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Dog behaviourist Tips for keeping your pooch safe and well this Christmas

Suzi Walsh has some tips for dog owners who want things to run smoothly over the holidays.

CHRISTMAS TIME WITH your dog can be a wonderful time of the year. Lots of space for long walks and chilling out on the sofa.

Your dog will be surrounded by their favourite people and most enjoy the activities surrounding Christmas Day. Just make sure to keep them safe and well during the holidays.

Try to make sure not to forget anything you might need for your pet over Christmas week. Check in with your vet to see what their opening times are and make sure you have enough food and dog chews to keep your dog well fed and entertained. 

first-saturday-of-advent-in-stuttgart-city-center 26 November, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Stuttgart: A street musician's dog is lying on a street in Stuttgart wearing a Santa Claus costume. DPA / PA Images DPA / PA Images / PA Images

Here is a list of what your dog shouldn’t eat over the holidays so you avoid any emergencies or worries.

Chocolate

Many people know that chocolate is dangerous for dogs but many don’t know why that is. Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, which are both toxic to dogs.

While these compounds can be used medicinally for humans as diuretics, stimulants and even muscle relaxants dogs are unable to metabolise them like we do, causing them to build up in their system causing illness.

dogeatingchocolatesfromheartshapedbox Chocolate is an absolute no-no for dogs. They are unable to break down the ingredients. Shutterstock / Armadillo Stock Shutterstock / Armadillo Stock / Armadillo Stock

Additionally, chocolate can cause high blood pressure due to the high level of potassium in cocoa. 

So what levels are concerning for your pet:

  • Bakers chocolate – As little as 4 grams per kg of body weight can be toxic.
  • Dark chocolate – As little as 8 grams per kg of body weight can be toxic.
  • Milk chocolate – As little as 20 grams per kg of body weight can be toxic.
  • White chocolate – While this isn’t considered toxic it can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and pancreatitis due to the high fat and sugar content. 

If you are concerned about your dog over Christmas, please phone your vet and check out this dog chocolate toxicity calculator. It can help give you an idea of what you’re dealing with.

Currants and raisins

Raisins and currants can be in many Christmas desserts and treats but unfortunately, they can be quite dangerous for your dog to consume. Not all dogs however have a reaction to these little dried fruits but we don’t yet know why that is.

cutejackrusselterrierandgroupofdifferentproductstoxic Raisins are just one of a number of foods and drinks you should keep out of your dog's reach over Christmas. Shutterstock / New Africa Shutterstock / New Africa / New Africa

However, for those dogs that are affected, eating raisins or currants can severely affect their kidneys and cause long-lasting or permanent damage.

Nuts

While many dogs enjoy peanuts and nut butters, there are some nuts that aren’t quite so safe for your furry friend.

shelledandunshelledmacadamianutswithleavesisolatedonwhite Macadamia nuts might be healthy for humans but they're toxic for dogs. Shutterstock / Nataly Studio Shutterstock / Nataly Studio / Nataly Studio

The macadamia nut, which is a healthy snack for humans, can cause tremors, high fever, and even temporary paralysis in dogs due to its high fat content.

Poinsettia

Poinsettia plants are a Christmas favourite in many homes as they bring their beautiful rich red colour to the room. They are one of the more well-publicised holiday plant hazards for pets. However, the good news is that this plant is not in fact on the high toxic list for dogs.

christmasinteriorwithtraditionalredpoinsettiaflowerontableand Poinsettia - a favourite plant at Christmas. Shutterstock / Tatyana Soares Shutterstock / Tatyana Soares / Tatyana Soares

Due to the low level of toxicity seen with poinsettia ingestion, medical intervention is rarely needed unless signs are severe. Mild signs will include vomiting, drooling, or rarely diarrhoea. If your dog does get hold of a Poinsettia, the amount ingested is worth considering. If you’re unsure how to handle it, just call your vet.

Cyclamen

These pretty little flowers are popular around Christmas time but they can cause quite severe problems if ingested by your pet.

unrecognizableyoungwomaningloveswithadogtransplanteda Cyclamen bring bright colours to the Winter days but keep them away from your dog. Shutterstock / Galina Tsyrulnik Shutterstock / Galina Tsyrulnik / Galina Tsyrulnik

These symptoms include excessive salivation and digestive upset seizures and heart rhythm abnormalities. They are best kept away from puppies and young dogs who might be tempted to investigate how they taste.

Holly

While the leaves and branches aren’t typically too big of a problem, the Holly berries can be poisonous to your pet.

christmassharpeipuppyinabasketwithhollyon Holly is bad news for dogs. Shutterstock / JStaley401 Shutterstock / JStaley401 / JStaley401

Consuming these berries can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, dehydration, and drowsiness.

Christmas trees

When we decorate for Christmas we bring in a whole lot of new, shiny trinkets to look at. Lights, trees and baubles may brighten up our homes but we also need to be mindful of how they impact our pets.

Apart from the obvious danger of your dog pulling at the Christmas tree and knocking it on top of themselves, both dogs and cats can enjoy chewing on the branches of Christmas trees. However, the oils from fir trees can irritate the inside of their mouths, causing drooling and vomiting.

Ingested pine needles can collect together, creating an intestinal obstruction or potentially puncturing the intestine, leading to a painful condition called peritonitis.

If you are concerned that your pet might try to eat the Christmas tree then err on the side of safety and put up a Christmas tree defender. 

Christmas lights

Before you assume that your pet doesn’t have an affinity for anything like decorations or light cables, keep in mind that it’s the one time of year that we have more exposed cables and tons of tempting little baubles in our homes.

Pets that chew on electric cords can sustain burns on their tongues and elsewhere in their mouth. These pets may also develop a buildup of fluid within their lungs, as a result of an electrical shock. Signs that your pet may have suffered an electrical shock include abnormal behaviour, hiding, excessive drooling, refusal to eat or drink and abnormal urination/defecation near an electrical cable. If you have any fear of this happening in your home, use cable protectors. 

Be very careful about which decorations you leave in reach of your dog, many decorations look like balls to play with or interesting felt teddies to chew. Try to leave the lower part of your Christmas tree as bare as you can to avoid tempting your dog. 

Merry Christmas!

It’s not all doom and gloom for your pet there are some really fun ways you can include your dog during the Christmas period.

Hang a Christmas stocking for your dog. Wrap some tasty treats and toys to put in it and on Christmas morning allow your dog to sniff them out. They will have a great time unwrapping the gifts and you’ll have such a laugh watching them use their noses and brains to search for treasures. 

Make up a little plate of safe foods for your dog to join in the Christmas festivities such as turkey, carrots, broccoli, ham, and squash and you can even see if they like brussel sprouts! Remember everything in moderation and leave out any foods that might be too rich on their tummies. 

Bring your dog on Christmas walks, wrap up warm and tour your local neighbourhood looking for lights and decorations. Walks are essential for helping to keep your dog calm and relaxed around the Christmas season. 

Finally, don’t forget to make sure that your dog is ready for Santa’s arrival. Many dogs can get a fright when someone unexpectedly arrives down the chimney or through your front door, while others help themselves to the tasty carrots you have left out for the reindeer.

santa-claus-holding-a-pair-of-cute-dogs-at-christmas Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

Even though Santa will usually bring a treat or two to give to your dog you also might want to ensure that your dog has had a long walk on Christmas eve so that they are too tired and sleepy to be too worried. 

Have a wonderful Christmas and a happy New Year! 

Suzi Walsh is an expert dog behaviourist and dog trainer. She has an honours degree in Zoology and a Masters in Applied Animal Welfare and Behaviour from the Royal Dick School of Veterinary. She has worked as a behaviourist on both TV, radio and has also worked training dogs in the film industry.

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    Mute Dave Phelan
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    May 6th 2022, 7:10 AM

    A terrifying reality for loyalists is that they are Irish. British taxpayers just see them as an expensive drain on their taxes. The sooner loyalists realise they live on an island which is off the mainland of Europe the better.

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    Mute Joe Johnson
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    May 6th 2022, 8:21 AM

    @Dave Phelan: The sooner the loyalists realise that GB doesn’t want them anymore the better. They can’t be that stupid to the fact that British people will always see them as them as Irish whether they come from Dublin, Cork or Belfast.

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    Mute JusticeForJoe
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    May 6th 2022, 9:04 AM

    @Joe Johnson: Not an easy thing to admit to oneself though.

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    Mute GrumpyAulFella
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    May 6th 2022, 9:08 AM

    @Joe Johnson: the ROI doesn’t want them either. That’s the problem. I think they realise this. It’s the no one likes us we don’t care attitude.

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    Mute John Mulligan
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    May 6th 2022, 11:03 AM

    @GrumpyAulFella: the Republic doesn’t want rabid unionists or rabid nationalists. There’s a particular mindset in unionist and nationalist ghettos in NI that is toxic, and the last thing we need in a stable Republic.

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    Mute Donal Desmond
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    May 6th 2022, 11:11 AM

    @John Mulligan: Stable Republic? Housing crisis, Homelessness, Crumbling Health service , Billions taken from the economy and Billions yet to be repaid for the gangsterism of the banks facilated by the same political parties now in power .Scandal after scandal. A government that between them have governed this state since it’s foundation and are in government together now just to preserve the status quo. When you recall the Taoiseach Martin stated they was no bank bailout and the future Taoiseach Varadkar under criminal investigation, Is that the stable Republic you comment about.

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    Mute Jaime
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    May 6th 2022, 11:39 AM

    @Donal Desmond: lots of soundbites, but it doesn’t take away the reality for people living in Ireland. were consistently at the to of quality of life rankings, relatively low tax to most of Europe for low paid and a destination for thousands to start a new life. if you can’t tell the difference between 100 years of stability here, and the unstable chaos in northern Ireland, then you’re probably more aligned with the 23% looking to destabilise that peaceful republic.

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    Mute Keith McNair
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    May 6th 2022, 1:04 PM

    @John Mulligan: just because one is born in a stable …

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    Mute GrumpyAulFella
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    May 6th 2022, 1:18 PM

    @Donal Desmond: is there anything in your post there that can’t be said about the state of NI and the UK? I don’t think so. But our standard of living is good in the South, we’re at full employment, our economy is strong. We’ve much to be content about. Back in the 80s you drove across the border northbound onto nice roads, cheap petrol and goods, flashy houses. Now the opposite is true.

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    Mute Angela McCarthy
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    May 6th 2022, 2:08 PM

    @GrumpyAulFella: They now realise they are a minority in the north. The next project is to get your tribe of partitionist’s in the south to realise that You too are a bitter lost minority, and the vast majority of decent people living on this island will enjoy, future unity, peace and prosperity, despite all your bitter ranting!

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    Mute Angela McCarthy
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    May 6th 2022, 2:11 PM

    @John Mulligan: John the record is scratched, put down that old worn out Fine Gael book of quotes and replies, and instead post something in your own words, if you can string a sentence together.

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    Mute GrumpyAulFella
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    May 6th 2022, 3:34 PM

    @Angela McCarthy: have you learned how to speak as Gaeilge yet? I don’t know who “your” are supposed to be but the Shinner way has always been to accuse anyone who isn’t a supporter of the political wing of the IRA as a Blueshirt. So I’m guessing that you think that I’m a Blueshirt. That’s hilarious. It’s almost a Putin thing, sue the media (RTE), threaten to shut down the state broadcaster (RTE)when in power, sue your political opposition (Eastwood), sanitise your web site (Russia content removed overnight), label those who do not support your party as fascist Blueshirts. The parallels with Putin’s Russia are stark comrade.

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    Mute Mickey Finn
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    May 8th 2022, 2:47 PM

    @Donal Desmond: You are confusing stable with well run. We have (relative to most countries) no extreme right-wing politicians, an independent judiciary, low levels of corruption by international standards, a police force who aren’t randomly arresting or disappearing people, we not run by a homicidal dictator and our army isn’t constantly taking over the country with coups.

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    Mute Michael Mccahill
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    May 6th 2022, 7:15 AM

    Brilliant article. Great observations, delivered with humour.

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    Mute Pat Casey
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    May 6th 2022, 7:23 AM

    One of the best articles I have read in the Journal in a long while.

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    Mute Brian Burns
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    May 6th 2022, 8:58 AM

    @Pat Casey: refreshing pat

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    Mute stephen keane
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    May 6th 2022, 7:21 AM

    Very good article peter

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    Mute Alan Wilson
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    May 6th 2022, 8:17 AM

    Great article well written and funny.Not getting bogged down too deep if the fact that it’s sectarianism that keeps the DUP in power

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    Mute James Reardon
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    May 6th 2022, 8:04 AM

    Great article Peter.

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    Mute Moss Cotter
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    May 6th 2022, 9:21 AM

    Maybe go into journalism full time Peter you nailed it, it’s odd that an election campaign that as he put it was unusually interesting and energised only had a 54% turn out.

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    Mute Insider at RTE
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    May 6th 2022, 8:12 AM

    Got as far as “mainland” and then quit the article.

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    Mute Brian Burns
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    May 6th 2022, 8:56 AM

    @Insider at RTE: don’t worry mate they will be plenty of copy and paste afp articles coming later..this was a great article I’m so glad one word didn’t sway me from this articulate,humorous piece of writing

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    Mute Peter
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    May 6th 2022, 11:25 AM

    @Insider at RTE: really, to the DUP the mainland is the UK, I didn’t get the opinion he was referring to anything or anyone in the republic thinking that way. You read a single word and assume it’s referring to x which you don’t like and just stop reading, I think that is really sad. How do you ever expect to learn or increase your understanding of world if you just stop engaging the second something displeases you.

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    Mute Misty Eyed Mutton
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    May 6th 2022, 4:00 PM

    @Insider at RTE: Your pursuit of enlightenment and your searching to see the other man’s perspective is inspiring. It’s no wonder you’ve converted so many Unionists to the idea of a United Ireland.

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    Mute François Pignon
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    May 6th 2022, 10:36 AM

    Rees Mogg a devout catholic :) , never would have guessed!

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    Mute Cathal O'Donoghue
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    May 6th 2022, 11:17 AM

    @François Pignon: Actually makes sense if you think about it. In a weird way.

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    Mute E.J. Murray
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    May 6th 2022, 2:12 PM

    @François Pignon: — So was the Nazi Roman Catholic priest who ran Slovakia during WW2, so it’s no evidence of someone being a saintly person :P

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    Mute keyboardwarrior
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    May 7th 2022, 3:29 AM

    @François Pignon: Boris Johnson is a baptized Catholic too, Devout is very a subjective term.

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    Mute Marcus Suridius
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    May 6th 2022, 8:32 AM

    Good article, it will be interesting to see how the results pan out.

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    Mute Pj Berry
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    May 6th 2022, 11:17 AM

    Best overall view of the situation in the North I have read in a long time.

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    Mute Lucy Legacy
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    May 6th 2022, 1:54 PM

    An independent NI would do the trick. Any nationalist has more in common with a unionist at this stage. Shared land and shared history. Sadly too many are unable to see that.

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    Mute Angela McCarthy
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    May 6th 2022, 2:15 PM

    @Lucy Legacy: How about an Independent Munster or Leinster or whatever province you come from Lucy?

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    Mute Rúraíocht
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    May 6th 2022, 3:03 PM

    Great read. Fundamentalism is the issue. Unionism knows it’s place in westminster, that the english are indifferent to its cause. I think as long as they have MP seats they will use their leverage to get what they want, uncontested by SF. For extremists such as DUP there is but obe objective, avoid a UI. Doesn’t matter how bad economy is.

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    Mute J
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    May 6th 2022, 10:34 PM

    London being one of the world’s great cities yet most Londoners couldn’t point Ireland out on a map and therein lies the problem for Ireland for the last several hundred years.

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    Mute Keith McNair
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    May 6th 2022, 1:08 PM

    This article regurgitates the same old tired out commentary, whilst failing to engage at all adequately with the core issues, such as the significant majority of people In NI who do not want this so-called “united Ireland”.

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    Mute Pablo
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    May 6th 2022, 2:35 PM

    @Keith McNair: The topic was about a party stuck in their ways that might be getting left behind by the electorate …. wasn’t anything to do with a united Ireland. And it dealt with it’s topic very well.

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    Mute A Well Known Comical Stereotype AKA PRGuy
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    May 6th 2022, 9:11 PM

    @Keith McNair: “Significant majority” – hardly. That conversation hasn’t started in earnest but it is coming.

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    Mute Speak Freely
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    May 7th 2022, 8:28 AM

    Eamon McCann described them as the ‘lost tribe’ a long time ago, the article is basically a mishmash / regurgitation of others analysis / ideas, didn’t see anything original in it, I can see why southerners with a casual interest in north would like it.

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    Mute Papa Benzo
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    May 7th 2022, 6:54 PM

    What an absolutely fine example of a great article, thanks for the read, I shall be sharing this with colleagues that I have been trying to explain the situation to..

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