Holiday Dangers to Dogs: Essential Safety Tips for a Merry and Safe Season
The holidays are a time for joy, celebration, and a few too many cookies. But while you’re decking the halls and unwrapping presents, some common holiday traditions can turn into hidden dangers for your dog. From festive foods to decorations, it’s easy for accidents to happen when we’re caught up in the holiday chaos.
Don’t worry—we’re not here to play Scrooge. We’ve put together a guide on the most surprising holiday dangers to dogs so you can keep your pup safe, happy, and stress-free all season long.
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Dangerous Holiday Foods
What’s a holiday without indulgence? While we can feast on all the goodies, many classic holiday foods are a hard no for dogs.
Chocolate: You know this one, but it’s worth repeating—chocolate is toxic for dogs, especially dark chocolate and anything with cocoa powder. Keep those truffles and brownies far, far away.
Grapes & Raisins: Hidden in cookies, fruitcake, or snacks, these can cause kidney failure in dogs. No sharing!
Bones: Holiday turkey or ham bones might seem like a treat, but they can splinter and cause choking or internal injuries. Stick to dog-friendly chews instead.
Alcohol: A sip of eggnog or spilled wine can be dangerous, leading to vomiting, disorientation, and worse. Keep glasses out of tail-swipe range.
Fatty Foods: High-fat items like buttery mashed potatoes, gravy, or meat scraps can cause pancreatitis. Your pup doesn’t need extra calories—they’ll take extra belly rubs instead.
The Safe Fix: Set aside a small plate of plain, dog-safe treats like turkey (unseasoned), sweet potato, and green beans so your pup doesn’t feel left out.
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Holiday Plants: Pretty but Perilous
Poinsettias: While not deadly, these iconic red plants can cause drooling, vomiting, or irritation if ingested.
Mistletoe & Holly: Both are toxic to dogs, causing severe gastrointestinal issues, drooling, and even heart problems.
Christmas Trees: Pine needles aren’t just a pain to clean up—they can cause stomach irritation if swallowed. And let’s not even talk about tinsel (we will, actually—keep reading).
The Safe Fix: Stick to pet-safe plants (or go faux), and keep real plants out of your dog’s reach.
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Tinsel, Lights and Decorations—Oh My!
Holiday decor is sparkly, shiny, and oh-so-tempting for curious pups, but it can lead to big trouble.
Tinsel & Ribbon: These sparkly streamers look like toys to dogs but can cause blockages in their stomachs if swallowed.
Ornaments: Glass ornaments can shatter and injure your pup’s paws or mouth, while salt-dough ornaments are toxic if eaten.
Lights & Cords: Chewing on electrical cords is no joke. It can cause burns, electric shock, or worse.
The Safe Fix: Keep tinsel, ribbons, and breakable decorations higher up on the tree. Use cord covers or deterrent sprays to keep your pup from turning lights into chew toys.
Stress and Overstimulation
Holiday parties, houseguests, and new routines can leave your dog feeling overwhelmed. Loud noises, crowded rooms, and constant activity may lead to stress, anxiety, or even escape attempts (especially with all those open doors).
The Safe Fix: Give your pup a quiet retreat—set up a cozy space away from the action with their bed, favorite toys, and fresh water. CBD treats or calming chews can also help ease their nerves.
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Gift Wrapping: More Than Just Paper
Unwrapping gifts is fun for humans, but ribbons, bows, and packaging materials can pose a risk to dogs. Curious pups may swallow ribbons, strings, or small toy parts, leading to choking hazards or blockages.
The Safe Fix: Keep the wrapping station dog-free, and clean up all scraps and packaging before your pup can “help.”
The holidays should be full of good cheer—and that includes keeping your dog safe from these hidden dangers. With a little preparation, some extra supervision, and a lot of love, you can make sure your pup enjoys the season as much as you do.
Because nothing says “happy holidays” like a healthy, tail-wagging dog curled up by your side. Keep the dangers at bay, treat your pup to dog-safe snacks, and let the festivities begin!