Almost half of dog owners are planning to make a special Christmas meal for their dog, according to research carried out by K9 Magazine on behalf of Direct Line Pet Insurance.

Of the 1,021 people surveyed, 49 per cent said they were planning on giving their dog a Christmas dinner with 46 per cent scheduling in a special family dog walk over the festive period. And a whopping 89 per cent of Britain’s dogs can expect a Christmas present under the tree this tear – 9 per cent of them receiving gifts to the tune of £100 or more.

K9 Magazine editor Ryan O’Meara said of the findings: “The fact that nearly half of all dog owners are preparing to fully include their canine pals in the Christmas festivities is indicative of just how much the relationship between pets and their owners has changed in modern times.

‘Chocolate, raisins, onions, and added salt should all be avoided, as should sharp or small bones’

“Dogs are now considered fully fledged members of the family and this research highlights just how seriously owners take that relationship. Dogs bring us so much joy every day, it’s nice to hear that owners take great delight in including them at this special time.”

But the figures don’t come without a warning. Adam Whiteley, head of pet insurance at Direct Line, added: “Dog owners going to the trouble of cooking a special Christmas dinner for their best furry friend are clearly doing so out of love and festive spirit.

“It’s worth remembering that there are a few things dogs shouldn’t eat at all, even on special occasions, as doing so can make them very ill or even cause death in extreme cases. Chocolate, raisins, onions, and added salt should all be avoided, as should sharp or small bones. It’s a good idea to make sure that all food items and treats are stored well out of reach of pets, during the holidays and all year round.”

• Read the full article and results of the survey here

And watch this video compiled by K9 Magazine entitled Does Your Dog Love Christmas… Ralphie makes an appearance two minutes and 14 seconds in!