Christmas 2020 is shaping up to be a very special one.

Trees, lights and decorations all seem to have gone up early as people seek to surround themselves with festive cheer in the face of Covid-19 gloom.

And so it’s time to remind pet owners of the seasonal hazards that Christmas brings.

Here are some guidelines for you to follow.

Plants:

Although the toxicity of the poinsettia has often been exaggerated it can cause irritation to the mouth and stomach if it’s ingested, as can holly and mistletoe berries.

Pine needles can also damage the delicate lining of the oesophagus, and ivy leaves can cause skin irritation.

Silica gel:

This often comes in little white sachets and is found in the packaging of clothes, electrical goods and other gifts we might be wrapping (and then unwrapping) for Christmas.

Make sure you dispose of the sachets in a bin so that your pet isn’t tempted to play with them and ingest the gel, which will cause a stomach upset.

Christmas decorations:

Tinsel can be irresistible to a playful pet, but it may obstruct the stomach if it’s swallowed; and glass and plastic baubles can break in an animal’s mouth and cause considerable damage.

Cigarettes: Nicotine is toxic if ingested in sufficient quantity and so it’s important to keep ashtrays out of reach. Nicotine replacement patches and e-cigarette refills can also pose a risk.

Alcohol:

Pets are naturally inquisitive and may help themselves to any unattended alcohol left lying around over the festive period, and so make sure it is always out of their reach. Too much alcohol can cause low blood sugar and lead to an animal becoming comatose.

The following foods are particularly hazardous for dogs:

Chocolate: the chemical theobromine is found in chocolate and it is toxic to dogs.

The darker the chocolate the more potent the levels of theobromine become - with baker’s chocolate being the most dangerous.

Avoid putting any chocolate on or under the Christmas tree, even if it’s sealed in foil or in a box, and wrapped with paper, because most dogs will succumb to temptation.

Grapes and their dried products (currants, sultanas and raisins): these are also toxic to dogs and they are found in so many Christmas treats, from puddings to pies, and ingestion of even a small quantity can cause severe kidney failure.

Onions, garlic, leeks and chives: these vegetables are poisonous for dogs whether cooked or uncooked, but their effects may not be noticed straight away because they cause anaemia which may take several days to become apparent.

If you suspect your pet has been poisoned or has ingested something harmful (symptoms include vomiting, excess salivation, panting, and either extreme restlessness or lethargy) then you need to seek emergency advice from your veterinarian.

Prompt action will save your pet’s life but, as the saying goes, prevention is better than cure.

If you’re struggling to find the perfect Christmas gift for the pet owner who has everything, then why not come along to the ManxSPCA’s festive photo shoot this weekend (and December 12 and 13)?

Your pet will be expertly photographed, like Diego pictured, and you will be given several digital images to take away - all for just £12.50.

Please book a time slot in advance by e-mailing [email protected].