Christmas preparations are well and truly underway – decking the place out with trees, tinsel, ornaments, standing decorations and festive homeware, stocking the cupboards with seasonal treats, and getting stuck into wrapping the presents. Ben McFarlane, expert from ACME Kennels, shares six festive dangers lurking around the house – so dog owners know exactly how to protect their pets.
Over the festive period, dogs are introduced to all sorts of new temptations, from the smells of Christmas food to wrapped gifts and decorations they can sniff out and chew. Many things around the home can be dangerous for dogs, including foods like mince pies or Christmas pudding, Christmas lights that could cause electrocution, real pine needles that might injure their paws or cause infections, and even tree water that can upset their stomachs.
Dog owners can keep their pets safe by keeping food out of reach, considering an artificial tree, and making sure decorations and presents are safely out of reach.
Six items dangerous to dogs in the household over Christmas
1. Leaving presents under the tree
Notoriously greedy, even wrapped edible presents under the tree are not safe for dogs, as they can tear through packaging and eat toxic treats. Food like chocolate and wrappers can cause poisoning or dangerous blockages. All edible gifts should be kept out of reach and dogs should be monitored for signs such as vomiting, lethargy, or loss of appetite.
2. Christmas lights
Lights and cables should always be placed out of reach and any exposed wires tucked away. Christmas lights can be very dangerous for dogs, with risks including electrocution, injury from broken bulbs, and intestinal blockages if parts are chewed or swallowed. Glass, metal, and plastic components make lights particularly hazardous, and even a small bite could cause serious harm.
3. Real Christmas trees
Real Christmas trees are usually not highly toxic, but their oils, sap, and dropped needles can irritate a dog’s mouth, paws, or stomach. Sharp needles can cause mild blockages if eaten and stepping on one could puncture a paw and potentially lead to infection. Fertiliser or plant food used to care for the tree should be kept where dogs cannot access it, as the water may be toxic.
4. Tinsel
Tinsel may look festive, but it can be dangerous for dogs, who often cannot resist grabbing the shiny strands. If swallowed, it can cause blockages in the gut, so owners should act quickly if they suspect ingestion. Red-flag symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea, refusing food, or appearing unusually tired.
5. Christmas plants
Many popular Christmas plants, including poinsettias, mistletoe, holly, lilies, and ivy, can be harmful to dogs if eaten and may require urgent veterinary treatment. Toxic plants should be kept out of reach, pet-safe alternatives used where possible, and the vet contacted immediately if ingestion is suspected.
6. Christmas food
It may be the season of giving, but not when it comes to sharing festive food with dogs. Many Christmas favourites such as chocolate, mince pies, Christmas pudding, nuts, and rich or salty dishes can make them seriously ill. Even seemingly harmless ingredients like raisins, currants, or turkey and ham bones can be extremely dangerous. Research all new festive foods before feeding a dog, and if it does manage to eat something toxic, the vet should be contacted immediately.
This is a guest post by Ben McFarlan. Want to write for us? Visit www.dogstodaymagazine.co.uk/essay-submission or email editorial@dogstodaymagazine.co.uk.
