How to give your dog a safe and happy Christmas
Christmas is coming, and it should be a happy and peaceful time for everyone in your family, including your dog. Some of the best things about Christmas can also be dangerous for your beloved pooch. A seasonal trip to the vet is the last thing anyone needs. Our guide to common Christmas hazards is here to help so you can give your dog a safe and happy Christmas.
The Christmas tree
As soon as you put your tree up, you know Christmas is on its way. It’s also important to remember that it can be irresistible to your four-legged friend. If you’ve chosen a real tree, make sure your dog can’t get close enough to have a nibble, as the needles can get stuck in their throat. The oils can also irritate their mouth. Put the tree out of reach or go for an artificial version instead.
Easily breakable decorations and chocolate can be harmful, so make sure they’re well out of your pooch’s reach as well.
Poisonous plants
The Christmas tree isn’t the only plant you might want to bring inside at Christmas. Poinsettias, Ivy, and Mistletoe are beautiful traditional plants that make lovely decorations. However, they can all be poisonous to dogs, so keep them out of reach if your doggo might be tempted to nibble them.
Dangerous decorations
There are some gorgeous Christmas decorations that can turn your home into a sparkling winter wonderland. We love fairy lights, and you can put them on your tree or hang them around your house for extra light on a dark night. However, keep your doggie well away, as lights can cause electric shocks or excess fluid in the lungs if they chew the bulbs or cable.
Tinsel can block a dog’s digestive system if swallowed, and some snow globes contain anti-freeze, which can be fatal, so watch out for breakages.
Gift wrap
What are you buying your dog for Christmas? If they tear into the wrapping paper with their teeth, make sure they don’t swallow it in the process. A little bit won’t do any harm, but it can cause blockages if they eat a lot. Distract them with a new toy while the rest of the family opens their gifts and put paper in the bin quickly when you’ve finished.
Share Christmas dinner safely
Christmas dinner should be a wonderful celebration for everyone, including your dog. If your pooch is drawn to the kitchen by all those wonderful cooking smells, you can share some of the festive feast with them. Turkey is safe for dogs as long as they don’t eat any of the bones, which can be a choking hazard. Make sure their portion doesn’t include gravy, as it typically contains more salt than a dog’s digestive system can handle.
Dried fruit can cause vomiting and diarrhoea in dogs and lead to kidney failure in severe cases, so keep mince pies and Christmas pudding to yourself. Also, avoid anything that contains alcohol.
We at PetStay hope you and your family have a safe and happy Christmas! If you’re planning your 2025 holidays, get in touch to find your local branch Check here to see why we’re your best choice for quality dog boarding!