Merry Christmas from all at the GSPCA and advice on how to keep your pets safe over the festive season
Submitted by Steve on 15:52, 25th Dec, 2017 |
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Christmas is a wonderful time of year and especially today – but not always for your pets!
Every year the GSPCA has reported incidents of pets putting their safety at risk.
Here are some tips from the GSPCA to keep your pets safe. Please keep them away from -
Alcoholic beverages
Chocolate (highly toxic to pets)
Coffee
Mouldy or spoiled foods (please ensure all waste is disposed of and stored safely away from your pets)
Salt
Chicken or Turkey bones (as they can splinter)
Avoid giving your pet any of your leftovers as this can cause diarrhoea. Also keep your pet away from cooked bones: they can easily splinter or get lodged in your pet’s throat and can cause serious damage by puncturing the intestinal tract.
We all love a real Christmas tree but fallen tree needles are very sharp and can easily get stuck in your pet’s paws or throat. Sweep tree needles up regularly or fence off your Christmas tree to separate your pet and tree.
Do not hang your chocolates from your Christmas tree: they are highly toxic and your pet will be tempted if he can see and smell them. Also those wrapped selection boxes for a dog are very tempting as even wrapped they can smell them inside.
Cover up electric wires and flashing tree lights so your pet can’t chew them and electrocute himself.
Try using fairy lights that don’t flash as some pets when up close can get very scared by these.
Christmas tree decorations can cause a nasty accident and even be fatal to your pet. Cats, and young pets especially, will show a great interest in decorations hanging from your tree. Try to use unbreakable decorations and nothing too small. Avoid tinsel or ribbons as these are dangerous to the gastrointestinal tract if your pet swallows them.
Christmas trees need to be well anchored so your pet can’t pull it over. Cats love to climb inside if given the chance and can cause a number of risks.
Holly, mistletoe, lilies and yew trees are poisonous to pets and must be kept well out of reach.
Remember loud noises will panic your pet, such as Christmas crackers, poppers, balloons, and champagne bottles. Adaptil and feliway products can help reduce stress in your dogs and cats, please speak to the GSPCA or your vet for more details.
Remove your Christmas wrapping paper (and toys) from the floor to avoid your pet chewing or swallowing it.
For your pet’s safety this Christmas always buy your pet’s presents from a reputable pet shop or veterinary clinic. The GSPCA Charity Shop or at the Shelter are ideal locations for advice and a lovely selection.
For peace of mind please check your local veterinary surgery’s opening hours over the Christmas period and have their phone number to hand just in case you need it.
Steve Byrne GSPCA Manager said “Most pet related Christmas dangers are easily avoided so have fun and remember to be pet safe!”
“At the GSPCA we want to wish all our supporters a very Merry Christmas.”
From all at the GSPCA we wish you and your pets a very Merry Christmas!
With over 500 animals in our care and the team working around the clock over the festive period your donation to the GSPCA could help animals such as Temperance the seal pup to the many hedgehogs in our care, cats like Hope who recently had an operation to birds like Bunni in need of a home.
Here just some of the ways you can help us help hundreds of animals this Christmas –
If you join and become an Angel Pen Pal Sponsor or give as a gift to a loved one you can be part of something special and receive some great gifts which include -
Your very own cuddly white seal pup (please note real seal pups aren't cuddly in real life and if you spot one please call the GSPCA on 257261)
A Christmas GSPCA Pin Badge
A Christmas card from the animals at the GSPCA
A free GSPCA t-shirt or polo shirt for those donating £5 a month or more (children's sizes available)
Or a free GSPCA hoodie or sweat shirt for those donating £10 a month or more (children's sizes available)
A plaque on the GSPCA Angel pen Pal Sponsor Board
A Certificate
A Car Sticker
Angel Pen Pal Sponsors to gain free access 11am to 4pm to animal viewing areas at the GSPCA.
Our most recent newsletter (which you receive each quarter with updates)
In our newsletter we have Angel Pen Pal updates on many of the animals you help sponsor
Have you got a GSPCA Hoody, Polo Shirt, Sweat Shirt or T-shirt? If not get yours by clicking here.
To find out about our Events, how to become a Member, Sponsor an Animal Pen, our Wish List, Corporate Sponsorship & Volunteering, , our New Build & Redevelopment Appeal and much more please click here.
There are many ways to support the work of the GSPCA and you can even donate online by clicking the paypal link below.
By post cheques payable to 'GSPCA' - GSPCA, Rue des Truchots, St Andrews, Guernsey, GY6 8UD
Or by phone 01481 257261.
To find out more regarding our Angel Sponsorship Scheme please click here.
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