Barking mad! Don’t break the seven deadly Christmas sins

As Christmas approaches, rural insurer NFU Mutual, is offering a timely reminder that pets should be remembered over the festive period too.

Jo Sowley, Underwriter at NFU Mutual said, “Just because you are enjoying the excitement, noise and decadence of Christmas, it does not mean that your pet will feel the same way too. As a nation of animal lovers, of course you want to get your pet involved in the fun but Christmas brings risks and temptations for animals. Last December, nearly one in three policyholders made an insurance claim for their dog or cat, emphasising the importance of preparing for any festive eventuality.”

NFU Mutual offers pet owners advice on how not to break the seven deadly Christmas sins.

GLUTTONY

At Christmas the house is always full of fine festive fare but you should not be tempted to treat your pet by giving them the same food that you enjoy as it can be too rich for their stomachs. Chocolate is poisonous to dogs so you should ensure that tree decorations are not within nibbling distance. Keep an eye on your unattended glasses of mulled wine too, alcohol can seriously damage a pet’s health.

LUST

The house is likely to be busy with visitors coming and going and doors can often be left open accidentally. Your pet dog, lusting after the great outdoors, may try and make a break for it. Therefore you should ensure that doors and windows are closed to prevent losing your pal.

GREED

At Christmas time you may want to involve your pet in the celebrations but check whether your pet is of the right temperament to be involved in the festivities. It might not actually want to be part of the day. Don’t be greedy for its time and let it have its own space. Put its basket in the usual place and allow the animal to take ‘time out’ if it is getting distressed.

SLOTH

Just because the order of the day may be different for you, your pet is used to its own routine. Horses in particular are used to early starts and you should try to keep to the same routine as much as possible. You should also make sure that all pets are fed at their usual time and still take your dog out for walks, regardless of whether you want to or not! In fact it may be a good excuse to get the family out in the fresh air for a while too. However, if you are walking after dark, you should kit yourself and your dog out in reflective clothing.

WRATH

If you don’t want to incur the wrath of the pet, be aware of loud noises. Party poppers, crackers and general noisy merriment can upset an animal or in some cases, frighten it so that it retaliates and snaps or scratches. Try and be considerate.

ENVY

Children can get very excited at Christmas and your pet may not be used to having kids around. With lots of presents being swapped and played with, your pet could get jealous so make sure it is given attention too. You can buy special ‘pet stockings’ if you really want to involve your animal.

PRIDE

You may be proud of your beloved terrier or tabby but be careful if you want to show it off by draping it with tinsel or bows. The animal could end up injuring itself by either getting caught up in the tinsel or eating it.

Sowley concludes, “Above all, remember that pets should never be bought as a surprise gift for anyone.”