v GROW YOUR BUSINESS WITH THE HERALD v 11th December 2025 • The HERALD • Page 57 ANIMAL MAGIC Victoria: 07503 813594 Daniel: 07584 534818 SELF SERVICE DOG WASH Open 7 days a week 189 Long Lane, SO45 2PA Forestsidegrooming.co.uk Self Service Dog Wash Open Throughout The Festive Period Keep your dog clean and smelling fresh this Christmas with the Forestside Grooming Self Service Dog Wash, which is open every day, local and easy to use. As winter sets in over the beautiful New Forest, muddy paws and wet coats become part of every dog owner’s routine. Regular bathing isn’t just about keeping your car and home clean, it maintains a healthy coat and skin, reduces odours and keeps your dog more comfortable during these damp chilly months. Forestside Grooming’s Self Service Dog Wash situated in Long Lane, Holbury, makes winter grooming simple and stress free. Housed in a secure, lockable, well lit shed, it provides a warm, safe and private space for you and your dog to freshen up, no matter what the weather. With access 7 days a week, you can use on your own schedule, whether a er a muddy walk, before festive visitors arrive or any time your pup needs a spruce up. Forestside Grooming comment: “We would like to say a massive THANK YOU to all our wonderful customers, for your support this year. We wish you and your dogs a very Merry Christmas & Happy New Year and look forward to celebrating our 20th anniversary in 2026!” For more information visit: www.forestsidegrooming.co.uk Southampton & District Beekeepers Association are running an Introduction to Beekeeping Course, starting on Wednesday 18th February at 7.30pm. e course includes 6 theory sessions conducted via zoom, hands on training at the Association Apiary and support from a bee buddy during your rst year of beekeeping. For further information visit: www.southamptonbeekeepers.co.uk/ beginners-courses Merry Christmas from all at Forestside Grooming! Introduction to Beekeeping Course With Christmas just around the corner, many people are eagerly decorating their homes. A erall, no home is complete without a Christmas tree. However, something strange and new popping up in pet’s home like a Christmas tree can be a prime target for a spot of exploring. But what dangers do Christmas trees pose to cats and dogs? “Putting a tree up is part of the festivities, however for our pets it is a new adventure filled with potential risks we often overlook” says Simon Bennett, M a n a g i n g Director at petGuard. Leading pet insurer petGuard put together a guide to help pet owners pet-proof their Christmas tree and limit the danger that Christmas trees can pose to their furry friends. Cat friendly Christmas tree Cats and kittens love to climb trees where they can hide. Some cats cannot resist exploring in Christmas trees. However, the oils produced by some types of Christmas trees can irritate a cat’s mouth and cause vomiting. Not only that, but the needles themselves are spiky and not easily digested, which could cause problems if the cat was to swallow any. In anticipation of the cats attempting to climb on the Christmas tree, owners should ensure all decorations are secure. It is advisable to avoid using fragile baubles or tinsel, as they may appear toylike to many feline companions. Dog-friendly Christmas tree If it is the dog’s rst Christmas, owners should consider setting up the tree early to allow the dog to get used to it slowly. Start with a bare, undecorated tree and leave it up until the dog is bored of sni ng it and is comfortable sharing a room with it. en it is time to decorate! During Christmas, dogs can get very excited, much like humans. For owners of larger dogs, the wagging tail could cause a problem. A solution to this is attaching a shing line from the Christmas tree to either the wall or ceiling to help secure it in place. A nice heavy base should also do the trick. Plenty of Christmas trees across the country will be decorated with chocolates and candy canes, but any form of edible treats on the tree is not a good idea with a hungry pup around – especially chocolate. Simon adds: “Having a Christmas tree in the house is magical and by taking extra caution, you can make sure both you and your pet can enjoy Christmas” adds Simon. For more information visit: www.petguard. co.uk/christmas-treespets Pet Proof Your Christmas Tree
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