Please click here for the latest information on how to access our services.

Click here to find out more about our change in emergency care in early January. 

We wish you and your pets a very happy festive period in Hawick. With lots to think about it can be easy to forget the risks that are associated with Christmas and our pets. Most of the risks are present all year round, however, we do see an increase in pets eating hazards materials or foods. Our guide below covers the main hazards that are encountered during the festive period.

What are the hazards to pets during Christmas?

General Christmas hazards include:

  • christmas tree pine needles
  • tinsel
  • glass baubles
  • fairy lights
  • salt dough ornaments
  • gifts under the tree (if contain hazardous foods)
  • batteries
  • silica gel (found inside packaging)
  • Potpourri
  • lilies
  • ivy
  • mistletoe

Food hazards include:

  • chocolate
  • mince pies
  • artificial sweeteners (which can be found in cakes or desserts) xylitol is one of the hazardous sweeteners that is found in cakes and chewing gum
  • roast potatoes
  • sausages
  • stuffing
  • onions
  • cheese (especially blue types)
  • grapes
  • crisps
  • christmas cake
  • sultanas
  • pigs in blankets
  • gravy
  • cooked bones

We hope that you shouldn't need us during the festive period, however, if your pet does happen to ingest any of the listed hazards, please contact your practice where the team can assist you in the next steps that need to be taken.

We wish you a happy and healthy festive season. Please contact us in Hawick for further information.

Hawick Veterinary Practice

footer icon location

1 Earl StreetHawickTD9 9PZ

View Map & full Details

footer icon telephone01450 372038In an emergency outside of normal hours, please call us.

footer icon email[email protected]Emails are read during weekday working hours.

footer icon openingOpening hours

Monday to Friday:8.45am – 6.00pm