Dogs and Christmas

With the Christmas season well and truly up us please do take a moment to consider dogs as well as our friends and family as their take on Christmas may not be quite the same as ours. 

Presents for Dogs

Can I let you into a secret? Dogs don't understand Christmas and they really don't need any presents.  Why not spend the money on some wild bird feed or sponsor a wild animal instead?  However if you absolutely must get them something please try and go with something that is plastic-free and maybe also good for them - a new exercise toy for example.  And if you feel totally unable to resist some pet accessory such as these canine antlers, please never leave the dog alone with them as they can all too easily become a choking hazard.

For more tips on how to own a sustainable pet have a read of this blog post.

Getting a New Dog

If you are thinking about giving a puppy or dog as a Christmas present I would urge you to reconsider when you actually bring the dog into the house.  Christmas is generally a very busy time with more people and things (presents, food, decorations) around the house than normal.  It is therefore not really ideal to add a puppy/dog into that mix as well.  If you are thinking about getting a new dog it might be better to wait until after the festivities have finished when a quieter house will be less stressful for your new arrival and it will be easier for you to find the extra time needed to settle in and/or train your new dog.

If you are thinking about getting a dog for please do read this post on questions you need to answer before you make that purchase.

Food and Decorations

Did you know how many foods we enjoy at Christmas are in fact poisonous to dogs?  The image below from Creature Clinic shows what you need to make sure do not become part of your dog's diet.  And remember too, that a dog does not understand that decorations and festive plants can all be a risk to their health - so you need keep these well out of the reach of your dog(s).

Image with permission from Creature Clinic

Crackers and Champagne Corks - scary noises and flying dangers

Remember that whilst we may enjoy the noise from a cracker or a popping champagne cork, these can scare dogs, so consider keeping nervous dogs in another room.  If your dog is not one who scares easily don't forget, though, that they might see flying corks and the gifts from inside crackers as a low flying dog treat and accidentally swallow them.

However careful we are accidents can happen.  It is therefore best to be prepared and make sure you have your vet's phone number to hand, rather than having to search for it in an emergency.

Christmas is a great time of year - just remember it is not always the same for our dogs so Saari wants to say have a Very Happy (and Safe) Canine Christmas!