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Christmas is super exciting – presents, Christmas dinner, parties, walks in the crisp air, decorating the house, cosy nights by the fire... we all love it! And we want our pets to join in the fun – it's great having them around for the extra time at home. But Christmas can also be risky for dogs, so read on to make sure yours has a safe and happy festive period.
Christmas Food Dangers for Dogs
Stick to your dog's regular food over Christmas. Want to give them a treat? Raw carrots are a healthy option.
Interactive feeders are also brilliant – they keep them busy and burn off energy, satisfying their natural hunting instincts. Many are designed for licking, which is really calming for anxious dogs, especially if things get a bit crazy over Christmas.
We all tend to overindulge at Christmas, and while we can say no to extra cake, our pets will usually gobble anything offered! A tiny bit of plain meat and veg (no salt or sauces) from your Christmas dinner won't hurt most dogs, but if your pooch has a sensitive tummy, it’s best to skip the festive feast. The same goes for dogs prone to pancreatitis – fatty foods are a big no-no.
Some Christmas foods are far more dangerous than just a tummy ache:
Alcohol:
Alcohol is toxic to dogs. While they rarely drink it themselves, Christmas means lots of things with alcohol in it. Alcohol poisoning can cause sickness, confusion, breathing and heart problems, seizures, and even death.
Chocolate:
Chocolate has theobromine, which is poisonous to dogs. Dark chocolate is the most dangerous because it has the most theobromine. Small dogs are at the biggest risk. A little might cause tummy trouble and restlessness, but a lot can lead to fever, seizures, heart problems, and worse.
Turkey bones:
Turkey bones aren't poisonous, but they're still dangerous. They can get stuck in your dog's throat, splinter in their mouth, or cause damage if swallowed. Keep them well away from your dog.
Raisins:
Raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs. Keep them away from cakes, pies, and puddings! We don't know exactly why, but even a small amount is risky.
And of course, any food left on low tables is an open invitation for a hungry pooch! Keeping your dog on a lead while entertaining helps stop them from stealing food. Let your guests know what your dog can and can't eat, to avoid accidental treats. And be extra careful with skewers – they're very dangerous for dogs. Always supervise your dog around barbecues.
Keep Your Dog Safe from Choking This Christmas
Be careful about things your dog could choke on at Christmas! Decorations and presents with small parts are a risk, especially anything that rolls, hangs, or moves easily.
Supervise your dog closely when opening presents, and never leave them alone with wrapping paper or the Christmas tree. Clean up any rubbish and packaging immediately, and keep small toys out of reach.
Tinsel, glass baubles, and those chocolate decorations on the tree are all dangerous – keep them well away from your dog. Christmas tree lights are tempting but pose a choking hazard and the risk of electric shock if chewed.
If your dog chokes, contact your vet as soon as possible. Even if you remove the blockage, a vet check is recommended after any choking incident.
Battery Danger
If you have kids, it's smart to have batteries ready for Christmas morning, but keep them well away from pets! Chewing or swallowing them can cause chemical burns or poisoning from the heavy metals inside.
Festive Plants
Keep your dog safe from poisonous plants this Christmas! Holly, snowdrops and mistletoe are just a few festive plants that can make your dog ill. Young dogs, in particular, are likely to investigate anything they can reach by chewing. To prevent problems, put plants out of reach or block access to them. If your dog does eat a toxic plant, get veterinary advice right away.
Fairy Lights and Pets
Christmas tree lights are beautiful, but they can be dangerous for pets. Puppies and playful dogs might see the wires as toys to chew or get tangled in. To keep your dog safe, use cable ties to secure any loose wires and always unplug the lights when you're not home.
If you want the lights on all the time, battery-operated ones are a better choice – just make sure your dog can't reach the batteries.
Managing Your Dog's Temperature
If it's cold, make sure your dog’s bed is warm and in a draught-free spot, especially if you leave them home alone.
If your house is extra warm with the heating on, check it's not too hot for your dog, particularly if they're already stressed by visitors or extra activity. And if they’re panting or restless, check the temperature. Move them to a cooler place and always make sure they have fresh, cool water.
Creating a Safe Space for Your Dog
Make sure your dog has a quiet space to escape the Christmas chaos. It should be a separate room, away from noise, other pets, and children. A baby gate can be handy to keep your pet separate from guests without closing doors.
If you're visiting family or friends, bring your dog's bed, bowl, poop bag holder, and favourite toy to create a safe space for them in their home. Most pet poisonings happen in other people's homes, so before letting your dog roam free, check for things like rat poison, snail bait, compost, fertilisers, and anything else they might swallow and get stuck with. If you're unsure, keep your dog on a lead.
That's it for our tips on a safe and happy Christmas for your dog! Got any more to share? Let us know in the comments.
Happy Christmas from the Woof Frills Team, and we hope you and your pets have a wonderful festive season!