One of the great things about getting out and about and attending all the events is all the wonderful people we meet. At Discover Dogs we met the lovely Vanessa Holburn, a talented Journalist & Author of ‘How to Pick a Puppy’

Vanessa very kindly agreed to write us a guest Christmassy blog, on her top tips for the festive season with your pooch…enjoy

It’s been a ‘ruff’ few years so this Christmas we all deserve a jolly holiday, with jingle bells on! Follow our Top Tips for unleashing festive joy for the whole family…

Bone Appetit

There’s no reason why a healthy dog can’t enjoy a few seasonal treats from your Christmas dinner. A little bit of turkey, a roast potato, or a Brussels sprout, alongside their regular meal, won’t do them any harm. But make sure they don’t get their paws on Xmassy treats like chocolate, alcoholic drinks or anything containing raisins, such as mince pies or Christmas pud, as these can be toxic and require prompt vet treatment. If your dog has a restricted or special diet, you could buy them a novelty toy instead so they don’t miss out!

Look fetching

If your dog enjoys being the centre of attention and getting plenty of fuss, a great way to include him or her in the festivities is to buy them a special outfit to show off in. Make sure they are happy to wear it by introducing it gently, and showering them with love (and a few treats) when they first try it on. Just remember once indoors dogs, and especially those with thicker coats might be more comfortable with just a bow tie or other accessory. And watch out for any pup that thinks the outfit is a chew toy!

Yappy Christmas

For some dogs, lots of extra visitors to the home is a good thing, but for others, it can be over-stimulating or stressful, particularly if they are young or elderly. It’s no surprise that the incidents of dog bites increases over Xmas. Make sure your pooch gets plenty of rest, quiet time, and space if they need it. Have a bed in a separate room available to them so they can take themselves away from the hustle and bustle. And make sure you let all your guests know to leave your pup alone when he or she is having some downtime. Friends and family can always join you on your regular walks if they want to spend quality time with your dog.

Santa paws is coming to town!

If you’re visiting other homes over the holidays and taking your pet with you, make sure you are prepared. First, ensure your dog is safe when you travel by using a crate or special seat belt and plan your journey to include adequate comfort breaks. Take along a familiar bed, blanket and toys, which will provide reassurance to your dog when they are somewhere unfamiliar. If you’re walking in a new area, check that they have their id and collar on, and always be wary that they could get spooked and run off if they are somewhere they don’t recognise, an on-lead walk or enclosed field might be a safer option. Double check your microchip details are up-to-date before you leave home.

Furry and bright

Seasonal decorations can also be a problem for your pet. Dog-proof your Christmas tree by ensuring chewers don’t nibble on toxic chocolate decorations or fairy lights – and be aware that if your dog is prone to indoor zoomies, they could get tangled in anything left dangling and smash delicate glass ornaments. If you want a real tree choose a non-dropping one as the needles can get stuck in paws, and consider keeping it in a room that your dog is not left alone in. Remember to disconnect those tempting twinkly lights when you leave the house too. Poinsettia, holly, ivy and mistletoe can be poisonous, so it’s best to avoid having these plants anywhere a dog may reach them. And remember, if you leave unattended presents under the tree, you might just come home to find ‘someone’ has opened them all up early…

Bah humpug

Dogs do not make good Christmas presents; least of all surprise ones. The decision to take on a dog for its whole life mustn’t be taken lightly and everyone involved in caring for that pupper should be fully aware of the commitment. The holidays can also be a stressful time, with a lack of routine, which is not a great environment to help a dog of any age settle in, let alone an Xmas pup. Responsible breeders and rescues often close their doors at Christmas to discourage poorly-thought out doggy decisions, while those that produce low-welfare pups for profit ramp up production and advertising to take full advantage of seasonal stupidity. If you want to get a dog, wait until the New Year and do your research, so you get the right dog, from the right place at the right time.

Vanessa Holburn is the author of How To Pick A Puppy: An Ethical Guide to Choosing The Perfect Pet - available in all good book shops

HOW TO PICK A PUPPY