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The tips below are a great reminder of how to keep your furry friend safe and happy before Santa’s arrival!
While some foods are available year-round, the holiday season often brings an increase in baking, cooking, and gift preparation and creates more opportunities for your dog to accidentally consume something harmful.
Common Christmas foods that are toxic to dogs include:
- Chocolate
- Grapes
- Raisins
- Onions
- Alcohol (even when cooked into food)
- Xylitol (a sweetener found in many lollies and sugar-free products)
❗Important:❗ If your dog consumes any of the above, take them to a vet immediately. Urgent treatment increases the chances of a full recovery.
Dogs have an incredible sense of smell, which can lead them straight to food-based gifts under the tree. Even if wrapped tightly, your dog can still sniff them out. This can lead to them not only ingestion toxic foods and destroying someone’s gift but also risks them digesting wrapping and packing material which can cause blockages.
Consider placing food gifts out of reach of your dogs and away from the Christmas tree to avoid upset all round.
The beautiful smell of a real Christmas Tree is one of the special aspects of Christmas, but they also present hazards for our pets.
Two key dangers for dogs include:
- Tree needles: If ingested, these can cause gastrointestinal irritation, internal punctures, or blockages.
- Tree water: The water in the tree stand may contain pesticides, fertilizers, and natural sap, all of which are toxic to pets. Make sure the base of the tree is covered or blocked off so your dog cannot access it.
Decorating your home is one of the joys of the festive season, but many decorations can be dangerous for pets.
Watch out for:
- Shiny ornaments that dogs may chew or swallow, causing mouth injuries or digestive issues
- Loose tinsel, ribbons, or string lights that can pose a choking hazard or lead to blockages if ingested
- Electrical cords, which may be tempting to chew and can cause electric shock or even death
Always place decorations and cords well out of reach, and supervise your dog when new items are introduced into the home.
Many beautiful holiday plants are toxic to dogs.
Two common examples include:
- Holly
- Poinsettia
If you choose to decorate with real plants, make sure they are placed out of reach and are not accessible to curious paws.
Looking for more tips on pet safety during the holidays? Stay tuned to our blog for more seasonal advice, or speak to your vet about how best to prepare your home.
If you believe your dog has ingested anything toxic or anything mentioned in our blog above, you should always seek the advise of your vet as soon as possible!
Written by We Love Dogs Care Team
Our passionate resort carers, Doggy Doaters, and canine specialists dedicated to providing 7-star boutique dog boarding, health care, and advice in Melbourne.
