Pet-Friendly Holidays - FOUR PAWS

For many families, a decorated Christmas tree is part of the holiday. For dogs and cats – especially young ones – the unfamiliar tree in the living room is often an exciting new toy. Extra caution is needed when decorating: 'It's best to decorate the lower third of the tree with plastic baubles that won't shatter if they fall,' advises Janine Cirini, Pet Campaigner at FOUR PAWS Switzerland. 'Glass baubles can shatter into very fine pieces, causing painful paw injuries. In the worst case, the shards may even be accidentally licked up.'

Tinsel also poses significant risks. The thin, often lead-based strands are toxic and can cause life-threatening intestinal blockages if swallowed. Those who use real candles on the tree should only let them burn under constant supervision.

**Dangerous Temptations**

During the holidays, cookies, stollen, and chocolate are available in many places – but many of these treats are toxic to pets. Chocolate contains theobromine, which can be life-threatening for dogs and cats. 'Some animals are very curious or gluttonous and will try anything,' explains Cirini. 'Chocolate can cause cramps and diarrhea, and with larger amounts, heart arrhythmias or respiratory arrest can occur. The darker the chocolate, the higher the theobromine content.'

Certain nuts, such as macadamia, bitter almonds, as well as fresh or unripe walnuts, can also cause symptoms of poisoning. Raisins, on the other hand, can lead to acute, potentially fatal kidney failure in some dogs. Plates with treats should therefore always be placed out of reach of pets – as should edible tree decorations.

**Festive Meals Are Not Pet Food**

Even when you want to spoil your pets during the holidays: Salty and seasoned foods, like leftover holiday roasts, should be off-limits for dogs and cats. Poultry bones are also a risky snack, as cooked or stewed bones can easily splinter. 'If you want to spoil your pet during the holidays, offer natural products from the pet food trade. Instead of many treats, you can also make your dog happy with particularly long and varied walks. This is healthy and also prevents those annoying holiday pounds,' recommends Cirini.

**Media Contact:**

Chantal Häberling, Communication Switzerland
FOUR PAWS - Foundation for Animal Welfare
Altstetterstrasse 124
8048 Zurich
Tel. +41 43 311 80 90
presse@vier-pfoten.ch
www.vier-pfoten.ch

Editor's note: Image rights belong to the respective publisher. Image rights: Bogdan Baraghin