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
9. Special Christmas dinner for your dog
It’s lovely to treat our dogs to their own special Christmas meal. They’ve smelt the cooking for hours so they want to experience the flavours of your labours. Resist temptation to give your furry friends something different for Christmas and stick to a raw food diet. Instead pop some leftover turkey and greens to their next meal or use it as a reward for recall practice. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
10. Children and dogs
Over excited children and dogs can be a mix of accidents waiting to happen, especially when food is involved. If necessary, put up a baby gate so your children and dogs have their own secure spaces but still feel included. Educate your children to be kind and respect your dog’s space and its always best to eat any food at the table to avoid any sneaky robberies. Photo: Canva/Getty Images