Paw-fect Christmas for your pets

By Aislinn O'Connor

As we approach that time of year when Santa Paws brings gifts to all the nice pets who managed to not knock down the Christmas tree or eat the tinsel, Maxi Zoo, Ireland’s largest pet retailer, surveyed 1,000 people to find out how they and their pets celebrate the festive season.

From how much paw-rents are spending on their fur babies, to Christmas dinner traditions, Maxi Zoo’s survey gives a fun insight into Irish pets at Christmas time. The survey reveals the buying habits of pet owners, and it turns out that people aren't the only ones opening presents on Christmas morning, with 95 per cent of people surveyed saying they will buy their pet a Christmas present.

But Maxi Zoo urges pet owners to be cautious with their fur babies' Christmas dinner this year as turkey can upset pets’ stomachs and can also pose a choking hazard. Maxi Zoo suggests feeding your pet their regular food and supplementing with a delicious pet appropriate treat, of which Maxi Zoo has plenty to choose from.

Maxi Zoo’s stores have the purrfect Christmas presents for your pets. Feline festive favourites include a cat nip bauble (€3), containing toys which can be hung on a Christmas tree to encourage cats to avoid playing with regular Christmas decorations. Doggy delights include an 'on-trend' red velvet bow tie (€4-€5), that simply slides on to your dog’s collar and much more.

Maxi Zoo will host a very special free Christmas event in stores on Saturday 14 December. The big man himself, Santa Paws will be in store from 12-4pm, and pet owners are encouraged to bring their fur babies along and take their own special Christmas photo with the man in red.