Whether going to the vets or going on holiday there maybe times when you need to travel with your dog in the car. For your own safety and that of your dog they need to be properly restrained while travelling. 

If a dog distracts you while driving you could have a serious accident. A dog could also be thrown around or potentially out of a car if you were to stop in an emergency. 

The Highway Code rule 57 states that

'When in a vehicle make sure dogs or other animals are suitably restrained so they cannot distract or injure you or themselves, if you stop quickly. A seatbelt harness, pet carrier, dog cage or dog guard are ways of restraining animal in cars.'

Seat belt harnesses are usually a harness that your dog wears and has a clip that attaches to the harness at one end and into the seat belt holder on the other. These harnesses should attach to the dog on the body and not the neck. 

Pet carriers are flexible or rigid boxes used to carry your dog. They should be a suitable size for your pet and also be in a secure place in the car so they cannot be thrown around as the car moves. 

Dog cages can be secured into the car to provide a safe place for your dog. 

Dog guards restrict the area of the car that your dog can move around in. They are usually fixed at the back of the seats and prevent your dog from jumping over into the rest of the car. 

In Bloom is a bright, beautiful and bold dog bandana for your dog to wear. This collae slide design goes over your dogs existing collar. 

Pink Cupcakes is a sweet over collar design dog bandana.

Red Hearts to show the love tie on dog bandana.

Allsorts over collar dog bandana. 

Fruit can make a great healthy treat for your dog. Fruit should always be fed in moderation and cut down into bite sized pieces to avoid choking, always consult with your vet before giving new foods to your dog.

• Apples - deseeded and without the core
• Bananas - are safe but contain a lot of sugar
• Blueberries
• Cranberries
• Cucumber
• Mango - remove stone and skin
• Orange - remove peel and seeds
• Peaches - remove stone
• Pears - remove seeds
• Pineapple - remove skin and crown
• Strawberries - high in sugar
• Watermelon - remove rind and seed

There are some fruits that contain toxins that are unsuitable for your dog. 

• Avocado - contains persin that can cause stomach upseet in dogs
• Cherries - stones contain cyanide which is toxic
• Grapes - toxic to dogs
• Grapefruit/lemon/lime - are all very acidic which can cause stomach upset
• Tomatoes - although when fully ripe they are safe green unripe parts or leaves and stem are toxic

There are four dog breeds currently on the UK governments banned breed list.

• Pit Bull Terrier
• Japanese Tosa
• Dogo Argentino
• Fila Brasilerio

It is illeagal to sell, abandon, give away or breed from a banned dog. 

If you are suspected of owning a banned breed, this is based mainly on how your dog looks, the police or council can take away and keep your dog. This can happen even if your dog is not dangerous and there have been no complaints. The police may need a warrant to take your dog.

It is your responsibility to prove your dog is not a banned breed. If successful your dog will be returned to you, if not your dog could be destroyed and you could be convicted. 

If your dog is deemed by the court not to be of danger to the public it my be put on an IED.(Index of Exempted Dogs. There is a list of conditions that must be met for you to keep the dog. 

For more detailed information visit Controlling Your Dog in Public at gov.uk. 

Christmas is an exciting time for the whole family including the four-legged members here are a few tips for a vet free Christmas. 

1. Chocolate contains theobromine which is toxic to dogs. Keep any treats in a place they can't reach and don't put edible decorations on the tree as your dog could get to them and eat them.

2. Don't give your dog turkey or chicken bones they can splinter and cause injury.

3. Christmas pudding, cake and mince pies can contain raisins which are toxic to dogs, so are grapes, keep your dog on their usual food to help prevent stomach upsets. 

4. Alcohol and caffeine can be poisonous to dogs.

5. Some nuts are toxic to dogs and others can cause intestinal problems. 

6. Keep to your dogs normal routine and make sure they still get plenty of exercise to stop them getting bored. 

7. Make sure your dog has a safe place if they want to get away from visitors and remind people to keep doors shut to prevent your dog from getting out. 

8. Some popular christmas plants and decorations are toxic to dogs so keep poinsettia, holly, mistletoe, etc. out of reach. 

9. Your dog could ingest real or fake pine needles or get them stuck in paws so pick up any that fall.