The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has also issued important advice on making sure your home is a safe environment for pets over the festive season.  
     Chocolate is one of the most common causes of poisoning in dogs, but it’s also harmful to other species, including cats, rodents and rabbits. Other toxic foods include liquorice sweets, grapes, onions, garlic, and raisins and sultanas (plus mince pies, fruit cake and Christmas pud).  
     Blu-tack, used to put up cards and decorations, is also poisonous to pets, as is antifreeze, so keep these well out of animals’ reach.  
     Other hazards for pets include Christmas tree light electric cables – very dangerous if chewed; tinsel, wrapping paper and bows, which could be eaten; and broken glass baubles which could cause serious injury. Also take care not to leave batteries lying around – if swallowed they can cause severe chemical burns to your dog’s mouth, throat and stomach.  
     If you have any doubt or concern about anything your pet might have ingested, contact your vet for advice immediately. It’s a good idea to find out about your vet’s holiday opening times in advance, but if you go away for Christmas and need to find a vet in an emergency, visit www.findavet.org.uk   
     To request a copy of the BVA Animal Welfare Foundation’s guide to Pets and Poisons, produced in conjunction with the Veterinary Poisons Information Service, email bva-awf@bva.co.uk

It’s nearly Christmas! Here are 10 timely top tips to help keep your pets safe over the festive season and throughout the winter, courtesy of Thornside pet insurance:
1. Don’t get complacent about taking your dog for a walk. The shorter days and worsening weather might not be appealing to us, but your dog still needs exercise.
2. Stay safe when out on the roads – wear reflective clothing and invest in a reflective collar and/or jacket for your dog.
3. Buy a reflective collar for your cat, too, if he likes to go out and about when it gets dark.
4. Don’t clip your dog’s coat over the winter; he will need it for warmth. If you have to bath him, dry him thoroughly afterwards.
5. Take care when walking your dog near frozen lakes. If he ventures onto the ice he could put himself and you in danger.
6. We all know that animals should never be left in cars in the summertime, in case of overheating, but the same is true in winter when cars can turn into refrigerators and cause hypothermia.
7. Be aware that some cats will crawl under car bonnets to gain access to a warm engine. Keep an eye on your cat and others in the neighbourhood.
8. If you have pets that live outdoors, provide them with extra bedding or insulation. In extreme weather, move them into the house, shed or garage for extra warmth.
9. Humans have a tendency to overindulge at Christmas – ensure you don’t overfeed your pets during this time.
10. Be very careful about what festive foods you leave lying around. Some of our favourite treats ­– including chocolate, Macademia nuts, dried fruit and foods containing it, such as Christmas cake and Christmas pud ­– are highly poisonous to dogs.

The community dog walking group Big Walkies is holding its ‘Big Christmas Walk’ on Saturday 17 December. There will be prizes for the best Christmas-dressed dogs, owners and walkers, plus a collection for Wood Green, The Animals Charity. You can also join in with the doggy secret Santa ­– spend up to £1 on a dog treat, wrap it up and put it in the secret Santa bag on arrival.
     The event is free and the walk will start at 10.30am from Conneygear car park, St Neots (sat-nav postcode PE19 2PR). Non-dog owners who love dogs are more than welcome to come along too. RSVP by emailing bigwalkies@live.co.uk with your name and dogs’ names and advise if you will be taking part in the secret Santa.

The January issue of
Dogs Monthly goes
on sale 1 December.
Inside you’ll find…

“It’s not the dog, it’s the owner” Why understanding owners can be the key to reforming their problem pets.  
Say ‘No’ to sticks One reader’s frightening experience alerts us all to the dangers.
Car phobia How to improve the life of a nervous passenger.
Dietary decisions Wet, semi-moist or dry food?
New series: Training masterclass Practical help for problem barking and digging. 
Why dogs steal – and why the smelliest items are the best! 
Breed focus All about the Dogue de Bordeaux. 
Expert vet advice Neurological problems. 
Canine research What do dogs get up to when they’re left alone at home?  
Fowl play Help for a dog who’s a little too interested in chickens…
Trail hounds Doggy days out in Essex.
Ken Livingstone tells us all about his Labrador Coco. 
Questions about cancer Diagnosis and treatment.
Canine courage Meet four dogs who’ve saved lives.  
Real homes for real friends Heartwarming rehoming stories. 
Craft project Cosy up with a dog design cover for your hot water bottle.
Secret service Dogs in history from kings’ confidants to battlefield heroes. 
Time: the great healer One reader’s experience of bereavement and new friendships. 
Agility for beginners Our new doggy diary.
A-Z of home remedies First aid for nasal problems.  
K9 Queries All answered by experts in their field on: care, health, training, legal, insurance, grooming, breeding & puppy care, behaviour, feeding and veterinary.
PLUS Many more entertaining and informative articles on all things dog!

Dogs Trust has today launched its ‘Ho No No’ campaign to get puppies taken off children’s Christmas wish lists. The charity’s research reveals that over a third of children have asked for a puppy as a present and, worryingly, 16 per cent of parents would buy one if their child put it on their list. Every year animal charities have to pick up the pieces when Christmas present pups are abandoned.
     As part of its new campaign, Dogs Trust is encouraging dog lovers to send a Christmas card to their local pet shop – or to more high profile outlets that persist in selling pets, such as Harrods – asking it to ‘Stop selling puppies at Christmas time’. This mirrors Dogs Trust’s own policy of stopping rehoming dogs in the run up to Christmas and New Year. To find out more – and to send a free e-card to Harrods – visit www.adogisforlife.org.uk

…then come and say hello! Dogs Monthly will be on stand 210 and we would love to see you there. 
This year’s Discover Dogs promises to be another fun-filled weekend with more than 200 different breeds to meet and greet. The show takes place on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 November 2011, from 10am-5pm, at Earls Court 1, London. For more information visit www.discoverdogs.org.uk

Battersea Dogs & Cats Home’s annual fundraising extravaganza, the Collars & Coats Gala Ball, takes place this Friday, 11 November 2011 at Evolution, in the grounds of Battersea Park. Expect personalities galore on the red carpet – and we don’t just mean the Battersea hounds!
     For more about the event, its celeb supporters and performers, and how to bid in the online auction (bids close 10 November at 6pm) go to www.collarsandcoats.org.uk or call 020 7627 6309.