Vets are urging pet owners to watch out for potential hazards to their cats and dogs this Christmas.

Chocolate poisoning remains the most common cause of toxic ingestion at Christmas for dogs, and there has also been a spike in poisoning from raisins or sultanas.

Many cats have also suffered during the Christmas period, with one in five vets in London having treated kitties for poisoning from seasonal plants such as lilies and poinsettias.

Antifreeze, decorations and gift wrapping are other common reasons for pets landing up at the vets.

British Veterinary Association president John Fishwick said: “ Our advice is for present-givers to tell owners if there is anything edible in gifts and to keep such presents safely out of reach of your pet.

"If you suspect your pet may have eaten something it shouldn’t, please contact your local vet immediately.”

To keep Christmas merry for the whole household, the BVA is urging animal lovers to ensure their home is safe for four-legged friends by following these five simple tips:

Protect your pet from poisons – a number of festive treats and traditions, such as chocolate, raisins, xylitol (found in sugar-free treats), nuts, grapes, liquorice, poinsettia, holly and mistletoe are toxic to cats and dogs.

Keep decorations out of reach – ribbons, wrapping paper, baubles, tinsel and tree lights can all prove irresistible to cats and dogs but can be very dangerous if broken, chewed or swallowed. Batteries for Christmas gifts also need to be kept safe as, if ingested, they may cause severe chemical burns to the mouth, throat and stomach.

Forget festive food for pets – we all enjoy a richer diet over Christmas, but fatty foods and Christmas dinners shouldn’t be shared. They can trigger sickness and diarrhoea or other conditions from gastroenteritis to pancreatitis, so try to stick to your pet’s regular diet and routine. Bones including turkey bones should not be given to pets as they can splinter and puncture the digestive tract.

Give toys not treats – we all want our pets to share the fun and many of us include a gift for our pet on the shopping list. But too many treats can lead to fat pets which can have serious consequences for their health, so consider opting for a new toy, or a long walk if you want to indulge your pet this Christmas.

Know where to go – even with all the care in the world, animal accidents and emergencies can still happen. Make sure you’re prepared by checking your vet’s emergency cover provision and holiday opening hours or, if you are away from home, use the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons’ Find a Vet facility at https://findavet.rcvs.org.uk/home/