Christmas is a time to indulge, celebrate and have fun, but the festive season also presents a world of hidden dangers for our four-legged friends, from toxic foods to dangerous seasonal plants.

To ensure your pets remain safe this Christmas, here are some guidelines for you to follow.

Dangerous food and drink

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.

Alcohol: cats and dogs 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 coma.

Dangerous plants

Poinsettia: 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.

Other seasonal hazards

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 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 cat or dog, but it may obstruct the stomach if it’s swallowed. Glass and plastic baubles can break in a dog or cat’s mouth and cause considerable damage.

Cigarettes: nicotine is toxic to dogs, and cigarette butts are especially dangerous and so it’s important to keep ashtrays out of the reach of dogs. Nicotine replacement patches and e-cigarette refills can also pose a risk.

If you suspect your dog or cat has been poisoned or ingested something harmful (symptoms include vomiting, excess saliva, 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.

We are always overwhelmed at this time of year by the Manx public’s generosity. Our rescue animals are given lots of food, treats and toys and we receive donations of money, which are ’pound-matched’ by a generous well-wisher.

Casper, the stunning seven-year-old husky cross Akita, will still be with us on Christmas Day, but we’ll make it a special day for him as we do for all our rescue animals.

He’ll have even more walks and trips to the exercise fields than usual, he’ll have his own stocking full of presents and he’ll have a Christmas dinner of extra tasty chicken.

If you’d like to meet our rescue animals please note we are closed for animal viewing on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

Please also note that the tearooms will be closed on those days too, and open throughout Christmas week between 10am and 3pm.