It's the most wonderful time of the year.

From festive foods to sparkling decorations, the holidays bring joy and hidden hazards for our dogs. I’ll share which seasonal treats to avoid, simple ways to keep pups safe around holiday décor and travel, plus a peek at the gifts I’m wrapping up for my own dogs this Christmas.

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Driving home for Christmas?

It’s the time of year where you might be spending some of your time with friends and relatives and that can often involve our beloved dogs coming along too.

The highway code under Rule 57, says dogs or any other animals must be suitably restrained while in a vehicle so they can’t distract the driver or cause injury to themselves or others in the event of an accident. The law requires that dogs must be restrained in a way that prevents them from moving around the car and causing a distraction to the driver. The restraint should also prevent the dog from being thrown forward in the event of an accident. There are many ways in which you can safely restrain your dog, either by fitting them with a harness and seat belt restraint, a dog guard or even a crate in the boot. Just remember that not all harnesses are crash proof, and in my honest opinion a crash tested crate is the safest option. 

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These guys have got a new bed coming from Tuffies for Christmas. They are my go to bed! Expensive but I have got one that is nearly 10 years old now and still brand new, sides haven't flopped or sagged, and easily cleaned with the hose!

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The toxic side to Christmas - Dogs eating our food.

After experiencing toxic ingestion with my dog Bertie, I can safely say it’s not something anyone would want to experience, especially at Christmas.

Our dogs don’t know what’s safe for them to eat and if you have a plate stealer at home then it’s important to remember to keep all of the food out of harms way.

I’ve listed some common foods we find at Christmas time that can be harmful to dogs:

• Chocolate - we all know this one by now, but just as a reminder :)

• Christmas pudding and mince pies (I'm not a fan of either) - but these can all contain raisins, current and sultanas, all of which can cause kidney failure in our dogs if eaten.

• Sweets - They don't always seem like a risk but in Human food there is a sugar-free sweetener used called xylitol, which is poisonous to our dogs.

• Alcohol - it has the same effect on us to the dogs, so let’s make sure the extra booze is not just left lying around. 

• Christmas Dinner - While it may be tempting to give them all the trimmings, be careful what you give your dog if you give them a Christmas meal. Onions, leeks, shallots and chives are all part of the allium species of plants and are toxic to dogs cooked or uncooked. All of which can go unnoticed in gravy and sauces.

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Deck the halls with baby gates, crates and house leads.

Our dogs can sometimes find settling a little harder when there are a lot of festivities going on. Having a little extra space and some management in place for them, like a crate or even using a house lead, can help you manage your dog in an easier way. Baby gates are also great for this!

Just remember if you think your dog isn't going to like it, or they will struggle, it’s probably best to leave them at home if you can!

Want to know where a dog trainers’ dogs are at Christmas? At home snuggled up together as they don't get along with my Husband’s family dog, and that's OK! All dogs are going to have a much better time at their own homes away from one another, and we will be

popping back to them throughout the day, and home by the evening. We have done this for the past 6 years now, and they don't hate us for it!