TWINKLY lights, rich food, parties, booze, and baubles galore are the mainstays of everyone's Christmas, yet while this is something humans revel in, it can actually be a very stressful time for our pets. As such, animal charities are keen to encourage owners to think about how their four or two-legged friends fare over the festive period.
The stress can come from a change in routine. Extra visitors, loud music and bright, shiny decorations can all put them off their stride, and a bit of planning ahead can help minimise that stress for pets.
The RSPCA, Dogs Trust and Cats Protection League all offer advice making sure your favoured pets do not suffer any kind of downside to the arrival of Santa and the wild partying of New Year's Eve, and The Herald has brought together some of their key advice here.
For cats and dogs, stick to their routine - try to keep food, exercise, bed and toilet break routines the same, as consistency can help pets feel more secure. If you have kept to your normal routine, then chances are your dog will be nice and relaxed by the time they arrive. You can also help your dog to stay calm by giving them a distraction when your guests first arrive, like a longlasting food release treat or a chew.
This story is from the December 23, 2024 edition of The Herald.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the December 23, 2024 edition of The Herald.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
STRIKER CRISIS
GRAY IS NOW THE ONLY FIT FRONTMAN AT HOME PARK
Injuries have left Pilgrims very light in attack
GRAY IS THE ONLY FIT STRIKER AS ARGYLE HIT THE FESTIVE PERIOD
Raiders ends year on a high with victory over the Cobras
PLYMOUTH Raiders got into the Christmas spirit on Sunday with their first competitive game since the win over the Patriots, and they were looking to give the sell-out crowd who packed into the Life Centre an early Christmas gift of a win.
Local lad Trigger returns to Plymouth to ride for Centurians
PLYMOUTH speedway have confirmed the seven riders that will make up their National Development Trophy team for the 2025 season and there is a welcome return for homegrown racer Ben Trigger.
Loyalty card issue for Morrisons
MORRISONS has cut the price of items including turkeys and Champagne for all shoppers, after a system glitch hit its loyalty card yesterday, but some customers may face delayed Christmas orders.
King's focus is on value of health
THE King's Christmas message will focus on the efforts of healthcare workers, following a year that saw Charles and the Princess of Wales treated for cancer.
'Challenge' for Reeves
CHANCELLOR Rachel Reeves has described the \"challenge\" of fixing the economy as \"huge\", after revised official figures showed that the UK economy flatlined in the third quarter of the year.
Santa Bus 'unsafe to drive'
MECHANICAL FAULT STOPS FESTIVE BUS IN ITS TRACKS
A time of hope and goodwill
Spirit of generosity at heart of Christian faith
We need to be ambitious for Plymouth
We asked city MPs and the city council's leader to write their Christmas messages for residents. Here's what they said...
