Hello, and welcome to this bonus episode of the Pets at Home Puppy Podcast: the podcast that takes genuine frequently asked questions from members of our VIP Puppy & Kitten Club, and puts them to our panel of experts, who give some amazing advice on an array of puppy-related topics.
The stockings have been hung, the tree is up (yay!) and the countdown to Christmas has begun! The festive season is an exciting time, not just for us but for our puppies, too. There are more humans, there’s more food, more fun things to play with… but in addition to all this comfort and joy, there are a few scenarios where things can go very wrong! But don’t worry, a little prep can go a long way towards keeping your puppy out of trouble and ensure that their first Christmas is memorable – in a good way!
Christmas is a time for family, friends and pets! And to ensure it’s a fun, healthy and stress-free celebration for all, we’ve put together this episode, to help prevent festive faux-pas such as your puppy destroying the presents under the tree, and making sure you give your puppy the right festive feast. So, without further ado, let’s don our Christmas jumpers, grab an egg nog and crack on!
Ask the vet - pet safety at Christmas
With family and friends in and out of your home, strange decorations and excitable children, Christmas and New Year are understandably highly stressful and confusing times for your pet. Helping to identify hazards and help you understand how to handle them, we've asked our friends at Vets4Pets to share their expertise.
More seasonal safety advice
Which Christmas plants are poisonous to dogs?
The time of year is fast approaching when people will be filling their homes with all kinds of Christmas trees and plants, from festive Nordic pines through to merry green mistletoe.
If you’re a dog owner, it’s important to know that some of these pretty festive plants can actually be poisonous for your pup. To help you spot which plants to steer clear of to keep your puppy happy and healthy this Christmas, we’ve put together this helpful guide.
How to tell if your pet hates wearing clothes
List of poisonous foods and substances
Puppy treats
Puppy food
Puppy’s first Christmas stocking
Boredom busters
More puzzle toys
Calming diffusers
Thundershirt
Bottom Sniffer – beer for dogs!
Chew toys
Blankets
Gates and crates
Dog beds
Christmas outfits
Booties
Christmas gift guide
Dog Coats and Clothing
Snuffle mats
Squeaky toys
Christmas Spa Treatment Groom
Pets at Home’s playlist
One of the things you can do to help keep your puppy calm and relaxed, is the use of music to help distract and mask the loud noises. Sitting and listening to the music together will also help to build on your bond.
Playlist #1: Sonny’s Soothing Soft Rock
This playlist includes a combination of soft rock from across the ages, featuring the likes of The Beatles, Red Hot Chili Peppers and John Mayer.
Playlist #2: Rodney’s Relaxing Reggae
Featuring reggae beats from Bob Marley and UB40, this playlist gives that feeling of being in the sunshine.
Playlist #3: Clara’s Calming Classical
Composed of Bridgerton-esque songs with a modern-day twist, this playlist includes hits from Coldplay and Oasis by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra as well as a classic from Beethoven.
It’s important that you’re able to recognise what anxiety can look like in a dog so you can prepare. Common signs of fear to look out for include pacing, panting and barking in dogs. For most pets, a fearful state usually starts with a watchful phase where they will be unusually alert.
JOIN OUR CLUB!
If you’re not already member, then why not join the Pets at Home VIP Puppy & Kitten Club? You can join the club via the Pets at Home app, which is free to download, and by doing so you and your Very Important Pet will join the millions of pet owners getting expert advice through their puppy or kitten’s first year. In addition to advice and tips, you’ll also get 10% off your first shop, plus, every swipe of your VIP card raises funds for an animal charity of your choice. We'll send you quarterly updates to let you know how much you've raised. To date, members have helped raise over £10 million for pets in need! What’s not to like?
And, if you’re a fan of Facebook, why not join The Wagging Tail group, where you can receive even more great puppy advice and share stories with likeminded puppy owners
HELP PETS IN NEED THIS CHRISTMAS!
Support The Pets at Home Foundation by donating free meals for rescue pets. All money raised will be donated to rescue centres across the UK.
GET IN TOUCH
Finally, if you have a puppy-related question you’d like to put to our panel, email it to puppypodcast@petsathome.co.uk
And if you’ve enjoyed this episode, why not like and subscribe and share it with your puppy-owning friends.
We wish you and your puppy and very merry Christmas!
