Hidden Christmas dangers for dogs (and how to avoid them).
Penned by Dr Claire Jenkins, Founder and CEO at VetChat
The Christmas season is a time of celebration, good food and time spent with loved ones, including our four-legged family members. But while the holidays may feel magical to us, they can also bring a surprising number of risks for dogs. From tempting leftovers to glittering decorations, the festive environment is full of potential hazards that many pet owners don’t realise could send their pet to an emergency vet.
The good news is that most Christmas-related incidents are entirely preventable. By understanding the most common dangers and taking a few simple precautions, you can help ensure your dog enjoys a happy, safe festive season alongside the rest of the family.
Festive foods to avoid
Chocolate may be the most widely known Christmas danger, but it’s far from the only festive food that can harm dogs. Christmas pudding, raisins, grapes, macadamia nuts, xylitol-sweetened treats, and cooked bones all pose risks ranging from vomiting to life-threatening toxicity.
Beyond these obvious hazards, many classic Christmas dishes are simply too rich for dogs. Ham, turkey skin, gravy, sausages, cheese boards and fatty meats can trigger pancreatitis, a painful and sometimes serious inflammation of the pancreas. Even a small amount of fatty food can cause problems in sensitive dogs.
If you’d like your dog to feel included at the table, offer safe alternatives such as plain, unseasoned chicken or turkey (without skin or bones), carrot sticks, apple slices with the seeds removed, blueberries or high-quality dog treats. And remind guests not to slip your dog snacks under the table, no matter how compelling the puppy dog eye can be.
Decorations and holiday plants
Christmas decorations bring the season to life, but many of them are irresistible (and dangerous) to dogs. Tinsel can cause severe intestinal blockages if swallowed. Fragile baubles can shatter into sharp pieces. Fairy lights and electrical cords are tempting to chew and can cause burns or electrocution.
Holiday plants also deserve caution. Lilies, mistletoe, holly and poinsettias are all toxic if ingested, while Christmas tree water can contain preservatives or fertilisers that may make dogs unwell.
To keep your home festive and safe, place fragile ornaments higher on the tree, use shatterproof decorations on lower branches, and secure your Christmas tree to prevent it from toppling. Tuck away cords with covers or cable guards, and consider a barrier or pen around the tree to keep dogs from exploring.
Gift wrapping hazards
Wrapping materials may seem harmless, but dogs often find the textures and smells of gift wrapping irresistible. Ribbons, bows, tinsel and string-like materials can cause dangerous linear foreign body obstructions if swallowed, a condition that usually requires emergency surgery. Even small items like silica gel packets can cause gastrointestinal upset or blockages.
Christmas morning is prime time for accidents, when the excitement and mess of the day are at their peak. To minimise the risk, clean up wrapping paper and packaging as gifts are opened, and avoid leaving wrapped presents under the tree if they contain food, chocolate or scented items. A determined dog can sniff out and tear open a gift in seconds.
Managing the summer heat
An Australian Christmas often means warm, humid weather, so unsurprisingly, heat stress is one of the most common summertime emergencies. Dogs don’t sweat like humans and rely on panting to cool themselves, which becomes ineffective in extreme heat. Flat-faced breeds, older dogs and overweight pets are especially vulnerable.
Always ensure your dog has access to shade and fresh water. Avoid walking during the hottest part of the day, and remember that footpaths and sand can get hot enough to burn paws.
Watch for signs of heatstroke, including excessive panting, drooling, bright red gums, vomiting, wobbliness or collapse. If you suspect heatstroke, begin cooling your dog immediately with cool (not icy) water or damp towels, and seek veterinary care urgently.
Prepare for emergencies, just in case
Before Christmas arrives, research your nearest 24-hour emergency vet and save the number. For less urgent concerns, or when you’re unsure whether a situation warrants an emergency visit, veterinary telehealth can be a valuable resource. Speaking to a qualified vet via telehealth can help you assess the severity of a problem, decide whether a clinic visit is necessary or safely wait until your regular vet reopens. This support can save time, money and stress during the busiest season of the year.
A safe, happy Christmas for every dog
Last Christmas, vet telehealth provider VetChat helped a distressed owner whose 31kg border collie, Ollie, had stolen approximately six chocolate M&Ms and a few Maltesers from under the tree. Within minutes, a vet was able to reassure them that at Ollie’s size, he ingested well under the amount to reach toxic levels, so while he’d been naughty, he was probably going to be ok. The owner was advised to simply monitor for any unusual symptoms and enjoy the rest of their Christmas, avoiding an expensive and stressful emergency vet visit on Christmas Day.
This Christmas, a little planning and awareness can make all the difference. By understanding these hidden dangers and taking simple precautions, you can ensure your dog enjoys a safe, happy holiday season alongside the whole family.
