While the holiday season is a generally enjoyable time, it can pose some specific risks for your pet. Read on to keep your pet safe and to avoid hefty vet bills (which you probably can't afford after buying all those pressies!)

Dangerous Foods for Pets: Even though you might be indulging, don't give your pet the following foods

• Sweets: Since you obviously read our Chocolate Toxicity Blog Post, you know that chocolate is toxic to your pet. There will likely be lots of sweets around during this time, remember to keep sweets away from your pet, especially dark chocolate and those sweetened with the artificial sweetener xylitol.
• The Christmas Ham (and other fatty foods): Foods high in fat, as well as bones, should not be fed to your pets. These foods can cause painful (and sometimes life-threatening) pancreatitis, gastroenteritis and intestinal obstruction.
• Definitely lay off the booze: If your party is a good one, there will be plenty of adult beverages around. Keep alcohol away from pets; If consumed, your animal might become sick and could even go into a coma.

Caution with Decorations: They might be pretty, but some can be dangerous for your pets

• Say NO to European or North Ametican Mistletoe: This plant, when ingested, can cause gastrointestinal upset and cardiovascular problems. Australia has its own species of mistletoe . Also when buying flowers, remember, many varieties of lillies can cause kidney failure in cats if ingested.

• The Climbing Cat & The Christmas Tree: If your cat is anything like mine, he'll instantly try to scale the tree, so make sure it's securely anchored. Do not let your pet drink from the tree water, it might contain bacteria or harmful chemicals.

(...but it is acceptable to watch this adorable video of Simon the cat exploring this fictional Xmas tree...just don't let yours go this far!)

• Terrible Tinsel: Kitties love to play with this string-like "toy,"  but ingesting any of it may  lead to an obstructed digestive tract, severe vomiting, dehydration and possible surgery.

As if the holiday season wasn't dangerous enough, summertime also poses other specific risks to your pet.

• As the temperature rises, beware of heat stroke in dogs.
• Tick Season is in full swing. Read about how to prevent tick paralysis in your pet
• While you might be preoccupied entertaining guests, make sure your pet doesn't get into these common household toxins.

Want your dog to look picture perfect for summer? Book in now for our dog grooming services!