

4. Loud, unexpected bangs and noise can frighten the life out of humans, so imagine how pets must feel. Every year the RSPCA experiences thousands of calls regarding firework related incidences such as terrified pets that have bolted or accidents which could have been easily avoided. If you are having a fireworks party, make sure your neighbors are aware - they will want to take appropriate measures when it comes to calming the cat or dog. And if you have crackers and balloons sure that the pets are kept out of the way.

5. It is important that dogs still receive an adequate amount of exercise. Research from Halifax Pet Insurance reveals 31 per cent of owners admit that their cat or dog carried holiday weight over the Christmas period. Members of the family could be thankful of the exercise in an attempt to work off a bit of their extra holiday weight – what better way than to use your dog as an excuse?

6. Entertaining crowds of people and children can often get too much for adults but if your dog is not used to this, it must be supervised around guests. Never leave your dog alone with small children and toys, especially new ones. Research carried out by Halifax Pet Insurance found the average cost to remove a foreign body from a pet is £532 and half of all vets cited owners need to be more responsible about leaving small items around the home. Almost 20 per cent of the vets questioned had treated an animal that had swallowed a toy.

7. Make sure the needles from the tree are swept or hoovered up. These can cause our pets trouble if they get stuck between their pads, swallowed or in some cases lodged in their ears.

Halifax Pet Insurance has found pet owners drastically underestimate the cost of veterinary care in the UK by a staggering 103 percent. Given the massive comparison between fact and reality it is imperative your pet is insured. Halifax Pet Insurance provides two types of cover which protect your pet against occurrences and illnesses which are not foreseen during the calendar year.

For more information on what Halifax Pet Insurance can offer you go to: http://www.halifax.co.uk/insurance/petinsurancehome2.asp