Christmas and the well groomed dog!

Aunt Martha is coming to visit for the holidays and you want your dog looking and smelling wonderful. Christmas can be a very busy time of year for everyone. Don't put off that grooming session until the last minute. And if you think you can get him to a grooming parlor, you're likely to be disappointed because most shops will turn you down, as their Christmas appointments were booked weeks ago.

Many folks like their dogs haircut better after a week or so from freshly being groomed. So before the company arrives, find some time to pamper your dog for the holidays.

A small investment of some dry shampoo spray will ensure a clean, fresh, and most importantly, fast cleanup should it become necessary between the bath and your busy Christmas.

If you plan to use special Christmas bows or ribbons in his hair, be careful to test the color steadfastness as many of the pretty ribbons can stain your dog's coat if it becomes wet.

Don't overdue with the colognes and doggie perfumes. They will be lost in the wonderful scents of Christmas anyway.

Some do's and don't for Christmas and your dog.

Your dog can feel the stress of the holidays just as you do. Too much excitement can cause stomach upset for him. If you're planning a party, it may be wise to have a quiet secured area for your dog to avoid such stress. If you can't help yourself and must show off his wonderful grooming job and how pretty he looks, be sure he is with you at all times to prevent someone he doesn't know from feeling the effects of his stress.

Everyone knows chocolate is dangerous for a dog and can be fatal if quantities are consumed in large amounts, so if you know that Martha Karachi chocolates are wrapped in that beautiful package, don't place it under the tree. Your dog's sense of smell will be keen to any treat wrapped in pretty paper or not.

Remind your guests not to feed your dog from the dinner table. And please, no turkey for him for Christmas. Excess fats and gravies, just like rich buttery vegetables, can be as hard on their digestive system as poultry skin.  These foods can cause severe vomiting and diarrhea, even to the extent of causing an inflamed pancreas, which can be life threatening.