The Dog-Friendly Christmas Guide

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The Dog-Friendly Christmas Guide

The Muntjac Guide to a Dog-Friendly Christmas

Christmas is an exciting time for anyone, human or pet, and it should be no different for your gun dog. More pet owners are including their dogs in their Christmas celebrations, whether that is with presents, or Christmas treats. At Muntjac Trading we understand that your gun dog is a part of your family as well as a working dog. So, to keep your pooch happy and your Christmas stress-free we have created a comprehensive guide of all the do’s and don’ts you should consider this Christmas.

 

The DO’s of a Doggy Christmas

Keep Your Tree in a Secure Place.

When putting up your Christmas tree, keep it close to a wall or corner. This will ensure that when things get exciting and merry in your home, no one can knock over your tree.

Clean Up After Your Tree.

Just like our dogs, whether you have chosen a real or artificial tree, it will eventually shed. Real pine needles can not only be incredibly toxic to your dog, but also damage their digestive tract when they are eaten, or paws if trodden on. Artificial trees, on the other hand, shed bits of tinsel or fake needles. These can be choking hazards and cause damage to your dog if they are eaten too.

Tidy Up Your Wrapping Supplies Quickly.

Christmas wrapping paper, sticky tape, and bows can all be very tempting for your dog to either chew on or rip to shreds. No one wants a living room full of shredded paper or at worst a trip to a veterinary hospital because your dog has decided to entertain themselves. Tidying up your wrapping station quickly will prevent any temptations for play.

Ensure Your Dog Gets Plenty of Fresh Air and Exercise.

It can be easy for dog-owners to get swept up in the joys of Christmas and forget that our dogs need a break too. Your Christmas will be considerably more enjoyable if your dog is sleeping off a healthy run rather than under your feet all of Christmas day when you are trying to get your preparations done.

Ensure They Also Have Regular Access to Water.

With the endless treats and excitement of Christmas day, it is extremely important to keep your dog hydrated.

Treat Your Dog This Christmas.

We humans all love getting presents on Christmas day, your gun dog will surely love to be spoiled a bit too! You can go for indulgent gifts, such as natural treats for them to enjoy, or a new toy that your dog will love. We have a wide range of training dummies that come as water dummies, as regular canvas, prey-shaped, or fur-covered. We also have dummy launchers and launching dummies. Alternatively, you could treat your dog to a practical present, such as a new winter coat, a GPS tracking collar, a new lead, or a new comfier bed.

 

N.B: We close for Christmas on Wednesday 21st December 2022, so we recommend getting your orders in early to avoid disappointment this Christmas. Additionally, you may experience delays due to postal strikes, so get your orders in sooner rather than later.

 

The DONT’s of a Doggy Christmas

Avoid Decorating Within Your Dog’s Reach.

We highly recommend that you don’t decorate low on your Christmas tree and try to keep decorations out of your dog’s reach. You don’t want your decorations broken and scattered about your house, and your dog doesn’t want them damaging its insides.

Bear In Mind Pesticides and Other Chemicals on Your Plants.

Some live trees may be sold with antifreeze or other chemicals in the water at their base. This can be incredibly toxic and harmful to your dog if they drink from it. We recommend either replacing this water, supervising your dog around your Christmas tree, or keeping them separated where possible.

Be Careful Not to Feed Your Dog Inappropriate Foods.

Many human foods can be harmful, if not potentially toxic and fatal to your dog. Chocolate, grapes, raisins, garlic, onions, avocado, alcohol, xylitol (or artificial sweetners), and caffeine heavy food and drinks are all potentially fatal to your dog. Table scraps such as meat skins and fats are okay as a one off, but excessive consumption can lead to vomiting and diarrhoea, as well as heart problems and weight gain. It can be especially important to inform your children of the potential dangers of feeding your dog inappropriate foods.

Don’t Allow Your Dog to Gorge Themselves.

Just like with humans, moderation is key for a dog-friendly Christmas. Your dog can enjoy a little indulgence over the Christmas period, just like we can. Moderation, however, is key to preventing vomiting, diarrhoea, and weight gain over the holiday season.

Avoid Keeping Christmas Plants Around Your Dog.

Whilst many people already know the dangers of certain foods for dogs, not as many people know that some plants can be just as toxic. Mistletoe, holly, poinsettias, and pine trees are all toxic to dogs. If you do plan on decorating your home with these festive plants, we do recommend keeping them out of your dog’s reach.

Be Mindful of Holiday Fireworks.

Whilst many working and gun dogs are accustomed to the loud noises of hunting, fireworks can still be potentially scary or even traumatic for them. We recommend that you desensitise your dogs to these noises early in their lives to help them grow used to fireworks season. Alternatively, if your dog already struggles with fireworks, you can distract them with loud movies or music, or treats and toys to ensure a dog-friendly Christmas.

 

A dog-friendly Christmas is an easy but crucial thing you can provide for your family this year, with little to no disruption to your festive season. Keep your gun dog safe and happy this Christmas with our 12 do’s and don’ts for a doggy Christmas.