Keeping a happy pooch at Christmas time.

Christmas time can become stressful around the house for us, so imagine what it must be like for our pet! Things around being moved around the house, bright flashing trees are going up and lots of visitors are coming and going. This can all be very exciting for our dogs can also a little intimidating at the same time. Here's some tips to help keep Fido comfortable and enjoy the festive season.

• Keep your dogs routine as regular as possible, if you are planning on having guests around try and exercise your dog as much as possibly. The more energy he burns before hand, the less he is going to use when the guests arrive.
• When preparing food remember that this all smells very lovely and tasty to our pets so even once the rubbish has been thrown out make sure it is secure so even the sneakiest pet can shove their nose in and help themselves. Something as small as the mesh netting around meat can get caught up in the intestines and possibly lead to fatal bloat, so you can never be too safe.
• If your pooch is an inside doggy, be mindful of this when decorating your tree. If there is a particular spot in the window that he likes to sit in or through place the tree elsewhere as you could find it coming down after him. Placing decorations higher on the tree and leaving the lower branches bare will also help to minimize the risk of someone helping themselves to the shiny pretty objects.
• If you have a live Christmas Tree be sure to regularly change the water as it can contain Pine Tar which is poisonous to dogs.
• Be mindful of any gifts already wrapped under the tree, especially if they contain food. Dogs have an excellent sense of smell and will most likely eat all the packaging plus the food inside.
• Keep your guests aware that Fido is hanging around as well. Something simple as an alcoholic drink placed down or a dropped cigarette but can cause internal issues for your dog and needs to be avoided. 

With a little bit of caution and plenty of attention, you and your furry family members can enjoy a safe and happy Christmas together