RSPCA’s Naughty and Nice list for your pets this Christmas

It’s the most wonderful time of the year… and nobody wants to have to make a trip to the vet this season.

Keep your animals safe this Christmas, with some handy tips from the animal experts.

The RSPCA Queensland has released its Naughty and Nice list to ensure everyone has a safe Christmas with their fur-baby’s.

The naughty list includes types of toxic foods that’ll do harm to your pets, as well as toxic plants you may be gifted, and leaving pets in the summer heat.

“Corn cobs and cooked bones pose a real danger to your pet’s insides. Keep a careful watch on what BBQ scraps you’re treating your pet with this Christmas,” says RSPCA Queensland’s Chief Veterinarian, Dr Anne Chester. 

“Cooked bones are brittle and sharp and can get stuck in your pet’s throat or pierce their stomach lining. We do see dogs coming in with corn cobs stuck that require surgery.”

The RSPCA’s Naughty List:

• Toxic Foods
  • Grapes/sultanas/raisins & Fruitcake/pudding!  
  • Macadamia nuts 
  • Onion and garlic 
  • Avocado 
  • Processed meat  
  • Cooked bones 
  • Chocolate 
  • Corn cobs
• Toxic Plants
  • Lilies are a common flower cutting in homes that are highly toxic to cats if ingested.
    
• Travelling with pets unrestrained on the back of utes/trailers 
• Leaving pets in hot cars 
• Leaving animals tethered in backyards 

The RSPCA’s Nice List: 

• Hosting a gathering at Christmas? Ensure your pet has a quiet place to retreat. More tips here. 
• Try to keep your pet to their usual routine if you’re on holidays, like regular play and exercise. 
• If you can offer a pet a second chance, consider adopting a pet. 
• Donate items to your local RSPCA like toys and treats for pets in care. You can fill a pet’s stocking at RSPCA Wacol or Noosa too.  
• Sign up to volunteer or become a foster carer in the New Year.

Merry Christmas, and keep safe to you and your cute little pets!