Almost a third of cats and dogs will be left alone in the house as people travel to visit friends and family this festive season. Pet owners are being warned of the dangers of leaving their beloved cats and dogs unattended over the Christmas period. 10% of owners will be leaving their pets completely unattended this Christmas and one in five pet owners will have friends or neighbours checking in on their four-legged friends.
“Many pet owners choose to leave their pets at home over Christmas, however this poses certain risks” says Simon Bennett, Managing Director at petGuard.
Leading pet insurer petGuard discusses the safety of leaving pets at home over Christmas.
Separation anxiety
According to the RSPCA, 8 out of 10 dogs find it hard to cope when they’re left alone. Many dogs are prone to separation anxiety, with certain breeds being particularly susceptible due to their social or energetic nature. Labradors are highly social animals that can struggle when left alone. Border Collies, known for their intelligence, require plenty of mental stimulation and can become bored and misbehave without it. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, bred for centuries as loyal companions, are especially anxious when apart from their owners, while energetic Jack Russell Terriers can quickly turn their boredom into mischief.
It’s much rarer for cats to suffer from separation anxiety than it is for dogs, but even cats can still become overly dependent on their owners and suffer when they’re left home alone. Exotic breeds such as Siamese cats or Burmese are prone to separation anxiety.
Pet Theft
Dark nights and empty houses during the festive season create a prime window of opportunity for thieves. Alongside burglaries, pet theft rises as criminals exploit unattended pets in gardens or empty houses, driven by the high demand for pets. Families can protect their homes and beloved pets by being cautious and adding security elements like cameras.
“Pet owners should make sure that pets are safe and well, particularly if they are on their own this Christmas” adds Bennett.
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