Keeping dogs safe this Christmas . . .
CHRISTMAS can be exciting for dogs, but be sure to keep them safe.
‘At this time of year, there can be lots of sweets, treats, gifts and decorations around, so make sure that your dog can’t help itself to anything harmful,’ says Amy Clarke, who runs a Barking Mad dog care franchise business with her sisterin-law, Naomi, in Taunton, Somerset.
Amy and Naomi have compiled these tips to help keep your dog safe at Christmas:
TOXIC FOODS: Make sure your dog avoids mince pies, Christmas pudding, grapes, raisins, alcohol, bones, fatty or mouldy food from the bin, macadamia nuts, yeast dough, onions, shallots, garlic, xylitol (an artificial sweetener), cocoa powder and chocolate.
CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS: Tinsel, ribbons, Christmas lights, candles, glass ornaments, crackers and plants such as poinsettia, holly, ivy and pine needles can all be hazardous.
WRAPPED GIFTS: Are the contents dog-friendly? ‘The best solution is to keep them out of the dog’s way,’ says Amy. ‘Be mindful of packaging, silica gel and batteries, too. If you suspect that your dog has ingested something harmful, immediately contact your vet.’
Former teachers Amy and Naomi bought their Barking Mad franchise business when they wanted to return to work after having children.
Amy says: ‘We share running the business and childcare. With flexible hours, we can change who is working at short notice, and at Christmas we are able to attend our children’s Nativity plays.’
Barking Mad is looking for more dog- loving, business- minded franchisees to organise dog holidays with host families. The franchise costs from £14,957.
New research from the British Franchise Association (BFA) and NatWest shows that in the past two years, more than 25 per cent of new franchisees were aged 30 or under and 37 per cent of all newer franchisees were women.
Pip Wilkins, the BFA’s chief executive, says: ‘The 37 per cent rate is well above the national small business average, testament to the franchise community’s drive to empower women into business.
‘The sharp increase in under-30s starting their own business is thanks to the franchise model bridging the gap between experience and ambition.’
About 90 per cent of franchisees have reported profitability over 20 years.