RSPCA Victoria has shared its top tips for a pet-friendly Christmas to keep our furry friends safe from festive hazards.

RSPCA Victoria Chief Veterinarian Dr Bronwyn Oke said this time of year is often risky for pets due to multiple dangers being in the home at the same time.

“Many traditional foods eaten this time of year such as fruitcakes, puddings, chocolate, nuts, and alcohol, are dangerous to our pets and can require urgent veterinary treatment if eaten,” Dr Oke said.

“Foods like roast turkey or a leg of ham are also potentially dangerous due to the risk of cooked bones splintering and causing severe internal injuries or high-fat foods potentially causing pancreatitis.

“It can be tough to say ‘no’ when your best mate is begging for a treat at Christmas, so distract them with a long-lasting treat like a raw bone or a treat ball, or even give them their own suitable meal when you start to serve up food for everyone else.

“These small steps can make a big difference on Christmas day and potentially mean you can spend the day at home instead of your local vet clinic.”

Senior Animal Care Manager at RSPCA Victoria, Ms Nadia Peiris, agreed and said having lots of unfamiliar people and items like decorations and gifts in your home can also cause stress in your pet, leading to unexpected behaviours.

“If there are a lot of people in your home who are new or unfamiliar to your pet, they might feel anxious and stressed out,” Ms Peiris said.

“When our animals are stressed, they can react in unexpected ways; these can sometimes be destructive or even dangerous to others.

“Make sure your pet has somewhere safe and quiet they can go if they’re feeling overwhelmed and keep any dangerous gifts or decorations out of reach.

“Younger pets might try to play with decorations or gifts, but these items often contain glass, metal, or hard plastics which can cut their paws or cause choking if eaten, so please keep them out of reach.

“Plants are also a popular gift this time of year, but many pet owners are unaware that some plants like lilies and aloe vera are highly toxic to cats and dogs and are potentially fatal without urgent treatment.”

For more free advice on having a pet-safe Christmas this year, visit rspcavic.org/christmas-safety