Tips for keeping dogs safe during the festive period

Wondering how to keep your pet safe from harm this Christmas? We reveal dangerous foods, items and other seasonal hazards to dogs at Christmas.

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Trees are being decorated, presents are being wrapped, the food preparations are beginning and the excitement is escalating – the festive season is just around the corner.

But while Christmas provides many fun opportunities for our dogs, the combination of overexcitement, unfamiliar items in the home, new faces and tempting seasonal treats can also be problematic. Here are 12 tips to help Christmas with your dog go smoothly.

A busy home

Christmas often means a busier home than usual. New faces and more noise can be scary for your dog, so it's a good idea to provide them with a safe place to escape to. This can put them at ease if they begin showing signs of nervousness or stress.

Tempting treats

The smell of turkey is as irresistible to our pets as it can be to us. Avoid leaving food anywhere within your dog's reach, as many foods we love can make pets unwell. Chocolate, onions, nuts, blue cheese, puddings and mince pies can all be toxic to dogs. Turkey bones can also be harmful, as they can splinter and become lodged in the mouth or throat and can block or perforate the intestines.

Buying snacks made specifically for dogs means you can still give your pet a treat, while eliminating the risk of causing health problems. You could also try baking homemade treats for your dog or feeding them a dog-safe Christmas dinner.

However, it's important to try to maintain your dog's normal routines to avoid them becoming too unsettled. Overeating can happen when the weather is cold, and walks may be shorter or less frequent, so your dog may be consuming more calories than they need.

Sticking to your pet’s exercise routine can help avoid unhealthy weight gain. Plus, the familiarity can also calm your dog, which may lead to fewer disruptions when they are back at home.

Presents and decorations

Dogs are often fascinated by bright lights and flashes due to their innate predatory behaviour, so dangling fairy lights will provide quite the temptation. To stop your dog chewing or pulling on them, place any fairy lights out of reach and always unplug them when leaving your dog unattended.

Baubles, tinsel and other decorations also provide irresistible play opportunities for your dog. Be careful where you place ornaments, as anything knocked off the tree could be swallowed or get stuck in a paw. Opt for dog-safe Christmas decorations instead, such as those made from paper or wood. You can also invest in a Christmas tree fence or fire guard to put around the outside of any decorations.

It’s also a good idea to keep the door shut when wrapping presents so your dog doesn’t ingest any wrapping paper or string – these can block your dog’s intestine if eaten. Refrain from storing Christmas presents under the tree too, especially if they are edible, as your dog may tear at the paper to get at them.

Watch out for toxic plants

While poinsettias, mistletoe, cyclamen and holly might bring festive cheer and colour into your home, they are unfortunately toxic to dogs. Display these out of reach to avoid any stomach upsets – or choose not to bring them into your home.

Keep antifreeze away

With the onset of winter comes frost, ice – and antifreeze. Though antifreeze is extremely alluring to dogs due to its sweet taste, it’s extremely toxic and can be fatal if your dog drinks it.

Be careful not to spill any, keep bottles out of reach and don’t let your dog drink from puddles and standing water – even the smallest amount can be dangerous.

Keep your dog comfortable at home

As the temperature drops, make sure your dog has somewhere warm and comfortable to come back to after they've been exploring in the cold, especially if they are older or prone to arthritis. Place their bed near a radiator and away from draughts and consider a coat for when they are outside in the winter.

Fire safety for your pet

There’s nothing better than a crackling fire on a winter's day, but take care with open fireplaces – your dog may not be used to it and may try to investigate too closely. Invest in a fireguard and place any festive candles out of reach, too.

Are real Christmas trees safe for dogs?

Having a fir or pine tree in your home may look lovely – but these can be troublesome for dogs. The oils in firs can cause stomach upsets if ingested, while the needles can get stuck in your dog's paw or throat. Vacuum up needles regularly and keep your dog out of the room when unattended to avoid any accidents.

Some artificial trees have small pieces that can break off and cause intestinal blockage if ingested by your pet. Ensure any tree you buy is sturdy and fixed firmly to the floor or placed out of reach.

If you suspect your dog has eaten something they shouldn’t, contact your vet immediately. Ensuring their dog insurance is up to date can help to cover the cost of any unexpected accidents or illnesses.

Additionally, if you have Petplan dog insurance, you can access our Pet Expert Chat by simply logging into your My Petplan account and going to My Support to get veterinary advice about Christmas with your dog.

Taking your dog away

The festive season can be a chance to escape away on a well-earned holiday. If you do go away, consider taking your dog with you – there are plenty of dog-friendly hotels and visitor attractions across the country.

If you can’t take your pet, think through the best option for your dog, whether it’s a boarding kennel or someone looking after your dog at home.