We’ve got lots of Christmas gift ideas for dog lovers and while our freebies prizes don’t all have a Christmas theme, there are plenty of them — 66 in total up for grabs — because, after all, Christmas is a time for giving.

Despite the festive vibe, there is still plenty of practical content in this issue, from learning all about vestibular disease, which is not uncommon in dogs, to winter care tips to keep your pet warm, dry, and safe. And we haven’t forgotten about the pressures we’re all under because of rises in the cost of living either (and that includes the costs of dog ownership). Julie Hill has been talking to trainers, behaviourists, and nutritionists for tips on how you can cut costs without compromising your dog’s health and happiness.

For the dogs of Ukraine, winter will only add to the struggle to survive in their war-torn country, as temperatures plummet. Joanne Bednall reports on the efforts to assist the many thousands of pets living on the streets or in shelters, and explains what we can do to help.