MYTH: mince pies and chocolate make dogs sick

REALITY: Actually, this one is definitely true! A number of Christmas treats are hazardous to pets, including raisins – mince pies and Christmas pudding alike can be toxic. Chocolate, too, is toxic to dogs, and the darker it is the more harmful it’s likely to be. Don’t wait around for symptoms if your dog does get hold of something it shouldn’t. Call the vet right away.

Be aware of other hazards during the Christmas period, too. It might surprise you to know that vets actually report up to 40% more accidents and emergencies over the holidays. Owners are often distracted and from the pet’s point of view, there are more temptations left lying around, including decorations, wrapping paper and batteries. Plants and greenery is another one to be mindful of. It wouldn’t be Christmas without the holly and ivy but these, along with mistletoe and poinsettias, are poisonous.