Thoughtful Christmas Gifts You Can Make for the Pets in Your Life

Christmas isn’t just for the humans in your family, it’s a magical time for our animal companions too. 

Whether your loved ones have cats, dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs, or feathered friends, handmade gifts add a personal touch that shop-bought items just can’t match. 

Thoughtful, budget-friendly, and wonderfully festive, these creations show genuine care for both pets and their owners.

Here are some charming homemade gift ideas that are safe, practical, and guaranteed to delight any pet this Christmas.

1. Cosy Pet Blankets

A soft blanket is always appreciated, especially in colder weather.

Use fleece, which is warm and doesn’t fray.

Choose Christmas patterns — snowflakes, tartan, or adorable reindeer prints.

Cut two pieces, stitch them together, or simply knot the edges if sewing isn’t your strength.

Perfect for: dogs, cats, rabbits, and guinea pigs.

2. Homemade Pet Treats

Edible gifts are a hit — just be sure to tailor the recipe to the animal.

For dogs

Try simple baked biscuits using oats, peanut butter (xylitol-free), wholemeal flour, and a little water.

For cats

Use tinned fish, egg, and a touch of flour to make small savoury bites.

For small animals

Rabbits and guinea pigs love baked hay treats mixed with grated carrot and mashed banana.

Package them in a festive tin or jar for an extra Christmassy touch.

3. DIY Catnip or Herb-Stuffed Toys

Cats adore catnip, and many small pets enjoy dried herbs such as parsley, chamomile, or mint.

Sew a simple shape (star, stocking, or gingerbread man) from cotton fabric.

Fill with toy stuffing and catnip or pet-safe dried herbs.

Add a small bell inside only if the pet isn’t likely to chew through it.

These make brilliant stocking fillers.

4. Simple Rope Tug Toys for Dogs

If you’ve got spare cotton or fleece fabric, you can braid your own tug toy.

Cut long strips of old T-shirts or fleece.

Braid tightly and knot at both ends.

Make sure the final toy is sturdy and free of loose threads.

It’s eco-friendly, inexpensive, and dogs love them.

5. Personalised Feeding Mats

Turn a basic non-slip mat into something special.

Use non-toxic fabric markers or stencils to decorate with the pet’s name.

Draw festive pawprints, baubles, or snowflakes.

Finish with a quick spray of pet-safe sealant.

It looks charming under their food bowls and is very practical for owners.

6. Homemade Bird Feeders

For those who keep garden birds (or who simply love wildlife), handmade feeders bring joy well beyond Christmas Day.

Use pinecones coated in peanut butter and rolled in birdseed.

Tie with a festive ribbon and hang outdoors.

For aviary birds, craft millet garlands or safe wooden perches.

It’s a lovely gift for nature lovers.

7. Cardboard Maze for Small Pets

Guinea pigs, hamsters, and rabbits enjoy mental stimulation, and cardboard is an inexpensive material.

Use delivery boxes to build tunnels, hideouts, and simple mazes.

Decorate with non-toxic markers.

Add hay, treats, or chew toys inside.

It’s a brilliant enrichment gift.

8. Pet Photo Ornaments

This gift is more for the owners — but still celebrates the pet.

Print a favourite pet photo.

Mount it on sturdy card, add decorations, and punch a hole for ribbon.

Create one each year as a growing Christmas tradition.

It’s heartfelt and beautifully personal.

Tips for Safe Homemade Pet Gifts

Always use non-toxic materials.

Avoid small parts that could be swallowed.

Keep food treats simple and species-appropriate.

When in doubt, check with the pet’s owner about allergies or sensitivities.

Homemade pet gifts are a wonderful way to spread Christmas cheer. They’re thoughtful, sustainable, and often far more meaningful than something purchased in a hurry. 

Whether you’re crafting a warm blanket, baking treats, or creating toys from leftover fabric, your effort shows just how much you care.

This Christmas, bring joy not just to friends and family, but to their furry, feathered, and be-whiskered companions too.

Twelve Dog Days of Christmas? Buying Christmas gifts for your pets is not unusual

Love them, can’t leave them – why 60% of pet owners always spend Christmas with their pets.

Spending Christmas away from home, either with family or friends or perhaps an Airbnb for a change of scene, is a growing trend and with it comes the opportunity to bring a beloved pet. 

A new survey by Animed, the online pet care retailer, shows 70% of pet owners want to spend Christmas with their pet and 60% couldn’t imagine of leaving them behind.

With Airbnb reporting a 30% increase in searches for pet-friendly properties, it seems like British pet lovers want their furry friends with them over the festive period. 

This is reflected in increased sales of canine and feline advent calendars, Christmas stockings and baubles, up a staggering 115% on last year. 

“We love our pets and they give us such a lot throughout the year in terms of companionship so it’s not surprising that we don’t want to leaves them behind at Christmas”, Animed vet Jess Simmonds told That's Christmas 365. 

“Instead, we want to involve them in the festivities, from buying a Christmas stocking to a special Christmas lunch. It’s our way of saying thank you”.

 Here are the 12 ways we Brits spoil our pets at Christmas:

1. 76% buy their pet a gift

2. 72% curl up and watch a Christmas movie together

3. 69% buy a special Christmas toy

4. 45% of pampered pets have their own Christmas stocking

5. 42% include their pet in the family Christmas card

6. 33% buy a novelty jumper or collar for their pet

7. 31% give presents from their pet to family members

8. 32% share a special walk on Christmas Day

9. 29% book a pet-friendly getaway

10. 28% allow their pets to join in with their Christmas dinner

11. 27% indulge their pet with festive-themed treats 

12. 16% would buy a personalised novelty tree decoration of their pet

With all the festive cheer floating around, it’s hard not to go the extra mile with treats and goodies for our furry companions. 

It’s a wonderful way to say thank you for all their love and loyalty over the year and to make them feel the cherished member of the family they are. 

www.animed.co.uk

How to Keep Your Christmas Tree and Decorations Safe for Cats, Dogs and Pet Birds

The festive season is a time of twinkling lights, shiny baubles and all things merry, but if you share your home with curious cats, playful dogs or inquisitive birds, Christmas can also bring unexpected hazards. 

From toxic plants to tempting tinsel, it’s vital to make your Christmas décor as pet-safe as possible while still keeping your home beautifully festive.

Here’s how to create a magical, and safe, Christmas wonderland for everyone in your household, paws, claws and feathers included.

Choose a Pet-Safe Christmas Tree

Real Trees:

Pine and fir trees aren’t toxic to most pets, but the oils in their needles can cause mild irritation or tummy upsets if chewed. The sharp needles themselves can also puncture paws or throats. If you go for a real tree, vacuum regularly and cover the water reservoir at the base — the stagnant water can contain bacteria, fertiliser or tree sap that’s harmful if lapped up by your pets.

Artificial Trees:

Artificial trees can be safer overall, but still watch for chew-happy pets. Make sure the base is sturdy to prevent tipping, and secure the tree to the wall or ceiling if your cat is a climber.

Pet-Proof Your Decorations

Tinsel & Ribbons:

Shiny, string-like decorations are irresistible to cats and can be deadly if swallowed. Skip tinsel entirely, or use it high out of reach. Avoid string, ribbon or angel hair, and choose thicker garlands instead.

Baubles:

Glass baubles look lovely but can shatter into sharp shards. Opt for shatterproof or fabric ornaments instead. Hang delicate decorations high up and use wire or twist ties rather than string hooks to keep them secure.

Lights:

Dogs and cats love to chew cords. Use cable protectors or cover wires with split tubing, and always switch lights off when you’re not home. 

For birds, ensure fairy lights are well out of reach, parrots and parakeets are notorious for chewing cables!

Candles:

Never leave candles unattended, wagging tails and flapping wings can easily knock them over. Battery-operated LED candles create a safe, realistic glow. 

Beware of Toxic Plants

Many festive plants are toxic to pets — here’s a quick guide:

Poinsettia: Mildly toxic to cats and dogs; can cause drooling, vomiting or irritation.

Holly & Ivy: Both are highly toxic and can cause serious illness.

Mistletoe: Very dangerous to dogs and cats; even small amounts can lead to vomiting, diarrhoea or collapse.

Lilies: Extremely toxic to cats – even a small amount can cause kidney failure.

Christmas Trees (needles & water): As mentioned, mild irritation or digestive upset possible.

Tip: Choose silk or artificial versions of these plants to enjoy the look without the risk.

For a full list of common festive plants and their effects on pets, see the PDSA’s Poisons and Hazards for Pets guide

Special Tips for Bird Owners

Birds are especially sensitive to fumes and chemicals. Keep these safety tips in mind:

Avoid aerosol sprays, air fresheners and scented candles, especially those with essential oils — they can be deadly to pet birds.

Skip tinsel and glittery ornaments, as shiny materials can attract birds who might chew or ingest them.

Be careful with non-stick cookware when preparing Christmas dinner — Teflon fumes are fatal to birds.

The Blue Cross Pet Holiday Safety Guide

 includes additional advice for keeping your pets comfortable and secure during the festive season.

Don’t Forget Pet-Safe Treats

Christmas food is rich and delicious — but not always safe for pets.

Avoid sharing:

Chocolate (toxic to dogs, cats and birds)

Christmas pudding, mince pies or fruit cake (raisins, alcohol and spices are dangerous)

Onions, garlic and salty snacks

Instead, make (or buy) special pet-safe treats so your furry and feathered family members can celebrate too.

A Safe and Sparkling Christmas

With a few adjustments, your Christmas home can be both festive and safe. Secure your tree, avoid toxic plants, keep cords and fragile ornaments out of reach, and always supervise your pets around decorations.

Because the best part of Christmas isn’t the lights or the tinsel — it’s spending the season with those you love, both human and animal.

Further Reading:

PDSA: Poisons and Hazards for Pets https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/all-pets/poisons-and-hazards-for-your-pets

Blue Cross: Pet Holiday Safety Tips https://www.bluecross.org.uk/petholiday

RSPCA: Christmas Pet Safety Advice https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/general/christmas

Doggedly looking for Canine Christmas Gifts? Pointer Christmas Gift Guide Shows You the Way

If you’re looking for the perfect dog friendly gift this Christmas, then look no further than Pointer – a British-based dog treat company with a range of tasty festive snacks on the menu this year.   

Born in South Yorkshire in the 1950s, Pointer is now based in the heart of Lincolnshire and stocked across the whole of the UK. 

As a leading biscuiteer, they still bake their treats in their family-run farm bakery, using ingredients harvested from their very own fields.

Their products are created by a family of dog lovers, for the well-loved dogs in your family. 

From advent calendars to crackers, share some Christmas spirit The Pointer Way this year. Their festive range includes: 

Pointer Dog Advent Calendar- can't wait till the big day? Give your dog a daily taste of Christmas from December 1st! Filled with crunchy carob and cheese flavoured bones, this Countdown Calendar is the perfect way to include your dog in the festive excitement.  

Pointer Christmas Cracker- Stuffed with crunchy turkey and cranberry flavoured shapes, don’t let your furry friend miss out on all of the Christmas cracker fun!  

Pointer Christmas Selection- Want to spoil your dog this festive season? Well Pointer’s 10kg box of Turkey & Cranberry flavoured biscuits is the perfect way to stay stocked up with festive treats! 

Made with real turkey and oven-baked to perfection – it’ll be hard to resist woofing these down. 

Pointer Christmas Hamper- can't decide? Fill your pup’s stocking with a paw-fect selection of an advent calendar, Christmas cracker, hand iced bone, and a card from the Pointer family! 

https://www.pointerpetfoods.co.uk

Thinking ahead about buying a dog for Christmas? Please read this first

Peggy, image supplied by Naturewatch

Recent analysis by the animal welfare charity, Naturewatch Foundation, has learned the majority of dogs and puppies in the UK still come from unknown sources, including unlicensed breeders, illegal breeders and other supply routes, like as puppy smuggling. 

The charity says stricter oversight of the puppy trade is urgently needed.

At the end of 2024, Naturewatch Foundation submitted freedom of information requests to 391 councils across the UK and Ireland to update its Dog Breeding Map of the UK and Ireland - a unique tool that helps prospective puppy buyers find out about dog breeding in their area.

The findings reveal there are 2,897 licensed breeders across the UK and Ireland, collectively keeping around 26,000 female adult dogs for breeding – of which just over 23,000 are in the UK. With around one million dogs and puppies joining UK households each year, Naturewatch Foundation estimates only 15-20% come from licensed breeders. Around 6% of dogs and puppies are imported commercially, with the rest coming from unknown, unlicensed or potentially illegal sources.

Naturewatch Foundation's Natalie Harney said, “Dog lovers will be shocked to learn most UK dogs and puppies still come from unknown sources. Despite reforms in dog breeding regulations over the past decade, loopholes and underenforcement remain major problems. Also, with rules varying across nations, it can be hard for the public to know when a breeder should be licensed. These issues require urgent attention from the regulators.

“We strongly encourage anyone thinking about getting a dog or puppy to adopt from a reputable rescue, where many wonderful animals are waiting for their second chance. 

"However, if rehoming isn’t an option, it’s vital to ensure you know your breeder. Ask: Are they licensed? How many dogs are they allowed to keep? Are they happy for you to visit, meet their dogs and see their premises? These are vital questions all prospective puppy buyer must ask. Make sure you check out the Dog Breeding Map of the UK and Ireland during your research.”

The investigation also discovered only 34% of local councils could confirm exactly how many dogs the breeders they’d licensed were permitted to keep. Many councils couldn't confirm details like the number of male dogs, litters of puppies or ‘other’ dogs (like retired dogs and pet dogs) permitted in their area.

Whilst Naturewatch Foundation’s investigation found the majority of licensed breeders are registered to keep 10 breeding adult dogs or fewer, some are allowed to operate on an industrial scale. In Ireland, four licences allow over 200 adult breeding dogs. 

Three of those are licensed by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, with one single premises licensed to keep a staggering 250 female dogs and 100 male dogs for breeding purposes.

Naturewatch Foundation wants to see improvements to dog breeding regulation across the UK and Ireland, increased transparency and improved enforcement arrangements to better protect dogs used for breeding, their puppies and the public.

Anyone concerned about illegal dog breeding near them should report their concerns to their local council. Reports can also be submitted to Naturewatch Foundation’s Hotline4Pets.

To learn more visit https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council 

Reports can also be made to Naturewatch Foundation’s Hotline4Pets at https://www.naturewatch.org/animal-crime-report.

https://www.naturewatch.org

Festive Fun: Giving Your Pets Safe and Appropriate Treats This Christmas

Christmas is a time of joy, family, and indulgence, and our beloved pets are very much part of the festivities. 

However, as we spoil ourselves with delicious treats and thoughtful gifts, it’s essential to ensure that our furry friends receive safe and suitable goodies too. 

Here’s a guide to making this Christmas merry and safe for your pets.

1. Treats to Treasure: Safe Festive Snacks

While sharing food with pets can be tempting, many human treats are unsafe for animals. Here are some tips for giving your pets safe and healthy snacks:

Stick to Pet-Specific Treats: Opt for treats made specifically for your pet species. These are formulated to meet their dietary needs and avoid harmful ingredients.

Avoid Toxic Foods: Foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, and anything containing xylitol are dangerous for both cats and dogs. Be mindful of what’s left out on tables or within paw’s reach.

DIY Pet Treats: Homemade treats can be a fun and rewarding option. Simple recipes using pet-safe ingredients like peanut butter (xylitol-free), pumpkin, or cooked lean meats are great options. Just ensure you follow recipes specifically designed for pets.

Moderation is Key: Even with pet-safe treats, avoid overindulging your pet to prevent upset stomachs or weight gain.

2. Perfect Presents for Your Pets

Gifting your pet something special doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some ideas to ensure your gift is both fun and safe:

Interactive Toys: Puzzle feeders, balls, and chew toys are excellent for keeping pets entertained and mentally stimulated. Choose toys that are appropriately sized and made from durable, non-toxic materials.

Cosy Comforts: A new bed, blanket, or even a festive jumper for dogs can make your pet’s Christmas extra special. Ensure clothing is well-fitted and doesn’t restrict movement or breathing.

Chews for Chewers: For pets who love to chew, natural chews like antlers, dental sticks, or chew-safe toys can keep them occupied and support dental health.

Subscription Boxes: Pet subscription boxes filled with toys, treats, and surprises can be a delightful gift that keeps giving.

3. Festive Safety Tips

Amidst the celebrations, it’s easy to overlook potential hazards. Keep these tips in mind to ensure your pet’s safety:

Christmas Tree Caution: Secure your tree to prevent it from toppling over, and avoid decorations like tinsel or glass baubles, which can be harmful if ingested or broken.

Christmas lights: Consider using battery-powered Christmas lights rather than mains-powered Christmas lights.

Beware of Wrapping Materials: Ribbons, string, and wrapping paper can pose choking hazards. Dispose of these items promptly after unwrapping gifts.

Monitor Gift Contents: If your pet has a habit of tearing into presents, keep all gifts containing food or unsafe items out of reach.

Quiet Space: The excitement of Christmas can be overwhelming for pets. Provide a quiet, comfortable space where they can retreat if needed.

4. Celebrate Responsibly

Remember, the best gift you can give your pet is your time and attention. Whether it’s a long walk, an extra cuddle, or a play session with their new toy, your presence means the world to them.

By choosing safe treats and presents, you’re ensuring that your pet’s Christmas is as joyous and stress-free as possible. Here’s to a festive season filled with wagging tails, purring cuddles, happy whistling and happy memories for the whole family.

With a little planning and care, your pets can join in the Christmas fun safely and happily. Treat them with love, spoil them with appropriate goodies, and enjoy the festive season together. Merry Christmas to you and your furry or feathered companions!

How to Position and Arrange Your Family Christmas Tree and Decorations to Keep Them Safe from Pets

The festive season brings joy, warmth, and of course, beautifully decorated Christmas trees. 

However, for pet owners, the holiday décor often doubles as an irresistible playground for curious cats, mischievous dogs, playful birds, and other inquisitive pets. Here’s how to strike a balance between a stunning Christmas setup and a pet-safe environment.

1. Choosing the Right Location for Your Tree

The tree's position can make all the difference.

Away from Pet Zones: Place your tree in a room or corner where pets spend less time. Use a baby gate or pet barrier if needed to restrict access.

Stable Surface: Avoid wobbly stands. Secure the tree on a sturdy base and, if possible, tether it to the wall or ceiling using fishing line or discreet hooks to prevent tipping.

Distance from Climbing Aids: Keep the tree away from furniture, shelves, or windowsills that your cat or bird could use to launch themselves at the tree.

2. Choosing Pet-Safe Decorations

Some decorations can be harmful or hazardous to pets, so pick wisely.

Avoid Glass and Fragile Ornaments: Opt for shatterproof decorations, and place these higher up on the tree.

No Tinsel or Ribbons: These can be choking hazards for pets, particularly cats and birds, and may cause intestinal blockages if ingested.

Battery-Operated Lights: If you’re using lights, consider ones powered by batteries and secure wires to avoid chewing hazards for dogs and cats.

Chocolate decorations: Make sure any hanging chocolate decorations are kept well out of the reach of pets such as cats and dogs as chocolate is toxic to them.

3. Securing the Tree and Decorations

Once you’ve decorated the tree, ensure everything is well-secured.

Anchor the Tree: Use weights at the base or anchor it to a wall to prevent pets from knocking it over.

Reinforce Ornaments: Secure decorations tightly using hooks or twist ties so they can’t be batted off or pulled down.

Spray Repellents: Use pet-safe deterrent sprays on the lower part of the tree to keep curious noses and paws away. Our cat does not appreciate lavender spray. 

4. Tailoring Strategies for Specific Pets

Different pets pose unique challenges, so here’s how to adapt:

Cats:

Wrap the lower part of the tree in aluminium foil or attach prickly mats to deter climbing.

Provide alternative distractions like cat trees or scratching posts near the tree.

Dogs:

Block access to the lower branches by using a playpen around the tree.

Keep edible decorations like chocolate, candy canes, or dried fruit completely off the tree, as these can be toxic.

Birds:

Place the tree away from bird perches or flight paths. Birds are attracted to shiny objects, so keep metallic ornaments out of reach.

Avoid using scented candles or aerosols near the tree, as these can harm birds’ delicate respiratory systems.

Small Animals:

Rabbits and rodents love to chew. Cover electrical wires and base stands with protective tubing.

Keep the tree skirt free of enticing materials like fabric that could be chewed on.

5. Alternative Pet-Friendly Decorations

If all else fails, consider pet-proofing your holiday entirely.

Wall Trees: A half-tree mounted on the wall can be just as festive and much safer.

Tabletop Trees: Small trees placed on elevated surfaces are harder for pets to reach.

Pet-Safe Décor: Use felt or wood ornaments, fake foliage, and pet-friendly LED lights.

6. Vigilance and Training

Finally, no amount of preparation can replace attentive supervision.

Train your pets with positive reinforcement to leave the tree alone.

Distract them with toys or treats if they show too much interest.

Keep an eye on them, especially during the first few days when curiosity is at its peak.

In Conclusion

A little planning and creativity can ensure your Christmas decorations remain intact and your pets stay safe. With these tips, you can create a festive and pet-friendly home that everyone in the family—including your furry, feathered, or scaly friends—can enjoy.

Have a happy, safe, and harmonious Christmas season!

How to Give Your Pet Bird, Cat, or Dog a Merry Yet Safe Christmas

The festive season is a magical time of year, and as you prepare your home for Christmas, it's important to ensure that your pets can enjoy the celebrations safely too. 

Whether you have a playful dog, a curious cat, or a chirpy bird, a few thoughtful adjustments can help make the holiday season joyful for all. Here are some tips to ensure your pets have a merry yet safe Christmas.

1. Keep Decorations Pet-Friendly

Christmas Trees and Lights: For many, the Christmas tree is the centrepiece of holiday décor, but it can be a source of fascination — and potential danger — for pets. Cats, in particular, love to climb trees, and dogs may be tempted to chew on branches. Secure your tree well to avoid it toppling over, especially if your pets are rambunctious. Avoid placing decorations like glass baubles and tinsel at the bottom where they can easily be knocked off and broken, posing a risk of injury or ingestion.

Lights, especially twinkling ones, can attract pets, so ensure electrical wires are hidden or secured out of reach to avoid curious nibbles. Consider using battery-operated lights to reduce the risk of electric shocks.

Pet-Safe Ornaments: Avoid hanging ornaments made of fragile materials or those that resemble food. Cats might bat at shiny objects, and dogs may think they're edible. Opt for pet-safe, non-toxic decorations instead, and avoid using hooks that can easily come loose. Ribbons and tinsel should also be avoided, as they can cause choking or blockages if swallowed.

2. Watch Out for Toxic Foods and Plants

Holiday Foods: Christmas is a time for indulgence, but many festive treats can be harmful to pets. Chocolate, mince pies, onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, and certain nuts are toxic to both dogs and cats. 

Make sure to keep platters of food and sweets out of reach and avoid giving your pet any human food unless you know it's safe.

Birds, too, have sensitive digestive systems, so be mindful of what they’re exposed to. While some fruits and vegetables can be safe, others like avocado, chocolate, and caffeine are toxic for them. It’s always best to stick to bird-safe treats.

Festive Plants: While plants like poinsettias, mistletoe, and holly add to the festive atmosphere, they can be toxic if ingested by pets. Cats and dogs are naturally curious and may be tempted to nibble on them. Consider using artificial alternatives or placing these plants where your pets can’t reach them.

3. Provide a Quiet Space

Christmas can be hectic, with lots of visitors, loud music, and unfamiliar faces, which might overwhelm your pets. Dogs may become anxious, and cats might hide for hours. Even birds, accustomed to quieter environments, can become stressed by sudden noises.

Ensure your pets have a quiet, comfortable retreat where they can escape the commotion. A separate room with their favourite bed, toys, and perhaps some soothing music or a cosy nest for birds will allow them to relax and feel secure amidst the holiday hustle and bustle.

4. Pet-Safe Presents

When shopping for your family and friends, don’t forget your pets! However, be mindful when selecting presents for them. For dogs and cats, avoid toys with small, easily detachable parts that could be swallowed or sharp edges that could cause injury. Stick to durable toys designed specifically for pets, such as chew toys for dogs or catnip toys for your feline friend.

If you have a bird, be sure to choose non-toxic, bird-safe toys made of materials like untreated wood or natural fibres. Avoid toys with loose strings or those that can easily break apart.

5. Monitor Candles and Open Flames

Candles add a lovely warm glow to the Christmas atmosphere, but they can be dangerous in homes with pets. A curious cat could easily knock over a lit candle, or a dog’s wagging tail might catch on fire. If you must use candles, place them on high shelves and never leave them unattended. Better yet, consider using battery-operated LED candles to achieve the same effect without the fire hazard.

6. Stick to a Routine

Pets thrive on routine, and the Christmas season can often throw that off. With guests coming and going, irregular meal times, and the disruption of regular walks or playtime, pets may feel stressed or anxious. Try to maintain your pet’s usual routine as much as possible. Feed them at the same time each day, ensure your dog gets their regular walks, and give your cat or bird plenty of attention.

7. Keep Wrapping Paper and Ribbons Out of Reach

Unwrapping presents on Christmas morning is always exciting, but it can also be a hazard for pets. Cats love to play with ribbons and string, but if swallowed, they can cause digestive blockages. Dogs might chew on discarded wrapping paper or plastic packaging, which can also pose a choking hazard.

Be sure to tidy up discarded wrapping paper, bows, and ribbons as soon as possible. Dispose of any materials that could be dangerous to your pets.

8. Travel Safely with Pets

If you’re travelling for the holidays and plan to bring your pets along, ensure they’re safe and comfortable. Dogs should be secured in a seatbelt harness or a crate, and cats should always travel in a well-ventilated carrier. Birds can be transported in travel cages, but ensure the cage is secure and well-padded to prevent injury during the journey. Pack their food, water, and any comfort items from home, such as their favourite toy or blanket.

Conclusion

Christmas is a time for togetherness, and your pets are part of the family. By being mindful of potential hazards and making small adjustments, you can ensure that your cat, dog, or bird enjoys the festive season as much as you do. With a little preparation, your pets can have a merry — and safe — Christmas too!

Feliz Navi-dog: Morrisons unveils biggest supermarket festive pet range

With over half (57%) of British households owning a pet, animal companions are an integral part of Christmas festivities for much of us. Morrisons is making sure Christmas 2023 is the ulti-mutt celebration for pets as it unveils its biggest festive pet range to date.

Comprising almost 30 products, pet owners can pick up advent calendars, Christmas dinners, jumpers and more so our furry friends don’t miss out on the festive fun. With prices starting from only £1.49, there’s a pocket-friendly treat for every pet owner to purchase.

For those looking to share the Christmas countdown with their pets, shoppers can grab the Morrisons Pawsome Meaty Christmas Dog Treat Advent Calendar and Morrisons Purrfect Meaty Christmas Cat Treat Advent Calendar, both £3.99, filled with tasty treats for pets to enjoy on each day.

Customers can also kit their pets out in the finest festive wear with the Gifts for Pets Dog Festive Jumper (£4.99) and Gifts For Pets Reindeer Headband for Dogs & Cats (£2.99).

For a delicious Christmas Eve treat, pups can chow down on Morrisons Rudi Reindeer Iced Dog Cookies (£3.99), adorably shaped like a festive reindeer. 10% of sales from the Rudi range go to charity partner Together for Short Lives, giving shoppers even more reasons to pick up the tasty treats.

Pets don’t need to miss out on the big day itself either, as the range boasts all of the ingredients needed for a paw-sitively delicious pooch-friendly Christmas dinner. Customers can choose from Morrisons Turkey and Bacon Hot Dogs for Dogs (£1.99), Morrisons Sausages in either Christmas Dinner or Pork & Apple Stuffing Flavour for Dogs (£1.99), Morrison Pigs in Blankets for Dogs (£2.99), and of course Morrisons Mince Pies for Dogs (£2.99) to top it all off.

The range also includes plenty of treats purr-fect for stocking fillers, like the Morrisons Merry Poochmas Rawhide alternative Chew sticks (£1.99), available in the shape of Christmas trees, or Gingerbread people. 

Cats can tuck into the Morrisons Tasty Tuna Meowy Christmas Cat Sticks or Morrisons Delicious Duck Christmas Quackers Cat Treats, just £1.49 each, and there are pet safe crackers for both cats and dogs (£2.49) to enjoy.

Andy Whiteman, Product Developer at Morrisons, said: “Santa Paws is certainly coming to Morrisons this year as we introduce our biggest and best Christmas pet range. We know pets are an important part of so many families, so now shoppers can pick up everything they need to share the celebrations with their cuddly companions, without breaking the bank.”

Click here to view the full Morrisons Christmas pet range available in-store and online https://groceries.morrisons.com/browse/christmas-189206/gift-shop-189357/gifts-for-pets-189356

For more information on the wider Morrisons Christmas range, visit our website here https://groceries.morrisons.com/browse/christmas-189206

Biggest ever pet sale launched by Tesco as ownership of cats and dogs reaches record levels

That's Christmas has already covered buying Christmas gifts for pets, and Tesco has pointed out that ownership of dogs and cats in the UK is at its highest level ever following the lockdown years when 3.2 million Brits acquired a pet.

According to latest pet population information from the PDSA’s annual PAW Report (2023) reveals that the UK has:

11m dogs – 29% of UK adults own a dog

11m cats – 24% of UK adults own a cat

The overall pet population has increased from 8.3m in 2011 to 11m in 2023 

And Tesco is gearing up for what it believes will be the biggest ever Christmas for pets by launching a ‘4 for 3’ sale on all its pet products including food, toys and accessories.

The sale, said to be Tesco’s biggest ever for pets, which is open to all Tesco Clubcard holders, has just launched and will run until 14 November.

Pet experts at the supermarket predict along with the wide range of treats available, two training toys that should give owners as much fun as their pets will be amongst the most popular gifts.

The first is a set of Pet Training Buttons for dogs, which cost £7, that can be customised to teach your pet to answer various electronic sound commands that you record. By placing a paw on any of the various buttons or pads your pet can be taught to react to commands such as ‘Treat, ‘Play’, or ‘Outside’.

The other is a Pet Treat Launcher for cats or dogs that will help keep your pet fit by chasing after its favourite treat which can be fired from the device by a trigger operated mechanism. These cost £4 each.

Tesco Pet Category Buying Manager John Hext commented: “We know that Britain is a nation of animal lovers and now so more than ever as a result of the huge number of pets that were acquired during lockdown.

“As a result pet gifting, whether it be buying them food treats, toys or accessories has grown significantly in the last few years and is now one of the fastest growing areas in the UK retail industry.

“But we also know that times are still tough out there which is why we've decided to launch our ‘four for three, cheapest item free’ sale. We also wanted to help customers spread the cost of Christmas which is why we’ve launched it in October.” 

Own brand stand out items available for cats and dogs at Tesco this Christmas include:

Christmas pudding biscuits for dogs £3.50

Mince pies for dogs £3.50

Turkey and cranberry cracker treats for cats £2.50

Turkey and stuffing paw treats for dogs £2.50

Cheese and biscuit treats for dogs £2.50

The Tesco ‘4 for 3’ pet sale runs in large Tesco stores. The cheapest item of any four bought will be free.

www.tesco.com

We are disappointed that only dog and cat gifts are featured. Nothing for birds, rabbits and guinea pigs! Still, never mind. Maybe next year?