PET owners are being warned by the British Veterinary Association (BVA) to be extra vigilant over Christmas.

The appeal comes after findings just released revealed a Nativity display, anti-freeze and £200 in £20 notes were just some of the items that landed animals in surgeries over last year’s festive period.

Chocolate poisoning in dogs was the most common toxic ingestion case, however a quarter of vets also treated cats for dangerous anti-freeze poisoning and one in ten vets saw dogs that had eaten Christmas decorations.

BVA president Sean Wensley said: “Christmas is typically a fun and chaotic time, with lots of presents and treats suddenly arriving in our homes.

“Many pet owners are aware of the risks of chocolate poisoning to their pets but it’s easy accidentally to leave something tempting lying around.

“Our results are a cautionary tale about the range of potential hazards around your home at this time of year and owners should be very aware that tasty treats, interesting decorations and new plants can be hard for curious animals to resist.

“If you suspect your pet may have eaten something they shouldn’t then don’t delay consulting your vet.”

Last Christmas almost one in five vets saw dogs that had eaten a non-edible gift given to them by their owner.

Chocolate was to blame in 69 per cent of cases, closely followed by raisins and sultanas at 45 per cent and Christmas decorations at 10 per cent.

Vets also treated large numbers of cats who had ingested toxic and foreign bodies last Christmas.

The most common causes were anti-freeze, which accounted for 24 per cent, seasonal plants such as poinsettia, at 12 per cent, and Christmas decorations at six per cent.

One particularly reckless dog ate £200 in £20 notes as well as most of the animals and baby Jesus out of the Nativity stable, followed by a large chocolate Santa.

Following treatment it vomited most of the money, all the Nativity players and the chocolate Santa.

To keep Christmas merry for the whole household, BVA is urging animal-lovers to follow 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 indigestion, sickness and diarrhoea or even conditions from gastroenteritis to pancreatitis, so try to stick to your pet’s regular diet and routine. Turkey bones should not be given to pets as they can splinter and puncture the digestive tract.

• Give toys not treats – too many treats can lead to fat, unhappy animals so consider opting for a new toy or a long walk to indulge a pet.

• Know where to go – even with all the care in the world, animal accidents and emergencies can still happen. Check vet’s emergency cover provision and holiday opening hours or go to www.findavet.org.uk