Keeping Your Pup Safe: Holiday Dangers and How to Avoid Them

The holiday season is filled with joy, laughter, and festive celebrations. However, amidst the fun, it’s easy to overlook safety hazards for our furry friends. With delicious food, colorful decorations, and busy gatherings, dog owners must stay alert to keep their pets safe. This post will dive into common holiday dangers and offer straightforward tips to protect your beloved pup during this festive time.

Dangerous Foods for Dogs

During the holidays, it's tempting to share our feast with our dogs. However, many common holiday treats can be harmful or even fatal for our pets. Here are some foods to watch out for:

Chocolate

Chocolate is a seasonal favorite, but it’s dangerous for dogs. Even small amounts can cause symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or a rapid heart rate. For instance, dark chocolate is particularly hazardous, as it contains a higher concentration of theobromine, which is toxic to dogs. A mere ounce of dark chocolate can be lethal for a 10-pound dog.

Sweets and Artificial Sweeteners

Many holiday treats use xylitol, an artificial sweetener lethal to dogs. Ingesting xylitol can cause blood sugar drops, leading to seizures or liver failure. Even small amounts can be dangerous; for example, chewing gum containing xylitol can be fatal for dogs.

Grapes and Raisins

Though they may seem innocent, grapes and raisins can result in kidney failure in dogs. Even a few can lead to severe health issues, including vomiting or lethargy. Reports indicate that as little as 0.1 ounces of grapes per kilogram of body weight can be harmful.

Onions, Garlic, Leeks and Shallots

Onions and garlic, which can be found in many holiday dishes, contain compounds harmful to dogs. These compounds can damage red blood cells, leading to anemia. Studies indicate that ingestion of just 0.5% of a dog’s body weight in onions can be toxic.

Alcohol

It's not just humans who enjoy holiday drinks; however, alcohol is highly toxic to dogs. Even small amounts can cause serious issues such as vomiting and disorientation. In severe cases, it can lead to coma or death.

Nuts

Certain nuts, especially macadamia nuts, can be dangerous for dogs. Just a handful can lead to symptoms like muscle tremors or vomiting. In one study, around 15% of dogs who consumed macadamia nuts displayed severe symptoms.

Turkey Skin & Fatty Scraps

Rich, greasy foods are hard on a dog’s stomach. Fatty leftovers (like skin, gravy, ham trimmings, or butter-heavy dishes) can trigger pancreatitis, a serious and painful condition.

Cooked Turkey Bones

Cooked bones splinter easily and can cause choking, gut blockages, or punctures. Never give your dog cooked poultry bones.

Yeast Dough

Unbaked dough continues to rise in a dog’s stomach, leading to bloating, pressure, and even alcohol poisoning from fermentation.

Tips to Prevent Food Emergencies

• Keep food pushed back on counters, away from curious noses.

• Don’t leave plates or food unattended on coffee tables or laps.

• Remind guests not to feed the dog — especially kids.

• Use a baby gate to block off the kitchen during meal prep.

• Have dog-safe treats available so your pup still feels included.

Not so Jolly Holiday Plants

Holiday plants that can make your home festive and bright can also pose severe dangers for your dog. Here’s what to keep in mind:

Poinsettias

While often deemed harmless, poinsettias can irritate your dog’s mouth and stomach causing irritation, drooling, vomiting, or diarrhea if chewed. In larger quantities, the risks can increase significantly.

Mistletoe

A much bigger concern. Mistletoe contains substances that can affect the stomach and cardiovascular system. Eating it can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, low blood pressure, collapse, or seizures.

Holly (All Varieties)

Both the leaves and berries can irritate the mouth and stomach. Dogs may drool, shake their head, vomit, or have diarrhea after chewing on holly.

Lillies

While lilies are extremely toxic to cats, certain types can still irritate dogs’ stomachs. Many holiday bouquets include lilies, so mixed-species homes should be extra cautious.

Christmas Trees

Real pine or fir needles aren’t technically “toxic,” but they can be sharp. If swallowed, they can irritate or scratch the digestive tract.

Ways to Keep Pets Safe Around Holiday Plants

• Choose pet-safe alternatives, like Christmas cacti or faux arrangements.

• Place plants on shelves or mantles where your dog can’t reach them.

• Block off the Christmas tree for dogs who love to chew.

• Sweep regularly to remove fallen needles or berries.

• Opt for artificial plants if your dog is especially curious.

Decorations & Ornaments

The holidays make our homes feel magical with twinkling lights, cozy candles, and festive décor everywhere. But for dogs, this new setup can be confusing, exciting, and sometimes risky. Understanding how your dog experiences these changes can help you keep things safe while still enjoying all the seasonal charm.

Potpourri

Potpourri can enhance the holiday scents, but many types can be toxic. Some essential oils used in potpourri can upset your dog’s stomach or lead to more severe complications.

Strings and Tinsel

Decorative strings, ribbons, and tinsel can look like toys to your dog but can cause severe internal damage if ingested. Many dogs require surgery to remove these items from their intestines.

Hanging Ornaments

Holiday ornaments are beautiful on the tree, but to many dogs, especially curious puppies, they look a lot like toys. Shiny balls, dangling shapes, and even ornaments that move slightly when the tree is bumped can trigger your dog’s “must investigate” instincts.

Glass ornaments can shatter if they’re pawed at or knocked down, leading to cuts on paws or mouths. Handmade ornaments like salt dough are another concern because they contain high amounts of salt, which is dangerous for dogs if eaten. Even fabric or wooden ornaments can become choking hazards if your dog decides to chew on them.

Electrical Cords

Holiday lights are beautiful, but cords can look an awful lot like chew toys to dogs. Puppies and young, energetic dogs are especially known for checking everything with their mouths. Chewing on cords can cause electric shock or burns, and long or loose cords can get wrapped around a dog’s legs, pulling decorations down and creating a mess or injury risk. Damaged cords can also spark, turning a simple decoration into a fire hazard.

Wrapping Supplies

Wrapping gifts is part of the holiday tradition, but the supplies that go along with it are almost irresistible to many dogs. Ribbons, bows, tape, and crinkly wrapping paper can quickly turn into an unplanned toy. Dogs who chew or swallow ribbon can end up with stomach blockages, and eating paper or tape may lead to digestive upset. Scissors, tags, and leftover scraps can also be dangerous if a dog decides to snatch them off the floor.

Gift bags can be tempting too, especially when tissue paper sticks out the top. Some dogs have a habit of diving nose-first into anything that smells interesting, and holiday gifts definitely fit that description.

Candles, Wax Warmers, Fireplaces, & Heat Sources

Warm candlelight and crackling fires add so much coziness to the holidays, but they can be risky for curious pups. A wagging tail or excited nose can accidentally brush into a flame, and candles set on low tables or mantels can be knocked over easily. Fireplaces, wood stoves, and space heaters also attract dogs looking for a warm spot, but getting too close can lead to burns or singed fur. Even a bumped heater can become a fire hazard.

Tips to Prevent Holiday Mishaps

• Hang fragile, edible, or sentimental ornaments higher up where your dog can’t reach.

• Block access to the tree stand to prevent drinking the water and chewing on the tree or ornaments.

• Use cord protectors or tuck cords behind furniture to keep them out of reach.

• Unplug lights whenever you’re not home.

• Wrap gifts in a separate room or keep your dog occupied with a safe chew while you work.

• Throw away scraps, ribbon, and loose paper right away to avoid temptation.

• Store wrapped gifts on a table or behind a gate until it’s time to open them.

Managing Holiday Gatherings

Large gatherings can be an overwhelming experience for pets, especially those who are not used to crowds. Here are some practical strategies to ensure your dog feels safe and comfortable:

Safe Space

Not every dog is a social butterfly. Providing a quiet area where they can retreat is essential. Choose a private, cozy spot equipped with their bed and favorite toys.

Tip: Set up a relaxing environment with calming music and water access to help your dog feel at ease.

Supervision

With the influx of guests, it’s critical to supervise your dog. Unattended doors can result in escapes, while out-of-sight food can tempt your pet dangerously.

Educate Your Guests

Guests may unknowingly offer harmful foods or spark anxious behavior in your pet. Set clear expectations about your dog’s boundaries concerning treats and attention.

Keep the Floor Clear of any New Treasures

When the holidays roll in, so do tons of “new treasures” on the floor — toys, socks, stuffed animals, unwrapped gifts, and anything that falls out of a stocking. Many dogs (especially puppies and curious sniffers) see these as fun things to grab or chew. Keeping the floor clear of new items helps prevent swallowed pieces, upset stomachs, or a frantic game of “catch me if you can” right before guests arrive.

Enjoying a Safe Holiday Season Away from Dangers

The holiday season should be a wonderful time spent with family and friends, including our furry companions. By being aware of potential dangers and taking proactive steps, you can ensure a joyous and safe celebration for your entire family.

Remember, preparation is crucial. From recognizing harmful foods to safeguarding your decorations, a little caution can go a long way in protecting your pup during the holiday festivities.

Show your pet love and attention this season, and together you’ll create cherished memories.

Stay mindful, relish the celebrations, and give your dog plenty of warmth this holiday season!