Christmas Dog Safety Guide

Keep Your Dog Safe This Festive Season

The festive season is a magical time filled with twinkling lights, delicious food, and quality time with loved ones. But for our four-legged friends, Christmas can also bring hidden dangers lurking around every corner. From toxic treats to tempting decorations, it's important to be aware of potential hazards to keep your dog safe and healthy throughout the season.

In this guide: Learn which Christmas foods are toxic to dogs, how to dog-proof your decorations, and essential safety tips to ensure your furry friend enjoys a happy and healthy festive season.

The Naughty List: Foods to Keep Away From Your Dog

While you're enjoying your Christmas feast, those puppy dog eyes might be hard to resist. But many of our favourite festive foods can be seriously harmful to dogs. Here's your essential guide to what's dangerous and why:

Christmas Foods Toxic to Dogs: Quick Reference Table

Breakdown of Christmas Food Dangers

Chocolate – This is the big one! The darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is. Even small amounts can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, tremors, and in severe cases, seizures or heart problems. Keep selection boxes, chocolate coins, and advent calendars well away from paws.

Christmas Pudding and Mince Pies – These festive favourites are extremely dangerous due to raisins, sultanas, and grapes. Even a small amount can cause potentially fatal kidney failure. This includes Christmas cake and any dried fruit treats.

Onions and Garlic – Found in stuffing, gravy, and many side dishes, these damage red blood cells and lead to anaemia. That includes anything from the allium family like leeks and chives too.

Xylitol (Artificial Sweetener) – This sneaky ingredient pops up in sugar-free treats, some peanut butters, and festive baking. It's extremely toxic to dogs and can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar, leading to liver failure.

Alcohol – Even small amounts are far more toxic to dogs than humans. Keep cocktails, mulled wine, eggnog, and boozy desserts well away from curious noses.

Cooked Bones – While it might seem natural to give your dog a turkey or ham bone, cooked bones become brittle and can splinter, causing serious internal injuries or blockages. Never give cooked poultry bones.

Fatty Foods – Rich, fatty foods like turkey skin, ham, pigs in blankets, and buttery side dishes can trigger pancreatitis, a painful and potentially life-threatening condition.

Safe Festive Alternatives Your Dog Can Enjoy

Want to include your dog in the Christmas dinner fun? Here are some safe, vet-approved options that won't put their health at risk:

Dog-Safe Christmas Treats

• Plain, Cooked Turkey – White meat only, without skin or seasoning, bones removed
• Plain Vegetables – Carrots, green beans, Brussels sprouts (unseasoned!)
• Small Amount of Plain Sweet Potato – Cooked without butter or marshmallows
• Blueberries or Apple Slices – Remove apple seeds first
• Natural Dog Treats – Stock up on dog-safe treats that are specially formulated for canine health

Top Tip: Browse our natural dog treats collection for healthy, safe alternatives to human food. From beef sticks to chicken feet, these treats are perfect for keeping your dog happy during festivities without the risks!

Related Reading

• Christmas Treats Your Dog Will Actually Love (link to blog post 2)

• Ultimate Christmas Gift Guide for Dogs (link to blog post 4)
  
  

Deck the Halls (Safely!): Christmas Decoration Hazards

Christmas decorations make our homes feel festive, but many pose serious risks to curious canines. Here's your complete guide to decoration safety:

Common Christmas Decoration Hazards for Dogs

Decoration Safety Tips

Christmas Trees – Whether real or artificial, trees need careful management:

• Real Trees: Pine needles can cause stomach upset or puncture the intestine if swallowed. Secure your tree with a sturdy, weighted base or attach it to the wall

• Tree Water: Cover the reservoir as it may contain fertilisers, pesticides, or bacteria

• For Cat Households: Real trees become climbing frames - ensure extra stability or consider a smaller tabletop tree

Tinsel and Garland – These sparkly decorations are incredibly dangerous if swallowed. They can cause serious intestinal blockages (linear foreign bodies) that may require emergency surgery. Consider safer alternatives like:

• Paper chains
• Felt decorations
• Wooden garlands
• Popcorn strings (but supervise carefully!)

Baubles and Ornaments – Create a dog-safe tree decorating strategy:

• Use shatterproof plastic or fabric ornaments, especially on lower branches
• Avoid edible ornaments entirely
• Secure ornaments with string or wire instead of hooks
• Create a "decoration-free zone" on the bottom third of your tree

Fairy Lights and Electrical Cords – Protect your dog from electrical hazards:

• Keep lights out of reach or use cable protectors
• Apply bitter spray to accessible wires
• Unplug lights when unsupervised
• Use battery-operated LED lights where possible

Candles – A wagging tail can easily knock over candles:

• Use flameless LED candles instead
• If using real candles, place on high surfaces
• Never leave burning candles unattended with pets
• Use stable, heavy candle holders

Safety Shopping: Keep your dog entertained with safe alternatives! Check out our dog chew toys collection and dog rope toys to redirect their attention from decorations.

Festive Plants

Many popular Christmas plants are toxic to dogs. Here's what to avoid or keep well out of reach:

Toxic Christmas Plants for Dogs

If you want festive greenery, consider artificial alternatives or pet-safe plants, and always keep them well out of reach of curious noses and wagging tails. When in doubt, go artificial - it's safer and reusable year after year!

Managing the Mayhem

Christmas often means disrupted routines, extra visitors, and more noise than usual. Here's how to keep your dog calm:

Maintain Routines – Try to stick to regular feeding and walking times as much as possible. Familiarity is calming for dogs.

Create a Safe Space – Set up a quiet room or cosy corner where your dog can retreat when things get overwhelming. Make sure visitors know this area is off-limits.

Don't Force Socialisation – If your dog isn't keen on meeting Uncle Barry or playing with the kids, don't force it. Let them approach interactions on their own terms.

Watch the Door – With visitors coming and going, there's an increased risk of escape. Make sure your dog's ID tags and microchip details are up to date.

Exercise is Key – A tired dog is a happy dog! If possible, give them a good long walk before guests arrive or the festivities begin.

If Something Goes Wrong

Despite our best efforts, accidents can happen. If you suspect your dog has eaten something toxic or is showing signs of illness (vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, tremors, difficulty breathing), contact your vet immediately. Keep your vet's emergency number handy, as many practices have different out-of-hours contacts during the Christmas period.

Emergency Response: What to Do If Your Dog Eats Something Toxic

Act quickly if your dog ingests something dangerous:

1. Don't panic – Stay calm to make better decisions
2. Identify what was eaten – Note the item and approximate amount
3. Call your vet immediately – Have your vet's emergency number ready
4. Don't induce vomiting – Unless specifically instructed by your vet
5. Bring packaging – If visiting the vet, bring the food packaging or plant
6. Monitor symptoms – Watch for vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, or tremors

Emergency Contacts: Keep your vet's out-of-hours number saved in your phone. Many practices have different emergency contacts during the Christmas period.

Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Dog Safety

Q: Can dogs eat turkey on Christmas Day?
A: Yes, plain cooked white turkey meat (without skin, bones, or seasoning) is safe in small amounts. Avoid dark meat, skin, and anything with gravy or stuffing.

Q: Are Christmas trees poisonous to dogs?
A: Pine needles can cause mild stomach upset if eaten. The bigger risks are pine needles puncturing the intestines, tree water containing chemicals, and trees toppling over.

Q: What should I do if my dog eats chocolate?
A: Contact your vet immediately. The toxicity depends on the type of chocolate, amount eaten, and your dog's size. Don't wait for symptoms to appear.

Q: Can I give my dog a cooked turkey bone?
 A: No. Even though it's tempting, never give dogs cooked bones of any kind. They splinter easily and can cause serious internal injuries or blockages.

Keep Your Dog Happy and Safe This Christmas

After all, the best Christmas present you can give your dog is many more happy, healthy Christmases to come! Stock up on safe, natural treats and engaging toys to keep your pup happy throughout the festive season.

Shop Dog-Safe Christmas Essentials at ePAWS

• Natural Dog Treats – Healthy, safe alternatives to human food
• Dog Chew Toys – Keep them entertained and away from decorations
• Dog Grooming Supplies – Including our award-winning Buddy Care range
• 4 for 3 Offers – Stock up and save on Christmas essentials
  
  

Related Articles You Might Find Helpful

• Christmas Treats Your Dog Will Actually Love – Discover safe festive treat options
• Ultimate Christmas Gift Guide for Dogs 2025 – Find the perfect presents for your pup
• Firework Fears: Keeping Your Dog Calm This New Year's Eve – Prepare for post-Christmas celebrations