Unsuitable Christmas gifts

As we are well in the swing of the festive period, it is a good time to remind everyone that:

DOGS AND CATS DO NOT MAKE SUITABLE CHRISTMAS PRESENTS.

Every year, Dogs Trust and Cats Protection are inundated with unwanted dogs and cats who have been given as Christmas gifts, only to find themselves surplus to requirements once January comes around.

There are many reasons why this is a very bad time to introduce a new pet to your home. You will undoubtedly have more visitors than at other times of the year, all of whom will be louder than usual and full of festive cheer! This could terrify a new puppy or kitten and leave a lasting impression that visitors are scary and to be barked at/avoided at all costs, leading to behavioural problems in the future.

There will also probably be Christmas decorations in your home, just right for puppies and kittens to sink tiny teeth into, resulting in choking and even death.

In addition, it is very likely you will have more chocolate and festive food lying around. all of which is completely unsuitable for your pets to eat and in the case of dark chocolate and poultry bones a very small amount can be fatal to animals.

If you are planning to introduce a kitten or puppy, or indeed an adult cat or dog, to your family in the near future, wait until after Christmas. You will have something lovely to look forward to and what better way to banish those January blues? Take a look at the page on the blog for lots of info to help you.