JSPCA
PRESS RELEASE
December
2003
PETS SHOULD NOT BE GIVEN AS CHRISTMAS PRESENTS
As Christmas approaches, remember
not to be tempted to give pets as presents.
Pets should not be given as gifts.
In the week between Christmas and New Year, often many animals are
found abandoned, unwanted pets now that the initial novelty has worn off.
Christmas is a stressful period and
is a completely unsuitable time to introduce a new pet into the family.
Alternatively, it may be more beneficial to give a book about the
pet the person may wish for, so that they can ensure that they are fully
aware of the responsibilities involved and understand the needs and
requirements of that particular pet.
It is very important people realise
the care and commitment involved in looking after animals for their whole
life, but also that they consider the cost of caring for animals, which
should of course include providing veterinary treatment for the animal if
it becomes sick or injured, as well as arranging for it to be properly
cared for while you are away from home.
Christmas is an exciting
time, but small animals such as hamsters and birds can become very stressed
if they are placed in a smoky, noisy room.
Make sure your Christmas tree is safe and secure.
Cats can find the dangling tree decorations irresistible and may
pull at them, causing the tree to fall.
Puppies and cats often enjoy playing with tinsel, which can cause
serious problems if swallowed, so remember to keep tinsel and other
Christmas decorations out of harms way.
Help to prevent your pet
from having an upset tummy this Christmas by not letting them over indulge
in festive foods. Chocolate is
a particular problem, especially for dogs at Christmas.
Make sure that your dog does not have access to chocolate
decorations that may be hanging on the Christmas tree and do not be tempted
to give your dog human chocolate as a treat over the festive period.
There is a substance, theobromine, which occurs naturally in the
cocoa bean and that is found in all types of chocolate, but in especially
high levels in dark, high quality chocolate and cocoa powder. Theobromine is poisonous to dogs and can cause serious
illness. For more
information about chocolate toxicity in dogs, please visit the BVA: Animal
Welfare Foundation’s website at www.bva-awf.org.uk
or please read the JSPCA’s press release about the problems of chocolate
poisoning in dogs.
ENDS