Presents a dog will love

A new toy is often the first thing people think of when buying for a dog.

Most dogs will be happy with a toy and some extra time with you. A good present suits the dog's size and the way it likes to play, and is made to stand up to it.

These notes draw on advice from PDSA, Blue Cross and the RSPCA, and on the law about dog collars.

A toy the right size

PDSA vets suggest buying only toys made for dogs. Other toys are less likely to stand up to rough play and could be dangerous.

A toy should be too big to swallow whole. As a rule of thumb, the safest toy is one your dog can carry without holding the whole thing in its mouth. For a ball, Blue Cross suggests one big enough not to be a choking hazard, ideally with a rope attached.

Check toys often. Throw a toy away once parts could be bitten off and swallowed.

Something to chew

Most dogs need to chew all their lives. Chewing is calming, and it exercises the jaw. Blue Cross lists dental sticks, yak sticks and pressed hide as chews made for gnawing.

Pick a chew that suits the size of your dog. Stay with your dog the first time it has a new kind. If your dog tends to swallow big pieces, Blue Cross suggests avoiding large chews such as pig's ears and rawhide, which can cause a blockage.

A hollow, firm rubber toy can be filled with biscuits. It keeps a dog busy and stands up to a lot of chewing. Blue Cross suggests this kind of toy as the one to leave with a dog when you are out.

A fetch toy

Many dogs love a stick. Blue Cross warns that sticks cause injuries from splinters in the gums to blockages in the bowel. A ball on a rope, a rope toy or a rubber stick are safer for fetch.

A collar and ID tag

An engraved tag can be a useful present. Under the Control of Dogs Order 1992, a dog in a public place must wear a collar showing the owner's name and address. Working dogs and some others are exempt.

Every dog in the UK must also be microchipped and registered by eight weeks old. GOV.UK says a dog still needs its collar and tag in public.

Food and wrapping to keep out of reach

Edible presents need the most care. Chocolate is toxic to dogs, and even small amounts can cause serious illness. Grapes, raisins, currants and sultanas can cause severe kidney failure, so keep Christmas pudding, mince pies and cake out of reach.

Onions, garlic, leeks, shallots and chives are poisonous to dogs, cooked or raw. Many sweets contain a sweetener called xylitol, which is poisonous to dogs. Macadamia nuts and alcohol are harmful too.

Wrapping paper and ribbon can cause a blockage if swallowed. Blue Cross suggests keeping wrapped presents, edible ones above all, out of a dog's reach.