Dogs Trust's guide to a pawsome Christmas
Keep tails wagging this festive season
Winter can be a joyful time for a lot of us but dogs can struggle with the sights and sounds of celebrations that come during the festive period.
As we approach Christmas, Dogs Trust is here to share helpful advice with dog-owners to make this time of year merry for all.
Five ways to make the festive season easier on your pups
- Stick to daily routines as much as possible.
- Encourage guests (especially excitable little ones!) to keep calm around dogs.
- Keep human treats, such as chocolate which is toxic for dogs, out of sight – and reach!
- Ensure your dog has a safe space they can access easily.
- Never force your dog to get involved in the festivities and give them lots of reassurance.
Festive food: what’s on the naughty list?
It can be tempting to let your pooch try some of the tasty human treats being shared at Christmas, but this can lead to some seriously upset tummies, or even a trip to the vets. As a general rule, it’s best to ensure all human food is well out of reach from sniffing snoots!
Here's some guidance from Dogs Trust:
• Don't let your dog eat Christmas cake, Christmas pudding, or mince pies. These often contain grapes and raisins which are toxic for dogs.
• Chocolate is also toxic for dogs so it’s important to keep it well out of their reach. Avoid using chocolate tree decorations, and ensure your festive chocolate selection boxes are safely stored away from curious pups!
• Avoid fatty foods, cooked bones and trimmings including gravy, as that can cause dogs an upset tummy, or even a trip to the vets.
• Don't let your dog drink chocolate or any alcohol.
• Watch out for holly berries and mistletoe.
• Avoid onions, garlic, leeks, shallots and chives.
Visit the Dogs Trust website for more advice about keeping hounds happy this Christmas.
Ken Bruce’s Underdogs
Thousands of people contact Dogs Trust about giving up their dogs, and some of these dogs take a little longer to find their new home. The charity affectionately call them their Underdogs, and, always an advocate of the Underdog, Ken’s on a mission to help!
Every month, Ken will be shining a spotlight on an Underdog who's available for adoption, supporting Dogs Trust to help these pups find their forever families.