YOU have seen it, it looks cute, you think it will light up the life of your child; you can’t wait to see his or her smiling face on Christmas day when they get their new pet.
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But buying your child a pet as a Christmas gift might not be such a good idea.
RSPCA spokesperson Brigitte Burridge said purchasing a pet as a surprise gift for Christmas, whether it is a dog, puppy, cat, kitten, or other animal may not always be the brilliant gift that it was intended to be.
“Taking on ownership of a new pet is a very big responsibility, and those receiving the animal may not prepared or be able to fully commit to its best welfare,” she said.
“There is the cost factor to consider, such as medical veterinary care, and ensuring always that the animal can be looked after and cared for on a daily basis. Small children may be very excited upon receiving a cute little fluffy kitten or puppy as a surprise Christmas present, however, as time goes by, and the animal gets older, their interest may decrease, ultimately leaving the family with an unwanted pet.”
Mrs Burridge said all too often people decide that that cute furry animal they bought for Christmas is just not worth the hassle.
“The RSPCA traditionally receives a very large number of unwanted cat and dogs post the Christmas period due to the just these types of circumstances,” she said.
“We advise people to think very carefully before buying a pet as a child’s Christmas present this festive season.”
Mrs Burridge said if you do decide to get a pet for Christmas take into account your festive season schedule and the temperatures of the season.
“Many families enjoy holidaying over the Christmas period and this can create an issue as to who will take care of their pet during their absence, whether it is boarding kennels or a family friend,” she said.
“If a family member or friend is chosen that carer must be a reliable person, who is willing and able to consistently take good care of your pet.
“Higher temperatures experienced during the December and January period can also be problematic. Animals always needs a readily available source of fresh, clean drinking water both inside and outside.”
If you do decide to buy a pet for Christmas the RSPCA has some handy tips:
- Don’t give in to those puppy dog eyes. Christmas food includes some of the most dangerous foods for animals to consume.
- If you’re hosting celebrations, exercise pets before your guests arrive.
- Create a safe, quiet place for your pet to relax away from the party. Even the most social creatures need a break sometimes. It may also help to play music or leave the TV on to mask the chatter of visitors
- Don’t give in to those puppy dog eyes. Christmas food includes some of the most dangerous foods for animals to consume. Festive foods can be fatal, so don’t give in to those pleading looks!Particularly, do not let your pets anywhere near alcohol, avocado, chocolate, Christmas pudding, coffee, cooked bones, currants, fruit cake, grapes, gravy, ham, lollies, macadamia nuts, marinades, onion, pork, raisins or sugarless gum.Of course, some pets can be very crafty when it comes to plotting ways to obtain special treats, so keep an eye out for any changes in appearance or behaviour (including poor breathing, excessive panting, poor breathing, muscle twitching, vomiting and diarrhoea). If you think your pet has eaten something they shouldn’t have, please take them to the local vet as soon as possible. Read more about risky festive food here.
- Keep Christmas decorations out of reach. A dog or cat may think the baubles hanging from the tree look conveniently like toys or tennis balls – but if a plastic or glass ornament breaks in their mouth, it could cause serious damage. Edible decorations like candy canes can also pose a risk. It’s best to hang anything risky near the top of the tree.If your feline friend is fascinated by the tinsel or tree lights, keep an eye on these too, to avoid the risk of choking or electric shock.
- Clean up wrapping paper quickly after presents have been opened. If chewed, wrapping paper and ribbons can prove dangerous for a pet’s intestines.
- Don’t forget to give your pet a special Christmas treat! Your pet needn’t miss out on all the festive cheer - you can have some fun with this one. You could create a treasure hunt of dry food or treats around the house or yard, whip up some pupcakes, make them their favourite Kong, or take some time to play their favourite games with them.