Oh, the holidays. There are Christmas trees, decorations, presents, parties, family, friends, and enough food to make your dog wonder why they don’t get invited to every meal. Christmas can be a lot of fun for our pups, but all those extra decorations, foods, people, and changes to their normal routine can also create some unexpected hazards and stress. That doesn’t mean your dog has to sit in another room while everyone else celebrates. With a little planning, you can enjoy the holidays together while avoiding some of the most common Christmas hazards for dogs. As an Amazon affiliate, when you click on any of the links on this page and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission, at no cost to you! By using our affiliate links, you’ll find our favorite picks and support us at the same time. And we really appreciate your support! Here are my favorite practical Christmas safety tips for dogs to help keep your pup happy, healthy, and out of trouble this holiday season. Christmas Tree and Gift Safety Make Sure Your Christmas Tree Is Secure A Christmas tree might look like the world’s most exciting giant dog toy to some pups. If your dog likes to investigate everything, make sure your tree is securely anchored so it can’t easily be knocked over. A curious dog doesn’t have to be particularly large to cause a decorated tree to come crashing down. Have you ever seen a cat take down a tree? I have. You can also use a pet gate or barrier around the tree, especially when you’re not home or can’t keep an eye on your pup. Amazon has some really cute Christmas gates for trees. And if your dog has a history of getting into things they shouldn’t, decorating only the upper portion of the tree may save you some trouble. At the very least, put unbreakable ornaments on the bottom. Don’t Let Your Dog Drink the Tree Water Your dog may decide that the Christmas tree stand has the most interesting water bowl in the house. Don’t let them drink it! If you’ve added anything to the water to help your tree last longer, such as sugar, aspirin, or other additives, you especially don’t want your pup drinking from the stand. Not to mention another way to knock the tree over. Some tree species can also cause problems if your dog eats the needles or bark, so keep an eye on your pup around the tree. Be sure to check your dog’s paws too. Needles can get stuck between the pads. Be Careful with Tinsel and Ribbon Tinsel and ribbon may look harmless, but they’re especially tempting to curious dogs. If swallowed, these materials can cause serious problems, including intestinal issues. They can also become a choking or strangulation hazard if a dog gets tangled in them. If you see your dog chewing on or swallowing tinsel, ribbon, or similar decorations, contact your veterinarian for advice rather than waiting to see what happens. Honestly, if you have a dog who thinks everything is edible, skipping the tinsel might be the easiest solution. Don’t Put Dog-Unfriendly Gifts Under the Tree Remember how exciting it was to see presents under the Christmas tree when you were a kid? Your dog may be just as fascinated by all those mysterious packages. The problem is that some Christmas gifts and goodies can be dangerous for dogs. Food gifts containing things like chocolate, alcohol, rich meats, or certain cheeses can be a problem. Breakable gifts can also become dangerous if your dog manages to knock them over and break them. If your dog is a professional present opener, consider keeping gifts behind a gate or waiting until Christmas morning to put them under the tree. Keep Gift Wrap Away from Your Dog Some dogs love Christmas wrapping paper almost as much as the actual presents. Unfortunately, ribbons, string, fabric, tape, and pieces of packaging can cause problems if swallowed. Clean up wrapping paper and ribbons as you unwrap presents instead of leaving them lying around for your dog to investigate later. And don’t forget about the gift-wrapping supplies. Store scissors, ribbon, tape, and other supplies somewhere your dog can’t reach them. Choosing Safe Christmas Gifts for Your Dog Of course, your dog deserves a Christmas present, too. When shopping for dog toys, look for sturdy options that aren’t easily ripped apart and swallowed. Choose toys that are appropriate for your dog’s size and chewing habits. A toy that’s too small can become a choking hazard, while a toy that your dog can quickly destroy may not be the best choice either. Be Smart About Edible Gifts There are plenty of Christmas treats made specifically for dogs, but it’s still worth paying attention to what you’re buying. Look for treats from reputable companies and check the ingredients and recall history before purchasing. And remember, just because something is sold as a dog treat doesn’t mean your dog needs the entire bag in one sitting. A little holiday moderation never hurt anybody. Oh No! Christmas Decorating Safety for Dogs Choose Dog-Friendly Decorations If your dog is likely to investigate the Christmas decorations, look for durable, shatterproof options whenever possible. Glass ornaments can break and cause cuts to paws or noses. If pieces are swallowed, they can cause even more serious injuries. I’m not saying you have to give up all your favorite glass ornaments. I certainly wouldn’t want to. Instead, keep fragile decorations well out of your dog’s reach and supervise your pup around the tree and other holiday decorations. Keep Christmas Lights and Electrical Cords Secure Christmas lights, extension cords, electronic decorations, and other electrical items can be tempting chew toys for some dogs. Chewing electrical cords can result in burns, electric shock, or other injuries. Damaged cords can also create a fire hazard. Secure cords where your dog can’t get to them. Cord covers can help, and you can also hide cords behind furniture or other barriers. If your dog is a serious cord chewer, use physical barriers and other pet-safe deterrents, like bitter apple spray, rather than relying on your dog to suddenly develop better judgment. And make unplugging part of your holiday routine. If nobody is home to enjoy the Christmas tree or other decorations, there’s usually no reason to leave everything plugged in and running. Be Careful with Holiday Plants Holiday plants can add a beautiful touch to your home, but some can be harmful to pets. Common holiday plants and greenery that can pose risks include: -Poinsettia -Mistletoe -Holly -Pine -Cedar -Balsam fir -Amaryllis If you have pets, research any plant before bringing it into your home and keep potentially harmful plants completely out of your dog’s reach. If your dog eats a plant you’re concerned about, contact your veterinarian for guidance. Be Careful with Candles and Fireplaces Nothing says cozy Christmas quite like candles and a warm fireplace. Unfortunately, neither is something you want your dog to get too close to. Keep candles somewhere your dog can’t knock them over or burn themselves. Flameless LED candles are an easy alternative if you have a particularly curious pup. Fireplaces need the same kind of attention. Don’t leave a burning fire unattended and make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly. And, of course, keep your dog safely away from the fire itself. Think Twice About Holiday Scents Holiday candles, wax melts, plug-ins, and diffusers can make your house smell like Christmas, but some scents and essential oils can be irritating or harmful to pets. If you use these products, make sure they’re appropriate for homes with pets and follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions. It’s also a good idea to keep diffusers and scented products somewhere your dog can’t knock them over or directly access the contents. When it comes to essential oils, don’t assume that something is safe just because it smells natural. If you’re unsure about a particular product or oil, ask your veterinarian before using it around your dog. You’d be surprised how many holiday scents aren’t good for dogs. Christmas Food Safety for Dogs Be Careful with the Holiday Menu Let’s be honest: your dog is probably going to spend at least part of Christmas hoping someone drops a piece of turkey. But holiday foods aren’t always dog friendly. Chocolate and alcohol are toxic to dogs, while rich and fatty foods can cause stomach problems and may contribute to pancreatitis. While baking your desserts and dinner try to make things that are dog friendly. More importantly be sure your dog can’t reach anything on the counter or tabletop. Cooked bones are another concern. Turkey, ham, and other cooked bones can splinter or cause intestinal blockages or injuries. Never give your dog cooked bones, so not worth it. And don’t assume that because your dog has eaten table scraps before, everything on the Christmas dinner table is fair game. Don’t Let Everyone Feed the Dog This is a big one if you’re having guests over. You may know exactly what your dog can and can’t eat, but your visiting relatives might not. Set some ground rules before dinner starts. Let everyone know that your dog isn’t allowed to have table scraps unless you’ve specifically approved them. That way, your pup doesn’t end up getting a little turkey from Aunt Mary, a piece of ham from Uncle Bob, and a mysterious dessert from someone across the table. If you want your dog to have a special holiday treat, keep it simple and dog friendly. Small amounts of appropriate, unseasoned foods such as plain cooked turkey or chicken, sweet potatoes, green beans, or apple can be options for some dogs. Just remember that treats should stay treats, not become the entire Christmas dinner. Keep the Trash Away from Your Dog Christmas trash can be almost as exciting to a dog as Christmas dinner. Growing up my Springer Spaniel loved coffee grounds for some reason and we had to get a small trash can for under the sink to keep him away from them. You’ve got food scraps, bones, wrapping paper, ribbon, packaging, and possibly plants or decorations all in one convenient location. That’s basically a buffet of bad decisions. Keep your trash somewhere your dog can’t access it, especially after meals and while opening presents. Growing up my Springer Spaniel loved coffee grounds for some reason and we had to get a small trash can for under the sink to keep him away from the trash. Take the trash out frequently if necessary, or use a dog-proof bin, baby gate, or another barrier. Help Your Dog Handle Holiday Guests and Chaos Give Your Dog a Quiet Place to Escape Not every dog loves a house full of people. Even social dogs can get overwhelmed by the noise, activity, children, visitors, and changes to their normal routine. Give your dog a quiet, comfortable place where they can retreat when they’ve had enough. This might be a crate, bedroom, quiet corner, or another area where your dog feels comfortable. Some dogs may also benefit from calming aids such as music, pheromone products, or anxiety vests. If your dog has significant anxiety, talk with your veterinarian about what might work best. And remember, it’s okay if your dog doesn’t want to participate in every holiday activity. Sometimes the best Christmas gift is a quiet nap away from the crowd. Make Sure Everyone Knows the Dog Rules If you’re hosting a Christmas party, make sure everyone understands the basic rules for your dog. That includes: -What foods your dog can have and which are off limits -Which decorations they need to stay away from -Whether guests should open doors carefully -Whether your dog can go outside unattended This is especially important if your dog is a door-dasher, fence jumper, digger, or simply gets nervous around strangers. Someone should always know where your dog is and make sure they’re safe. Christmas Travel Safety with Your Dog If you’re traveling with your dog during the holidays, you’ll have a few extra things to think about. Secure Your Dog in the Car Your dog should be properly restrained whenever you’re traveling by car. A secure crate or appropriately fitted harness can help keep your dog safer during a sudden stop or accident. Don’t let your dog ride loose in the vehicle, even if they’re normally very well behaved. Pack Your Dog’s Holiday Travel Essentials Bring familiar items from home to help your dog settle into an unfamiliar place. Your holiday packing list should include: – Food and treats. Be sure to bring extra in case you get delayed returning home. -Their favorite toys. You know they will be happy to play with something familiar. -Their favorite blanket and bed. Bringing familiar items with their scent on it will help them feel safer. -Leash and harness. You’ll need these when you make pit stops and when taking them for walks where you are staying. A harness with seatbelt hooks is great for keeping them safe in the car. -Collar and current ID tags. Make sure the tags are secure, just in case your dog gets loose. -Medications -Food and water bowls. Collapsible bowls work well because they pack easier and are very easy to clean and dry fast. – Waste bags. These bags hook right on your dog’s leash. This way you don’t forget them. -Dog first-aid or safety supplies. You can make your own kit or get this one. We like it because it has pretty much anything you can think of. -Copies of important medical information. This is a must. You will be glad you have them if you must go to an emergency pet. We like this travel bag for our trips. You can pack a lot of what you will need in here. Travel can be stressful for dogs, especially when they’re dealing with unfamiliar places, people, sounds, and smells. Keeping some familiar things around can make the trip easier. Keep Your Dog Leashed and Supervised Even a well-behaved dog can get nervous or distracted while traveling. A dog who would never normally run away might bolt when confronted with an unfamiliar house, a loud noise, a crowded gathering, or an open door. Keep your dog leashed and supervised whenever they’re outside the car or your secure lodging. And before heading out for your trip, make sure their ID tags have current contact information. Be Prepared for a Holiday Pet Emergency Hopefully, you’ll never need it, but it’s much easier to deal with a pet emergency when you’ve already done a little preparation. Keep your regular veterinarian’s contact information handy, along with the information for an emergency veterinary clinic. Check the holiday hours for veterinary clinics in the area where you’ll be staying. Some offices have limited hours around Christmas and New Year’s. It’s also a good idea to have a basic dog safety or first-aid kit available for minor problems, such as a cut paw. If your dog eats something potentially dangerous, don’t wait until symptoms become severe before seeking advice. Contact your veterinarian or an appropriate pet poison resource for guidance. A Quick Christmas Safety Checklist for Your Dog Before the holiday festivities begin, take a few minutes to check: – Christmas tree is securely anchored – Tree water is inaccessible – Tinsel and loose ribbon are out of reach -Breakable ornaments are safely placed – Electrical cords are secured – Candles and fireplaces are supervised – Holiday plants are pet-safe or inaccessible – Christmas food is kept away from your dog – Trash is secure – Guests know the rules – Your dog has a quiet place to retreat – ID tags are current – Vet and emergency vet information is handy -Travel supplies are packed if you’re leaving home Final Thoughts: Keep Christmas Fun for Everyone Christmas is supposed to be fun, and your dog should get to be part of it. You don’t have to eliminate every decoration, refuse every holiday treat, or keep your pup locked away from the festivities. A little planning goes a long way toward keeping the season enjoyable while avoiding some of the common hazards that come with Christmas. Pay attention to what your dog can reach, what they can eat, what they’re getting into, and how they’re handling all the extra activity. And if your pup decides that the best part of Christmas is sleeping through the entire party in their quiet little corner? Honestly, that’s not a bad holiday plan either. A safe dog is a happy dog, and that’s a great Christmas present for every pet parent. Post navigation 16 Fun Fall Activities to Do with Your Dog Christmas Foods Dogs Can Eat: 15 Safe Holiday Treats And Foods to Avoid