A DOG expert has revealed the breed that’s most likely to nick food from your dinner table this Christmas – and it’s bad news for border terrier owners.
According to the pros, a staggering 71% of dog owners say that their pet causes chaos during the festive season.
And among the dogs committing the biggest Christmas crimes are border terriers, who live up to their greedy reputation with a whopping one in three (32%) having stolen food from the festive dinner table.
Actually, in total, a fifth of dogs have stolen food from the festive feast – with one in ten having chowed down on the turkey.
But for another one in 10 dogs, it’s a day to remember, as they’re even given a seat at the dinner party.
Poodles are among the most boisterous dogs at Christmas, with one in three toppling over the Christmas tree, and more than a quarter getting tangled in tinsel.
Instead of your canine causing chaos with the Christmas decorations, why not consider a garland instead of a tree, Dr Samantha Butler-Davies MRCVS, Veterinary Services Director at Pets at Home, suggested.
However, if you do want to have a tree, it’s important to be mindful of decorating it in a “pet-friendly way”.
“While us humans may love dangly and edible decorations, they are too tempting and dangerous for our pets,” Dr Butler-Davies explained.
“Tinsel and ribbon can also be risky as they are dangerous if they’re ingested, potentially causing blockages.”
It’s also a good idea to invest in a heavy stand if you’re worried about your tree tipping over.
“It’s also sensible to be mindful of your tree water; ensure the bowl at the base is always covered,” Dr Butler-Davies continued.
“Cords and cables should also be out of reach, and always remember to unplug your lights when you’re not there.”
The Pets at Home study also showed that Jack Russells are the most likely breed to open presents – with 25% having torn open gifts.
But if you can, presents should be kept in a room that pets can be kept away from when they’re unsupervised.
Avoid wrapping up with tape and ribbon – both of which are hazardous to pets – and keep any chocolate and baked goods well away from your pooches.
By Marsha O'Mahony
HUSKY
Beautiful, intelligent, and super-active, like a Border Collie, a Husky is a working dog and likes to keep busy.
If you lead a sedentary life, then this guy is not for you, and you are not for him.
It should be no surprise that Huskies love the cold – look at that coat of fur. So, living in 110 degrees in Texas is pretty grim for these dogs.
DACHSHUND
Adorable, cute, funny, and they can be very expensive.
The basic physiology of these sausage dogs does them no favours. “Because of their long backs, they’re really prone to intervertebral disc disease,” said Dr. Rachel.
You would be wise to keep a pot of money aside just in case because back surgery is likely to be expensive.
GREAT DANE
These lolloping, loving, and gregarious dogs are “goofballs.”
But they have short lifespans, developing health issues early on in life. Prepare yourself for heartbreak.
DOODLE
These are the current “it” dog, they are everywhere. They can be mixed with pretty much any other breed.
Their popularity has soared in recent years, with pet owners attracted to their low maintenance and hypoallergenic qualities.
But this couldn’t be further from the truth, said our vet.
“These dogs are often mixed with shedding dogs so they do shed and they also need grooming very frequently,” she wrote.
Their temperament is unpredictable and she has seen some that are wonderful to work with and others who have serious behavioral problems.
BULLDOGS
These guys are adorable but they have serious respiratory problems. Genetics are not on the side of any brachycephalic dog.
“I just would not own them,” she said. “They’re just not a healthy breed. They struggle to breathe with their smooshed faces.”
Like the Dachshund, they also suffer from intervertebral disc disease.
“While chocolate and baked goods make wonderful gifts for humans, they must be kept away from pets,” the animal pro continued.
“If a present contains food, keep it in a pet-proof area to avoid temptation.”
And lastly, make sure that any present you get your beloved pet has been designed and created specifically for pets – “so you can be confident they will not harm them”.
