Festive hazards

The holiday season brings with it a huge range of hazards for your furry friend. Here are some tips you may want to consider.

Items such as ribbon and tinsel are very attractive to mischievous dogs and if swallowed may lead to intestinal blocage.

Do not be tempted to feed your dog raisins, sultanas, grapes or chocolate over the Christmas holiday period as all these foods are poisonous to dogs and can make them very ill. Do not feed your dog Christmas leftovers or foods which are unfamiliar or very rich as this more often than not leads to tummy upsets such as diarrhoea or vomiting. Also do not leave chocolate wrapped in Christmas paper as a present under the tree, as most dogs will sniff out and eat whatever is there. Many dogs also like chewing house plants however many of these are toxic to pets. Beware of Holly berries, Ivy, Poinsettia plants and Lilly pollen especially.

The extra hustle and bustle that brings the festive season can also be stressful for your furry friend. To help minimise any stress, make a quiet, warm, cosy "den" for your dog in advance and give them healthy treats or praise when they are in the den so they learn to view it as a pleasurable and calm place to be.