It is FINALLY December and officially time to get excited about Christmas and all the fun the months ahead have to offer. Whilst the festive period is many of our favourite times of year, it is important to remember that the celebrations can sometimes be stressful for our dogs.

Here are some safety tips, to help you spot potential hazards to make sure you and your four-legged best friend have a safe & happy howl-idays! 

1. A busy house and loud noises can scare dogs

Christmas time often means a busy home, with friends and family coming together in seasonal spirit. Remember that new faces and more noise can be scary for your pet, so it’s a good idea to provide them with a safe room so they can escape and be put at ease if it all becomes too much.

2. Your festive plants may be toxic

If you like to use festive plants when you are decorating your home, be aware that Christmas cherry, mistletoe and poinsettia are mildly toxic if eaten by pets. They may cause vomiting, excess drooling or diarrhoea. Nobody wants Christmas Day ruined with a trip to the vets! 

3. Keep your Christmas dinner away from your dog

This is your reminder that chocolate, raisins, nuts, fruit cakes and mince pies are all toxic to pets. While not all festive food is poisonous, it could be too rich and cause serious stomach upset. If you want to treat your pup on Christmas Day, be sure to stick with the doggie treats you know and love. 

4. Hoover up ay fallen pine needles

Be prepared to do ALOT of vaccuming if you are a pet parent who loves a real Christmas tree. Stray needles from your tree can get stuck in the soft paws of your pet and cause painful irritation. If ingested, they’re just as dangerous and may result in irritation to the intestines.

5. Don’t keen any chocolate gifts under the tree

Even if you consider yourself to be a talented wrapper, your dog will most likely sniff out any food-based gifts under the tree. If you want to avoid your presents being ripped up and your pets eating potentially harmful foods (like Chocolate coins), keep your edible presents somewhere safe. 

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