VETS are warning people to be alert to the extra hazards their animals face over Christmas to ensure their festive season runs smoothly.

Alex Chapple-Hyam, trainee veterinary nurse at Brentknoll Veterinary Centre in Bath Road, Worcester, said pet-owners should make sure Christmas decorations were securely fastened.

Two other hazards she highlighted were the festive plant poinsettia, which is poisonous to animals, and feeding pets turkey bones - which they could choke on.

And she also highlighted the fact people should be aware chocolate is also poisonous to cats and dogs and should be kept out of reach.

The vets has had already had a cat brought in that had eaten Christmas stars and tinsel.

Over previous Christmases it has also dealt with everything from a drunken dog which had chewed the top off a Baileys bottle to sick pets suffering from children feeding them rich Christmas food.

"Our best advice is make sure anything is out of your pet's reach unless it's actually intended for them," said Ms Chapple-Hyam.

"Things that are treats for humans are often not for pets and cause more problems."

The warning comes as national animal welfare charity the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals reveals more than 17,000 pets were seen in its emergency rooms last Christmas and New Year.

It has released a handy leaflet offering advice on what to do in a number of emergency situations - such as how to deal with burns, electrocution and broken bones.

Evesham vet James Jarvis said he had not had any casualties but added his main concern was pets chewing on unguarded electrical wiring from Christmas lights.

"I think you should be careful at all times of the year but possibly more so at Christmas.

"People should certainly never leave cats or dogs alone in a room with a lit Christmas tree."

PDSA's leaflet is available from its PetAid hospitals, charity shops, online at: www.pdsa. org.uk or by calling 0800 917 2509.