Christmas can be a busy stressful time for us humans and if you have a pup in the house it can be even more testing. Here are some handy hints and tips to get you through the festive season.

1. Routine

Firstly, remember your puppy's routine may be affected and this can affect their ability to cope. You might find toilet training takes a step backwards so be prepared – use an alarm on your phone to remind you to take puppy out more frequently.

Ensure your puppy gets enough sleep – there will be lots going on and your puppy may forget or find it difficult to take that all important nap.

2. The Christmas tree

The Christmas tree – let's face it, a sparkly tree in the house is weird... of course your puppy will be tempted to investigate. To avoid any tree calamities, put a guard/barrier in front of your tree to prevent your puppy getting to it.

Never leave your puppy unsupervised with the tree as tree decorations are small and easily eaten or puppy could chew through the lights.

Don't put presents out under the tree until Christmas Eve - you'll be amazed how good dogs are at unwrapping gifts! If you suspect a gift contains chocolate don't put it under the tree...

3. Chocolate is toxic

Unfortunately a lot of Christmas food is TOXIC for our dogs especially young puppies.

Due to their size and developing digestive system even a small amount can cause severe illness and sometimes death.

Chocolate (especially dark chocolate), fruit cake, mince pies and Christmas pudding (contain raisins) are all highly toxic to dogs.

Also beware of Xylitol (an artificial sweetener) which is highly toxic. Seek immediate veterinary advice if your puppy eats any of these things.

Don't let your puppy eat fatty or too many different types of food. I'm sure most of us want them to have a little bit of Christmas dinner but everything in moderation otherwise you'll be clearing up diarrhoea on Boxing Day or worse your puppy may get an acute case of pancreatitis. In both instances seek veterinary advice.

The Dog Nose wishes you a wonderful festive season and a very Happy 2022.

Liz Cox is the founder and head trainer of Dawlish-based dog training business The Dog Nose.

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