Preparing Your Pet for the Christmas Season

The festive season is such a fun time of year, but it often comes with changes to routine, extra visitors, travel plans and plenty of tempting food around the house. A little preparation goes a long way in keeping your pets happy, healthy and safe over Christmas. Here are a few simple steps to help you get organised.

Make sure you’re stocked up on food and medication

Christmas closures and public holidays can make it harder to get what you need at short notice.
Before the rush starts, double-check that you have enough of the following to get your pet through the season:

• Prescription medications
• Parasite prevention - don't forget it's peak tick season! This is especially crucial if you are going camping.
• Prescription diets
• Their usual food and treats

If your pet needs repeat scripts, medications or special-order food, place your order early. This avoids last-minute stress and ensures you’re covered as our suppliers shut down over the break. You can order your food and medication either on our clinic app or by calling our receptionists on 02 9631 9322.

Watch out for toxic Christmas foods

The holiday table is full of things that aren’t safe for pets. Some common festive foods that can cause serious illness include:

• Christmas ham and fatty meats
• Chocolate
• Grapes and raisins
• Christmas cake and pudding
• Macadamia nuts
• Onion and garlic
• Alcohol
• Xylitol (found in some lollies, baked goods and low-sugar products)

If you’re hosting, remind guests not to slip your pet any treats. A lot of people genuinely don’t realise certain foods are dangerous. Keep plates and gift baskets out of reach, and pop leftovers straight in the fridge.

Prepare for fireworks and celebrations

Many pets find fireworks and loud parties frightening. Planning ahead can make a huge difference:

• Make a safe space inside with familiar bedding and toys
• Close windows and blinds to reduce noise and flashes
• Use background noise like TV or calming music
• Make sure your pet’s microchip details are up to date
• Take your dog for a big walk earlier in the day
• Consider Adaptil, Feliway or calming supplements if your pet is anxious
• Talk to us early if your pet may need medication for noise anxiety

Don’t wait until the night fireworks are happening. Preparing a few days in advance helps pets feel more secure.

Be mindful of decorations

Christmas decorations can be surprisingly tempting. Some common hazards include:

• Tinsel and ribbon (can cause intestinal blockages if swallowed)
• Electrical cords from lights
• Fragile baubles
• Pine needles or artificial tree pieces
• Candles
• Snow globes that may contain toxic substances

A good rule of thumb is to keep anything small, shiny or dangly out of reach of pets that like to explore.

Visitors and routine changes

Extra people in the house, noisy gatherings and changes to routine can be overwhelming for some pets. A few helpful tips:

• Give shy pets a quiet room to retreat to
• Keep doors and gates closed so no one escapes
• Stick to feeding and walking routines as closely as possible
• Remind visitors not to let pets out accidentally
• Supervise pets and children at all times

Planning to travel?

Whether you're heading away for a few days or boarding your pet, organise everything early:

• Check vaccination requirements for boarding, call us to requests a vaccination certificate!
• Make sure parasite prevention is up to date, especially if going in tick areas e.g along the coast
• Pack enough food and medication for the whole trip
• If using a pet sitter, leave clear written instructions and emergency contacts
• Update your microchip details before you go