Puppy owners are gearing up for their first Christmas with their new pets, but here are some top tips to avoid any unplanned trips to the vet.
During the festive period, the most common reason for emergency vet visits is dogs ingesting something dangerous or showing signs of poisoning.
Over one-fourth of these visits are due to Christmas decorations and holiday foods. These include chocolates, grapes or raisins, mince pies, and even booze.
A whopping two-thirds of dog owners are unaware that a traditional festive feast can be harmful to their pups. This is because Christmas dinners often contain onions and garlic, ingredients that are toxic to dogs.
An astonishing three-quarters of puppy owners admit their pet has swallowed, or tried to swallow, something that has led to an emergency vet visit - a trip that's made on average two or three times during the puppy stage.
Georgia Woods-Lee, a top veterinary nurse and researcher at the University of Liverpool Small Animal Teaching Hospital, emphasises that while puppies are naturally curious, it's crucial that owners are aware of potential dangers.
"Educating yourself about these hazards and ensuring your puppy has a balanced diet, tailored to their breed and age, is vital for optimal health and development."
While two thirds of pet owners know that chocolate is harmful to dogs, there are other everyday food items that require the same level of caution, such as avocados and bread dough.
Research conducted via OnePoll revealed that 24% of owners are unsure how to puppy-proof their homes, and 45% rely on advice from family or friends regarding their pup's nutrition and safety.
Dr Lauren Hayes MRCVS, a vet at Royal Canin, warned against relying solely on internet advice: "While social media is convenient and popular, they often lack the scientific backing and expert insight that only a veterinarian can provide-potentially leaving gaps in critical care decisions for their canine companions".
"It can be tempting to treat our furry friends to the same things we enjoy at Christmas, but it's important for puppies to stick to a tailored, puppy specific diet that can support rapid growth and ongoing development of their immature digestive and immune functions."
"So, while we love the taste of our Christmas dinner, it doesn't taste the same to our canine companions: contrary to popular belief, dogs don't have anywhere near the amount of taste buds as us humans."
"Rely on expert advice and science-backed tips to keep your furry friends happy and healthy long after the festive season is over. Puppy nutrition is not just for Christmas, after all."
TOP FESTIVE TIPS FOR PUPPY OWNERS:
Chocolate-Free Zone: Gift-wrapped chocolate can be a hidden danger, especially with a puppy's sharp sense of smell leading them to sniff out sweets even when hidden. Let family members and guests know not to place chocolate or any toxic foods under the tree and keep advent calendars stored well out of your puppy's reach.
Guest Alert: Remind family and friends (especially the kids) not to sneak your puppy any holiday treats without checking first, puppies store fat differently, and eating too much makes them more prone to obesity as adults, so it's really important to feed them the correct nutrition at this time in their life.
Twinkling Temptation: Christmas lights, glowing in all their festive glory, can become a dangerous game of 'chew the cord' for an adventurous puppy. But what starts as a curious nibble could end with painful electrical burns.
Puppies often chew out of curiosity, teething, boredom, or even separation anxiety-so it's important to provide plenty of safe chew toys and stimulation to keep them engaged and away from hazards.
Visit 'The Dog's Dinner Museum', which highlights gnawed household items, festive favourites and food products to assist pet owners in safeguarding their pooches.
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