With almost 20 million homes in the UK owning a pet and with a surge in dog ownership over the pandemic crisis, more people than ever are likely to be celebrating Christmas with a four-legged friend for the first time.
To ensure December is a happy and safe time pet food subscription service Bella & Duke asked their Natural Canine Behaviourist, Caroline Spencer, to list her top 10 tips for making Christmas easier for your pet pups.
Caroline said: “Christmas isn’t just a holiday for humans anymore but our pets too. We all like to treat ourselves over the festive period, but it’s important we know what’s good and bad for our pets’ health.”
Here are her top tips.
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. Canine Christmas
Christmas can be a fun time for humans and dogs as long as you follow a few simple rules. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
5. Presents under the tree
Presents arrived all wrapped for Christmas and you may not know what the contents are. They mad contain food items that are not healthy and perhaps toxic to your pet. Ask the sender if it’s a food item and pop it away in a safe place. Keep your door shut to avoid presents under the tree being opened before Christmas and wrap any dog presents in brown paper as the ink may be toxic. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
6. Children’s toys or dog’s toys?
Your pet will not know, nor care, which toys are theirs. So be careful not to make a fuss in case any confusion is made. Just guide your pet away gently from the object that they shouldn’t have and give them something they can have. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
7. Stealing food
In a dog’s world, if you walk away from your food, you’ve finished and it’s fair play to the next hungry animal in line. So, prevent this by never leaving your food unattended and if your dog sits and begs at the table, turn away. If they’re close and jumping up to your lap, pop their paws down and say nothing, they’ll give up eventually when no attention is given. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
8. Crackers, poppers and fireworks
Your dog may feel anxious about the noise of present unwrapping and banging crackers. Many dogs will be much happier and relaxed in a different room when festivities get a little too loud. Give them options to easily leave a room if they wish. Photo: Canva/Getty Images