By Katy Thornton

Some tips and tricks for a vet-free Christmas.

Being a proud dog auntie, I know how hard it is to resist the literal puppy-dog eyes when at the dinner table. I'll even admit to slipping my puppy nephew Freddie some meat from my plates on more than one occasion over the years. However, tempting as it is to give into their pleading little face, your pup doesn't differentiate between what's good and what's potentially harmful, so it's up to us to know. Luckily the Dogs Trust have released some advice ahead of the festive period on what's okay to slip under the table, and what you should absolutely avoid giving your dog. https://twitter.com/DogsTrust_IE/status/1602582345240006656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1602582345240006656%7Ctwgr%5Ebf31edda53f1f33c74becb69302c2ed263ef06f4%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fd-16186479872346860777.ampproject.net%2F2211302304001%2Fframe.html

Safe

• Carrots, parsnips, sweet potato or peppers – these are all good raw, steamed or baked.
• Apples, pears or melon – great for dogs raw or frozen, without their pips (or melon rinds).
• Cooked turkey, chicken or salmon – fine in small amounts only, no bones or skin.
• Peanut butter (xylitol free) or frozen banana - these make a distracting tasty treat, especially in a long-lasting dispenser.
• A chillout space – it’s so important, especially if you have visitors, for your dog to have somewhere to get away and snooze in peace.
• Daytime walkies – try to get your walks in when it’s bright out, to avoid any fireworks.
• A dog friendly Christmas tree – no pointy needles, tempting tinsel or delicate glass ornaments! (Or keep your tree and your dog far apart from each other! Try putting a barrier around it, or perhaps have it in a room where your dog doesn’t go.)

Not Safe

• Rich, fatty foods – roasted meat, sausages, gravy or anything with cream in can cause an upset tum.
• Meat bones – turkey legs or cooked ham bones can splinter or cause gastro-intestinal issues.
• Vegetables like onions, leeks, shallots and fruit such as grapes, raisins
• Crisps or crackers – fatty and salty, these are not good for dogs.
• Alcohol, mulled wine, hot chocolate
• Constant excitement – make sure all your visitors, especially the younger ones, respect doggie downtime.
• Children and dogs unattended together
• Open fires – sparks can fly and dogs can so easily overheat, so use a fire guard, please!

When you should make a vet visit

If your dog accidentally gets into any of the following, a trip to the vet is a must. Make sure you have your vet's number on hand in case of an emergency.

• Chocolate
• Grapes
• Raisins
• Macadamia nuts
• Alcohol
• Christmas pudding, cakes, mince pies
• Holly and mistletoe
• Onions, leeks, garlic, shallots, chives

Otherwise have a very Happy Christmas with your pup.