Celebrating Christmas Safely with Your Dog
Christmas is a magical time of year, and for many of us, our dogs are very much part of the family celebrations. From unwrapping presents together to those irresistible puppy dog eyes at the dinner table, it's natural to want to include your furry friend in the festivities. However, the holiday season brings some hidden dangers that every dog owner should be aware of.
Festive Foods to Avoid
We all love spoiling our dogs at Christmas, but it's crucial to know which festive treats are safe and which could cause serious harm. Chocolate is the most well-known danger, but many traditional Christmas foods can be toxic to dogs:
Never feed your dog...
Chocolate (especially dark chocolate)
Christmas cake, mince pies and Christmas pudding (raisins and sultanas are toxic)
Onions, garlic and stuffing containing these ingredients
Cooked bones from the turkey or ham (they can splinter and cause internal damage)
Macadamia nuts and walnuts
Alcohol, including brandy butter
Grapes and anything containing them
Xylitol (artificial sweetener found in some sweets and desserts)
Safe Christmas treats for dogs
Plain cooked turkey (no skin or bones)
Carrots and green beans
Small amounts of plain sweet potato
Dog-friendly Christmas treats from pet shops
Decorations and Hazards
Your beautifully decorated home might look festive, but from your dog's perspective, it's full of exciting new things to investigate. Tinsel, baubles and fairy lights can all pose risks if chewed or swallowed. Keep decorations out of reach, especially anything small or fragile.
Christmas trees can be irresistible to curious dogs. Make sure yours is stable and secure, and avoid edible decorations that might tempt your pet. Pine needles can cause stomach upsets if eaten, so keep the area around the tree clean.
Keeping the Festive Spirit Stress-Free
Christmas can be overwhelming for dogs with all the visitors, noise and changes to routine. Here are some tips to help your dog enjoy the season:
Maintain their normal walking and feeding schedule as much as possible
Create a quiet space where your dog can retreat if the festivities become too much
Warn guests not to feed your dog from the table
Keep presents under the tree out of reach until opened
Be mindful of wrapping paper, ribbons and gift tags which can cause blockages if swallowed
If Something Goes Wrong
If you suspect your dog has eaten something toxic or is showing signs of distress (vomiting, lethargy, unusual behaviour), contact your vet immediately. Keep the phone number for your local emergency vet service handy over the Christmas period.
Making Memories Together
Christmas with your dog should be joyful and stress-free. A special dog-friendly present, a longer Boxing Day walk, or simply relaxing together by the fire can be just as meaningful as elaborate celebrations. Your dog doesn't need rich foods or expensive gifts - they just want to spend time with you.
From all of us at Homes and Hounds, we wish you and your four-legged family members a safe, happy and tail-wagging Christmas!