A Guide to Keeping Your Dog Safe and Happy This Christmas Season
With the festive season in full swing, many of us want to include our four-legged friends in the Christmas celebrations. However, the holidays can bring certain hazards for dogs, from toxic foods to tricky tree decorations. Here’s our guide to a safe and merry Christmas for both you and your dog, with tips on dog-safe foods, tree-proofing, and keeping holiday stress at bay.
Festive Foods Your Dog Can Enjoy
If your dog is in good health and isn’t allergic to certain foods, they can safely enjoy small amounts of some traditional Christmas dinner items. Here are a few dog-friendly options:
- Turkey meat (no skin or bones)
- Salmon (plain or cooked in water; avoid smoked salmon)
- Lamb meat (no bones)
- Green beans, Brussels sprouts, parsnips, carrots, peas, swede, and new potatoes
- Mashed potatoes (ideally without butter)
- Sweet potatoes
Note: Introduce new foods gradually, as sudden changes can upset your dog’s stomach. Avoid foods high in fat or salt as well.
Christmas Foods to Keep Well Away
Our favourite Christmas treats can be dangerous for dogs, so it’s important to keep these foods out of reach:
- Chocolate: Even a small amount can cause serious illness.
- Christmas pudding and mince pies: Vine fruits (grapes, sultanas, raisins) are toxic to dogs and can cause kidney failure.
Onions, garlic, leeks, shallots, and chives: All from the allium family, these are poisonous whether cooked or raw.
- Alcohol: Even small amounts of alcohol can be harmful to dogs.
- Macadamia nuts: These can lead to symptoms like lethargy, weakness in the legs, tremors, and stiffness.
- Leftovers: Avoid giving your dog leftovers, as they can contain hidden toxic ingredients or harmful mould.
- Sweets: Many sweets contain xylitol, a sugar substitute toxic to dogs.
Important: If your dog eats any of these foods, contact your vet immediately for advice.
Are Real Christmas Trees Safe?
Common Christmas trees like pine, fir, and spruce aren’t highly toxic, but the oils and fallen pine needles can cause issues. Pine needles can be sharp, and if ingested, may lead to digestive issues or blockages. For a real tree, a non-drop variety is preferable, and always supervise your dog around the tree.
Dog-Proofing Your Christmas Tree
Christmas trees and decorations can pose a hidden risk to dogs. Here’s how to keep things safe:
- Keep decorations out of reach: Hang baubles and tinsel on higher branches to prevent curious dogs from knocking them off. Avoid chocolate decorations as chocolate is toxic to dogs.
- Don’t leave presents under the tree: Edible gifts and wrapping paper are too tempting and can cause blockages if ingested.
- Tidy up fairy light cables: To avoid chewed wires, keep cables tucked away and unplug them when not in use.
- Supervise your dog: Whether you have a real or artificial tree, it’s best to supervise your dog when they’re near it. If you’re out, consider keeping them in a separate room.
Christmas Plants to Avoid
Festive plants are beautiful, but some of the most popular holiday choices are toxic to dogs:
- Poinsettia
- Holly
- Mistletoe
- Ivy
- Potpourri
If you’re set on having these plants, keep them out of reach to prevent any unwanted snacking.
Reducing Christmas Stress for Your Dog
With all the excitement, Christmas can be overwhelming for our dogs. Here are a few ways to keep your pup calm:
- Know the signs of stress: Being familiar with signs like panting, pacing, or avoiding social interaction can help you gauge when your dog needs a break.
- Skip the festive costumes: Dressing up can be stressful for dogs. Instead, make them a homemade treat or toy as a gift.
- Create a safe space: Give your dog a quiet room or den with their bed, water, and toys where they can retreat when things get too hectic. This is especially helpful if you have visitors or other pets in the house.
- Stick to a routine: Try to keep to your dog’s regular feeding and walking schedule, as a predictable routine helps to reduce stress.
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By following these tips, you can make sure that Christmas is a safe and enjoyable time for everyone in the family, including your dog. Here’s to a merry, paws-safe holiday season!
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