It’s Christmas time and all the magazines are full of ‘Do and Don’ts’. Here are some of mine… Do remember that chocolate and raisins are very toxic to pets, especially dogs.

Only a couple of weeks ago a very friendly Labrador patient of ours died, despite intensive treatment, after stealing 500g of raisins that were left sitting on a kitchen worktop, waiting to be added to the Christmas cake.

If you think the worst has occurred, seek veterinary attention immediately.

Don’t forget that, if you have 15 guests for lunch and they each give your dog four decent titbits, he will grow so much that he won’t fit into his basket anymore.

He will also spoil your late Christmas evening by vomiting and having diarrhoea everywhere.

Remember you will have enough clearing up to do after your guests have left without him contributing. If someone insists on feeling sorry for him despite your request not to feed then fib a bit and tell them he is diabetic.

Do remember your friendly, local veterinary surgeon, who will be working away as usual, 24/7, helping Greenock’s pets over Christmas, unlike some who shut their doors and relinquish their responsibilities to a distant, exorbitantly priced emergency service.

Gifts of wine, especially if it is dry and white, are most welcome. Other forms of alcohol are, of course, never refused.

Don’t forget that it is just not fair to give veterinary nurses gifts of exotic chocolates or luxury biscuit boxes.

These only lead to disputes and disharmony within the practice as someone keeps bloomin’ stealing all the best ones.

Remember also that, as a group, they are both weak-willed and always trying to lose weight so they don’t appreciate the temptation or the extra calories.

Consequently, plain digestives or oatcakes are preferable.

Do remember that alcohol and nicotine are poisonous to pets. Many over zealous animals will steal the contents of ashtrays or lick at a carelessly discarded glass. Both will have disastrous results.

I always think that complete abstinence is better anyway, especially if taken in moderation.

Don’t forget that, while Christmas decorations make attractive playthings for cats, they are often silly enough to swallow them.

The string or thread attached can cause significant intestinal damage and it make take a day or two for signs of obstruction to occur.

Do not try and make these individuals vomit. Let your vet know what has happened and, if possible, take an item similar to that swallowed with you if you have to go to the surgery.

Do remember to fit a circuit breaker plug on your fairy lights so that your pet will not be electrocuted if he chews the cable.

Don’t forget that, if you have a dog, taking him out for a long walk after dinner is a great way of getting out of the washing up.

Remember, however, you must come back saying how cold you are and how he ran away and you had to chase him and you’re sorry you took so long, otherwise you might feel guilty.

Happy Christmas.