Christmas is a brilliant time for everyone, and that usually means our dogs get in on the fun too! Many pets love joining the festivities, getting up to all sorts – maybe pinching a mince pie or two, or even accidentally toppling the Christmas tree! It’s all a laugh, but the Christmas season can also bring some hidden dangers for our furry friends that we need to watch out for.
With Christmas just around the corner, you're probably thinking about how to make sure your dog has a cracking Christmas, just like you. That's why we've crafted this guide to help you keep your dog safe this holiday season.
The Trouble With Christmas Trees & Dogs
When it comes to Christmas trees, there's always the big question: real or fake? If you're going for a real one, the good news is that the usual choices – like spruce, pine, and fir – aren't actually poisonous for dogs. But, those needles? They can cause a bit of trouble. If your dog nibbles on them, it can irritate their mouth, and if they eat a whole load, it could upset their tummy.
And what about the water you use to keep the tree fresh? A common practice is to add fertiliser or preservatives – and these chemicals can make your dog poorly if they drink it. Even if you don't add anything, the water in the stand can develop a film of mould and bacteria, which can also make your pet sick.
Now, artificial trees are free from oils and sap, but they can still cause problems. As they get older, they can become a bit fragile, and small pieces could easily break off and drop down. If your curious dog finds and eats these pieces, they might experience some gastrointestinal distress too.
Then there are all those sparkly decorations!
Your dog is likely to be fascinated by all the new things to sniff and maybe even try and eat. The main culprits? Ornaments, lights, and tinsel. Those pretty decorations hanging on the tree can be too difficult for some dogs to resist. A quick swipe with a paw can send them crashing to the floor. If they break, your dog could cut their paws or mouth on the pieces. The best plan is to keep decorations higher up the tree, out of reach, and maybe choose shatterproof ones.
Tinsel might look pretty, but it's a big choking hazard for pets. If your dog eats tinsel, they might need an operation to remove it. It's probably best to skip the tinsel if you have pets.
Even those little hooks you use to hang decorations can be dangerous if they're eaten. They can get stuck in a dog’s throat or intestines, so it’s best to use something safer, like ribbon.
And it's not just the Christmas tree itself that's the issue…
All those presents under the tree can also pose a risk. Ribbons, string, and other decorations can cause choking or blockages. The best way to keep your dog safe from these Christmas hazards is to stop them from getting to the tree and decorations in the first place. Here are a few ideas:
You could put the tree in a room with a door that you can close, so your dog can't get in. Or, a baby gate is a good option. You can get ones that are big enough to block off most doorways.
Another idea is to put a little fence around your tree. This can stop your dog from getting too close but still lets you use the room.
When it comes to opening presents, the situation can become quite stressful. With all the wrapping paper and mess lying around, your dog might be happier in a crate or a safe space. All the commotion can be stressful for them, and they'll be out of harm's way.
Remember, your dog doesn't get all the excitement. All the changes to their normal routine can be a bit confusing. They explore the world by sniffing and tasting, so it’s up to us to keep them safe.
Family Fun Between Children and Dogs
It's true that both children and dogs can sometimes misunderstand things, so it's helpful to guide them to understand each other's needs. Over-excited dogs and children can be a challenging mix, and accidents can happen, especially when food is around. The key thing is to try and keep interactions calm and to stop any situations where your dog might feel intimidated.
Set up a comfortable space for your dog, so they always have a comfy space to go to when things get too much, and if needed, you could use a baby gate to keep dogs separate from children, but still within the family. It's also important to teach children to be kind and to respect their dog's space, and it's best to eat food at a table rather than feeding dogs there.
Christmas Food Safety
There are loads of yummy treats around at Christmas, but most of them aren't suitable for dogs, including chocolate, grapes, sultanas, and raisins which you find in Christmas puddings and mince pies are actually poisonous for them.
Often, we think it's a good idea to give our dogs some chicken or turkey, and it is lovely to share, but those scraps can contain small bones, which are a real danger. So, if you're going to offer any meat, you need to be extra careful to check it thoroughly.
It's worth remembering that giving your dog sustainable and natural dog food that are made especially for them is always a much safer option and can still make them feel like they are sharing in the fun!
We'd love to invite you to check out our limited-time selection of Christmas deals you might want to check out. From Christmas crackers with yummy grain-free biscuits inside – with pawbon, puppy dodger, custard cream, and a gingerbread hooman! to special Christmas cookie gift boxes, a festive bundle for puppies and small dogs, and even a Venison & Turkey Advent Calendar, filled with traditional hypoallergenic and low-fat meat goodies for them to enjoy each day!
Remember, if you're hoping to give your dog a proper Christmas dinner, it's worth checking out some good guides to see what's safe for them and what they should avoid. That way you can all enjoy the Christmas dinner together without any worry.
Food Stealing
In a dog's mind, if you're not eating your food anymore, it's fair game for anyone else who's hungry. So, to stop your dog from pinching Christmas food off the table, try turning away and ignoring them if they're begging - don't give them any attention at all.
If they’re jumping up trying to reach the food, gently put their paws back down and don't say anything. It's also really important to never leave food on the table unattended, even for a minute.
Christmas Guests and Dog Treats
With all the visitors you're likely to have over Christmas, it's worth having a quick word about treats. Some of your guests might not know what's best for dogs, and they might be tempted to give your dog morsels from their plates. It's a good idea to let them know beforehand that your dog will only be having pre-approved chews and treats this year!
Even if the food they're given isn't harmful, too many extra treats over Christmas can make your dog gain weight, which isn't good for them.
That's All the Festive Advice for Now,
Christmas is supposed to be a truly magical time of year, and making sure your pet is calm, happy, and safe will add to everyone's festive cheer. It's about making the whole season special for everyone, including your beloved pooch!
Don't hesitate to contact your veterinarian if your dog has encountered any problems this Christmas. They can provide a thorough examination, necessary treatment, and answer all your seasonal pet-care questions.
If you're looking for more helpful tips on understanding your dog's behaviour or any other dog advice, then do have a look at our other articles.
And with that, we wish you and your pet a very happy Christmas! Hope you have a brilliant one!!
The Sparkly Tails Team.
