Christmas is a time of joy, indulgence, and celebration. While we’re decking the halls and savouring festive treats, it’s easy to overlook the hidden Christmas hazards for dogs.
To keep your dog healthy and happy over this festive break, we’ve listed all the things you should watch out for to ensure you don’t make unexpected visits to the vet this Christmas!
Watch out for festive food toxic to dogs
Certain foods that appear more over Christmas can be hazardous for your dogs – and although you may already know this – your guests may not. If you’re having guests around over the holidays, make sure you keep an eye on them, to ensure they aren’t sneakily feeding them treats under the table which could unbeknownst to them, make them very poorly!
Can dogs eat turkey?
We’ve all seen the stories (and plenty of video evidence) of dogs sneaking onto countertops or dinner tables to snag a bite of the turkey—raw or cooked, they’re not picky! But is turkey actually safe for dogs?
The good news is yes, turkey is generally safe as long as it’s boneless, lean, and white meat. However, darker meat and turkey skin can be too rich and fatty for dogs, so these should only be offered in small amounts, if at all. And while giving your dog a turkey bone might seem like a festive treat, keep in mind that turkey bones can splinter easily, creating a serious choking hazard or causing internal injuries – so we certainly don’t recommend giving them this as a treat.
Christmas is a time for indulgence, but be sure to keep your favourite treats out of paw’s reach—especially chocolates. Dogs are notorious for sniffing out sweets, and the darker the chocolate, the more toxic it is for them. Don’t let your hard-earned Chocolate Orange end up in their belly instead of yours!
Other festive foods to keep off their menu include mince pies, gravy, and stuffing, Christmas cake (and anything with dried grapes, raisins and sultanas!) which can all be harmful to their health.
By keeping these tips in mind, you can enjoy the festivities while keeping your furry friend safe and happy!
Toxic Christmas drinks
Ensure your dog doesn’t drink from the Christmas tree water, as sap can seep into it, making it potentially harmful, and loose pine needles may fall in and be ingested. Blocking off access to the tree base is a simple way to prevent any accidents.
Likewise, keep alcoholic beverages well out of reach. Alcohol affects pets similarly to humans but can be far more dangerous for them. To avoid any mishaps, be sure to keep your favourite whisky and other drinks safely attended or out of their sight!
What can I feed my dog over Christmas?
If you are saving some food as a Christmas treat for your dog, then here are some things you can safely feed them:
- Plain boiled or steamed green beans, Brussel sprouts and broccoli
- Mashed potatoes without butter, salt or onions added.
- Plain boiled carrots or parsnips without any glazes
- Boiled or steamed peas.
- Plain cooked cauliflower
Make sure anything you’re feeding them doesn’t include sauce. That delicious cheese sauce baked over your vegetables or those perfectly roasted carrots should be reserved for your guests—at least they can tell you how amazing it tastes!
Avoid Christmas plants poisonous to dogs
Whilst plants may look festive and joyful to you and your family, some seasonal plants can also be poisonous like poinsettias, mistletoe, and holly may. Dogs are inquisitive and can easily digest them which could unfortunately mean an unexpected vet visit is on the cards.
To ensure your dog’s safety, make sure these are kept out of reach or you could opt for some artificial alternatives!
Keep them away from the Christmas decorations
We’ve already mentioned the issues of Christmas trees, drinking the sap, and ingesting needles, but you should also be cautious of falling hazards in terms of decorations or dogs biting on branches and causing collateral damage.
If you have a fake tree, some low-quality ones can contain toxic materials like lead or harmful chemicals – the branches can also be tempting for them to chew on as well which can cause blockages in the digestive tract.
Tips to keep your dog safe around Christmas Trees
- Placement: Secure the tree to prevent it from falling if bumped or climbed.
- Barriers: Use a pet gate or tree skirt to block access to the tree base.
- Supervision: Monitor your dog around the tree, especially when it’s first introduced.
- Alternative Decor: Consider using a smaller tree on a table or a dog-safe artificial tree without loose parts.
Both real and fake trees can be enjoyed safely with the right precautions, ensuring your festive decorations don’t pose a risk to your pup.
Watch out around candles
Candles can be hazardous for obvious reasons. Wagging and excitable tails can easily knock the lit candles off top tables, so ensure they are in a safe place.
Can batteries be harmful to dogs?
Batteries, although not super exciting, can be very popular on Christmas day as they are required for lots of brand-new shiny toys.
They can be a danger to dogs though as there is the temptation for them to be chewed, punctured, or swallowed. You can protect dogs from these by keeping them out of reach, disposing of them properly, and ensuring battery-operated items are intact and closed securely.
Watch out for signs they’re feeling overwhelmed
Dogs thrive on routine and consistency, so a bustling household and a packed social calendar can sometimes leave them feeling overwhelmed.
If you’re hosting festivities at home this year, be sure to provide your dog with a quiet, cosy, and secure space where they can retreat when they’ve had enough excitement.
To help them stay calm, consider taking your dog on a long walk before your guests arrive. This can help tire them out and make them more relaxed during the celebrations.
Check the temperature inside the house
The ideal temperature for dogs is dependent on a few factors, such as breed, size, age, coat type, and overall health. For Winter though, the general temperature range is 20°C to 22°C.
So if you have a beautiful fire roaring in the background or are considering cranking the heating up, make sure to take your dog into consideration.
Likewise, make sure they’re not near a draught or laid on the cold tiled floor.
Giving your dog a gift at Christmas
Your dog might be eyeing those fancy rawhide treats in the corner, but think twice before giving in to their pleading looks. Rawhide treats are often packed with food coloring, which isn’t digestible for dogs. Swallowing even small pieces can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, or, in severe cases, life-threatening digestive blockages that may require surgery—certainly not how anyone wants to spend the holidays!
Preparation is key this Christmas
With a little preparation, you can ensure this festive season is safe, memorable, and filled with happy, wagging tails! We wish you a joyful and worry-free Christmas celebration with your beloved pets and family.
If you need us, our emergency care is available 24/7. Contact us anytime at 01262 677269.
