A special Christmas tree that looked as if it had been attacked by animals popped up in the city centre.
The “pets-mess-tree” from Pets at Home, could be spotted on the green in front of St Peter’s Church in Brighton on Wednesday.
The pet care brand created the tree to symbolize the playful disruption pets often bring during the festive season. From toppled baubles, to tangled tinsel and dislodged lights, the display pays tribute to the festive faux paws familiar to pet owners across the country.
It was in the city for one day only.
The unveiling also follows research from Pets at Home that shows Christmas is not always smooth sledding for pet owners.
Some 71 per cent report pet-related challenges over the holidays, with 23 per cent having witnessed their pets climbing their Christmas tree and 21 per cent seeing their tree toppled entirely.
The company said it found one in five cats have smashed baubles, one in five dogs have opened presents and 13 per cent of cats and dogs have marked their territory by urinating on the Christmas tree.
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A notable 16 per cent of pets have stolen food from Christmas dinner tables and one in ten have pilfered some roast turkey.
Over three quarters (77 per cent) pet-proof their Christmas celebrations, using methods including using an artificial tree (30 per cent), hiding all the edible Christmas treats (28 per cent), avoiding certain decorations (26 per cent), and only decorating the top of the tree (11 per cent).
Despite these efforts, over a third (35 per cent) of pet owners who are registered with a vet had to book an emergency appointment at Christmas. The most common reason being that their pet ate food that was harmful to them (11 per cent), followed by them becoming highly anxious or stressed (nine per cent), or them becoming injured by the Christmas tree/swallowing a decoration (both seven per cent).
Dr Samantha Butler-Davies MRCVS, Veterinary Services Director at Pets at Home, shared her tips for pet-proofing your Christmas festivities.
Decorating a pet friendly tree:
- Avoid dangly decorations – the temptation is too great.
- Keep edible decorations off the tree – treats dangling from branches can be easily snaffled and are harmful to pets.
- Avoid tinsel and ribbons - they can be dangerous when ingested, potentially causing blockages. Consider garlands instead.
Ensuring tree safety:
- Invest in a heavy stand - it will prevent your tree from tipping over if your pet gives it a bump. Attaching the tree to a wall will also help avoid any toppling.
- Keep water covered - if you have a real Christmas tree, ensure to keep the water bowl covered to prevent pets from drinking from it.
- Cord protectors and cable covers - keep electrical cords out of reach and always unplug lights when you’re not able to supervise.
Gift watch:
- Hide them away - try to keep Christmas presents and decorations in a room that pets can be kept away from at night/when unsupervised.
- Pet pressies - make sure these are designed and created for pets specifically so you can be confident they will not harm them. Avoid wrapping them with tape and ribbon as these are hazards for pets.
- Keep treats secure: Make sure treats for humans, such as chocolate and baked goods, are kept away from pets. If gifts contain food, keep them in a pet-proof area to avoid temptation.
Parasite prevention:
Regular preventative treatment can help to keep pets protected
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