T’was the night before Christmas and all through the house … was wrapping paper, tinsel and chewed up kids toys…. the dog was awake !

Although Christmas is an exciting time for us human types, for dogs it can be hot, frightening, overwhelming and downright dangerous.

At this time of year our own Christmas list has been written and sent to Santa and hints, subtle or otherwise, have been uttered and we cross our fingers that we get at least one of our hoped-for gifts. A dogs Christmas list is a little different; for our dogs, if they knew to be concerned, they would write a list of the dangers that they must try to avoid over Christmas to ensure they enjoy the holidays as much as the rest of their beloved family. From plastic and glass decorations left unattended to unfamiliar humans visiting, the list of Christmas dangers is a long one, here’s what your dog might write to Santa:

Vets deserve Christmas time at home with their families too and no one wants to endure the gut-wrenching trip to the surgery to deal with an unresponsive pet while everyone else is enjoying the festivities. Forewarned is forearmed – your dog WILL play with decorations, it WILL get frightened by noisy guests, it WILL keep me safe from all these Dear Santa Paws, please have fun with my family things so I can be happy and this Christmas time. of quiet time and sleep

• Interrupted routine, lack

• Gates left open

• Drunk people children

• Tired, bored, over excited leftovers

• Bones in Christmas dinner

• Chocolates over excited visiting dogs

• Unfamiliar, tired, scared, hot cars, hot caravans

• Hot ground, hot houses, periods

• Being left at home for extended dog visitor having too much

• Designated, home-alone, homes and forgetting your of a good time at their own dog dog promise I will be the best If you help me stay safe, I next year. in the world for my family

Your loving pooch

Dog xxx adventure out through an open gate and it WILL cook if left in a hot car while you drop off gifts or pop into the shop to pick up a few last minute ‘plate’ items.

At Pet Dog School we very much look forward to seeing all of our clients again in 2022, and we do mean ALL of our clients. We also look forward to meeting new puppies and lucky dogs in new, loving forever homes…but we need their owners to keep them safe between now and then. Please spend some time when making your Christmas plans to work out what you are going to do with the dog during EACH plan. Remember, do what the DOG would like to do, not what is EASIER for you or what the family WANT to do. Dogs will try very hard to tell you they are uncomfortable, unhappy or have simply had enough. We MUST think ahead, watch and listen for them getting to this point.

Be your dogs’ Santa Paws these holidays and make sure you keep him or her safe from all of the points on their Christmas list.

Only by bringing a little ‘Ho, ho, how’s the dog doing?’ thinking can we guarantee to have a wonderful holidays and, BONUS? Your dog promises to be the ‘Best dog in the World’ next year for you, if you do.

I, Sarah Hesketh wish you, your families and especially all of your dogs a wonderful and safe Christmas time and very much look forward to seeing you all again in 2022.