For life – not just Christmas!

As lockdowns and Covid-19 social distancing prevail, this Christmas enter taining will be cur tailed – perhaps benefitting our pooches.

Puppies bought in lockdown will have grown into teenagers, becoming rebellious and pushing boundaries.

Having had limited socialisation oppor tunities due to social distancing, the sights, sounds and smells of Christmas might be over whelming for these youngsters.

But it’s not just about the thousands of puppies facing their first Christmas. Studies concur that 40% of dogs are now displaying increased anxiety through ner vousness, barking and

Broadcaster and author Anna Webb has studied at the College of Integrated Veterinary Therapies (CIVT). She lives in London with Prudence and Mr Binks.

separation issues. A quieter Christmas might benefit them this year.

Allow more time to spend proactively with your dog.

With an uncer tain economic climate ahead no one needs an emergency vet bill over Christmas! Yet Co-Op insurance has revealed that 12% of Britain’s dogs do spend Christmas Day at the vets!

When the decorations go up, for a teenage dog there’s an oppor tunity to have some fun – but it’s not just the tinsel, wrapping paper and sticky tape that are dangerous. Many festive foods contain raisins, which can be lethal – as can chocolate.

Another concern is that many lockdown puppies in

rented accommodation could be facing eviction.

Despite Government guidelines including its Model Tenancy Agreement, which clearly states that living with a pet should not be withheld, 55% of private landlords continue to discriminate against pets.

A petition by PAAW

House is lobbying Government to set out pet friendly regulations to bring the UK in line with countries like France and Canada.

In Britain, soaring dog ownership in the under-38 year-old demographic, or 35% of the rental market, means it is essential to ensure that people with pets have their rights protected. www.annawebb.co.uk