Over 27 million pets in the UK will tuck into a Christmas dinner this year, new research shows, as pet owners across the country gear up to celebrate the festive season. However, vets have warned of certain festive foods that can be dangerous for pets.
As many prepare to travel home for the holidays, 4 in 5 (79%) pet owners say they look forward to getting home to their pets more than the people they live with, showing just how important pets are.
The new research, by pet experts at TrustedHousesitters, uncovers how British pet owners will celebrate the festivities with their furry friends this year. It revealed that 73% buy their pets presents twice a year or more, with over three-quarters (77%) buying them presents at Christmas.
Food is a big part of Christmas celebrations for owners and pets alike. The study found that two-thirds of pet owners (63%) feed their pets a gourmet Christmas dinner that includes roast meats and trimmings, including turkey, chicken, beef, pork and lamb, while a tenth (11%) opt for classic Christmas vegetables, including carrots, sprouts, and peas. Over one in five (22%) even go the extra mile by serving their pet’s dinner with a splash of gravy – delicious!
However, while most of the classic meat and vegetable options are safe for pets to consume in moderation, vets warn pet owners to be cautious with what they feed their pets during Christmas and New Year, as festive meals can contain hidden dangers. Stuffing, for example, commonly includes onions and garlic, which can be toxic to dogs and cats. With many sausage products also containing onion and garlic, owners should also be mindful if pigs in blankets are on the menu.
Dr. Helena Adalid Marin, a vet, warns, “Christmas is the time of the year when we receive the most poisoning cases. The main culprit is chocolate, which is very toxic to dogs. Sauces with onion and garlic should also be avoided.”
Vet, Dr. Linda Simon adds, “While it may be tempting to toss the turkey carcass to our dog, bones should not be given under any circumstance. This is because they can cause tooth fractures, gut obstructions, or severe constipation. Instead, stick with giving them some of the lean meat to enjoy this Christmas.”
Angela Laws, Head of Community at TrustedHousesitters, comments: “We know that the bond between pets and owners runs deep, and this is never more true than during the festive season. Our research shows owners are keen to involve their pets in their celebrations, with most handing out gifts and even dishing up a special Christmas dinner.
“As we celebrate with our furry friends, we’d encourage owners to stick with safe foods like plain meats and veggies that aren’t overly seasoned. It’s a wonderful way to share the joy of the season without compromising your beloved pet’s wellbeing. We hope everyone has a happy and safe Christmas, two-legged and four-legged alike!”
To learn more about keeping pets safe at Christmas and the products always to avoid, visit the TrustedHousesitters blog: https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/blog/owners/keeping-pet-safe-at-christmas
