VETS are warning people about the numerous hazards to their pets this Christmas, with the majority treating cases of chocolate poisoning.

Statistics released by the British Veterinary Association revealed one in ten vets treated dogs who had eaten Christmas decorations in 2014 and 69 per cent saw cases of chocolate poisoning during the festive season.

To help bring down those figures, vets are sharing advice on how to keep pets happy and safe this Christmas.

Dr Huw Stacey, director of clinical services at Vets4Pets, said: “Christmas can be a very hectic and busy time, but it’s important that pet owners remember to keep an eye on their pets throughout the festive season.

“Pets are naturally very curious so will be tempted to try and eat any of the new treats and objects around the house during Christmas.

“A great tradition at Christmas for many families is decorating the house and tree, but this activity can bring a lot of risks to pets if not managed correctly.

“Cats love to climb so make sure your tree is securely anchored so they can’t pull it over and injure themselves. Hoovering up any stray pine needles will also help, as they can easily get stuck in a pet’s paw and cause irritation.

“Most pets will be tempted to eat tinsel and baubles so keep them well out of your pet’s reach, and any wiring for lights should be hidden so pets can’t shock themselves if they try to nibble on them.”

One of the biggest pet welfare problems reported around Christmas is food, with vets recording numerous cases of pets falling ill after eating festive treats.

Chocolate is not the only common cause of accidental poisoning as many traditional Christmas foods can be toxic to pets.

“Pet owners should always avoid giving their pets any of the Christmas dinner leftovers as it can cause accidental poisoning or remaining bones may get stuck in the pet’s throat, leading to emergency visits to the vets on Christmas Day,” Dr Stacey added.

“Most pet owners may be aware of how toxic chocolate can be for pets, but there are a whole host of other foods which can make pets seriously ill. These include raisins, nuts, grapes, Christmas pudding, mince pies, onions and garlic.”