🐕🎄Dog Safety Tips Of December: Festive Dangers to Avoid
The holidays are a wonderful time to relax, celebrate, and spoil our loved ones — dogs included! But while the season brings sparkle and joy, it also comes with a few hidden hazards for our four-legged friends. From shiny decorations to tempting treats, here are some festive dangers to keep an eye on so everyone can enjoy a calm, cosy Christmas.
🍫 Chocolate and Sweets
Chocolate is one of the most common holiday hazards. It contains theobromine, a chemical that dogs can’t process safely. Even a small amount can cause vomiting, restlessness, or worse — so keep boxes of chocolates, advent calendars, and desserts well out of reach.
Also watch out for sweeteners like xylitol (found in sugar-free treats and chewing gum), which can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar.
🎁 Tinsel, Baubles, and Decorations
Tinsel may look like the perfect toy, but it’s a serious choking and blockage risk if swallowed. The same goes for small ornaments, string lights, and ribbon — anything that sparkles or dangles is basically irresistible to curious pups.
If you’ve got a dog who loves to explore with their mouth, consider decorating the lower half of your tree with non-breakable ornaments or keeping the most tempting ones higher up.
🕯️ Candles and Scents
Candles, wax melts, and essential oil diffusers can all create a lovely festive atmosphere — but keep them out of tail-wagging range! One enthusiastic swish could send a candle flying or a diffuser spilling.
Some essential oils (like tea tree, cinnamon, and clove) are also toxic to dogs, so choose pet-safe alternatives or stick to plain, unscented options.
🍗 Rich Foods and Leftovers
Dogs can’t resist the smell of Christmas dinner, but rich, fatty foods can cause tummy upsets or even pancreatitis. Turkey skin, gravy, and sausage stuffing are best avoided — and never give bones, as they can splinter easily.
If you want to include your dog in the celebration, set aside some plain cooked turkey, carrot sticks, or dog-safe treats so they can join in safely.
🌿 Plants and Flowers
Popular holiday plants like poinsettias, holly, mistletoe, and lilies are all toxic to dogs if eaten. Keep them on high shelves or opt for artificial versions instead — they’ll last longer and look just as lovely.
🎉 Noise and Guests
Christmas gatherings can be exciting but overwhelming for dogs, especially with loud music, fireworks, or lots of visitors. Make sure your dog has a quiet, comfy spot to retreat to when they need a break.
A Calm and Cheerful Christmas
The best gift you can give your dog this season is a peaceful, stress-free environment — and a few extra walks to burn off all that excitement!
If you’d like some help keeping your dog active and happy, I offer regular walks and drop-in visits to make sure every tail keeps wagging.
🐾 Get in touch to book a walk or visit.
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