According to the Real Pets Survey conducted by Real Insurance, Australians spent close to $145 million on Christmas presents for their pets in 2018, which was part of a staggering $8.1 billion spent across the year on food, toys and other expenses.

As thousands of residents in Orange and the Central West prepare to spoil their furry friends, TAFE NSW Animal Studies Teacher, and Association of Pet Dog Trainers Australia (APDT) Dog Trainer of the Year in 2017, Debi Coleman, has highlighted 10 of the best (and worst) Christmas ideas for dogs this year.

“Christmas is a time for giving but the safety of our dogs should be paramount when considering any presents, especially when it comes to food or tasty treats,” Ms Coleman said.

Ms Coleman, who is affectionately known as ‘The Dog Lady’, said while it was only natural to want to spoil your dogs with Christmas leftovers, many of our festive season favourites are quite harmful for our dogs, and we should avoid giving them:

1. Christmas ham: It's salty and will cause your dog to dehydrate, get a stomach ache and may even cause Pancreatitis which can be fatal
2. Fruit cake, mince pies and puddings: They contain fruit and nuts that can be toxic to dogs
3. Cooked Bones: They can splinter and cause a blockage in the intestines.
    
    When spoiling your dogs, the best and safest Christmas food presents are:
    
4. Reindeer ears and bully sticks: long lasting and delicious chews
5. Liver Treats: low in fat and high in protein.
    
   In terms of playful dog presents, Ms Coleman recommends purchasing the following:
    
6. A snuffle mat: This is an inexpensive enrichment item that can be made from a rubber mat and strips of fleecy material. A great quick craft idea for the kids or can be bought online and is fabulous for dogs of all ages and sizes and uses their natural seeking instincts
7. Puppington Pods: A pod shaped dog ball - you place a treat in the middle and teach your dog to bring the ball back and be rewarded when he does
8. Clam shells: Can be filled with water and used for swimming in the warmer weather.  Can also be filled with sand for digging and burying treats.
    
   Presents to avoid include:
    
9. Rawhide treats: Rawhide is a waste product and is often flavoured in hazardous chemicals
10. Pig snouts : Get soggy as the dog chews and often the right size to block airway.
     
    Ms Coleman said according to Australian Government Jobs Outlook website statistics, there is a predicted 9,000 new veterinary nurse positions to become available across the country until 2023.
     
    “The best way to start an exciting career working with animals is by getting the practical skills and work experience that you need by  studying at Australia’s largest training provider – TAFE NSW,” Ms Coleman said.
     
    “TAFE NSW has a huge range of Animal Studies courses available for semester 1, 2020 through face-to-face and blended, remote delivery. For information visit www.tafensw.edu.au or phone 131 601.”
     

Media contact: TAFE NSW Media and Communications Business Partner, Luke Schuyler, 0439 536 563.