Holiday Hazards, 7 Things In Your Home That Could Harm Your Dog This Christmas

Christmas has a special way of turning a quiet home into a lively mix of visitors, food and decorations. It is warm, joyful and full of routines that shift without much warning. While most of us focus on presents and plans, dogs often experience this season in a very different way. New smells, curious objects and tempting treats appear overnight. Many dogs explore with their mouths, so items that seem harmless to us can present real risks.

This guide takes you through seven common hazards, why they matter and how to manage them without feeling overwhelmed. Each section is written with everyday life in mind. You will find practical steps and calm explanations rather than alarm. Think of it as a seasonal check in, something that helps you enjoy the holidays while keeping your dog safe and comfortable.

Why Christmas Can Be Risky For Dogs

Dogs thrive when their environment feels predictable. Christmas is the opposite. Furniture moves, people come and go and the house fills with objects they have never seen. Many hazards stay unnoticed until something goes wrong. By understanding these risks early, you can reduce the chance of your dog getting hurt, and prevent stressful vet visits during one of the busiest times of the year.

Below you will find seven hazards that appear in most homes during the festive period. Each section explores why the hazard matters, how to recognise it and what simple actions you can take to lower the risk. The goal is not perfection. The goal is awareness and practical adjustments that fit into your holiday routine.

1. Christmas Trees And Decorations

Christmas trees hold endless curiosity for many dogs. A tree can be irresistible because it changes the entire layout of a room. Some dogs want to sniff it. Some want to nudge it. Some want to taste it. Pine needles can irritate a dog’s mouth and stomach. Artificial trees can shed plastic pieces that may be swallowed. The water in a tree stand can also collect fertiliser residue.

Decorations add another layer of risk. Baubles shatter easily and can cut a dog’s mouth or paws. Edible-style ornaments smell appealing, even when they are not food at all. Tinsel and ribbon look playful but can cause internal blockages if swallowed. Lights with dangling cables can tempt puppies and younger dogs who enjoy chewing.

There are a few reliable ways to manage this. Secure the tree so it cannot fall if nudged or bumped. Keep breakable ornaments higher up. Choose shatter resistant decorations for the lower branches. Cover tree stand water so your dog cannot reach it. Run cables behind furniture and use cable covers where possible. If you have a very curious dog, a small barrier around the tree can help, at least for the first few days when the novelty is strongest.

2. Toxic Christmas Foods

Food is the centre of many Christmas traditions. It is also one of the biggest sources of accidental veterinary emergencies, simply because so much of it feels irresistible to dogs. Chocolate might be the most well known hazard. Even small amounts can cause stomach upset, hyperactivity or more serious symptoms, depending on the type and amount eaten. Dark chocolate is the highest risk.

Raisins, sultanas and currants, often found in mince pies, Christmas cake and stollen, can be extremely dangerous. Some dogs become very ill even from small quantities. Onions and garlic, often used in stuffing and gravy, can cause delayed symptoms that creep in over days. Macadamia nuts and mouldy walnuts also cause problems for dogs. Rich meats and fatty leftovers like turkey skin or roast drippings can trigger pancreatitis.

The simplest approach is prevention. Keep food out of reach. Clear plates promptly. Use closed bins. Remind guests not to feed leftovers or treats unless you agree. Offer your dog safe alternatives. A chew or a stuffed toy can keep them busy during meals. If your dog manages to steal something worrying, phone your vet straight away. Quick advice often makes a big difference at Christmas when clinics deal with frequent food related emergencies.

3. Festive Plants

Many Christmas plants look beautiful but can cause harm if chewed or swallowed by dogs. Poinsettias often get the most attention, although they usually cause only mild irritation. The bigger concern comes from mistletoe and holly, which can cause stomach upset, drooling and discomfort. Ivy can also cause issues if eaten.

Real Christmas trees can drop large numbers of needles that may irritate a dog’s mouth or cause problems if swallowed. Some dogs try to chew branches, which can create a risk of small splinters. Even the water at the base of the tree can become contaminated with bacteria or fertiliser residue.

To keep things simple, place plants where your dog cannot reach them. This may mean using shelves or placing them in rooms your dog does not spend much time in. Sweep up fallen needles each day. If you know your dog is likely to investigate plants, choose artificial options and keep them out of reach. If your dog chews part of a festive plant, phone your vet for advice. It is always better to check early.

4. Gift Wrap, Ribbons And Packaging

Presents bring excitement, yet the packaging can present problems for dogs. Many dogs enjoy chewing cardboard tubes, wrapping paper and leftover packaging. Paper usually passes through without trouble if only a small amount is eaten. The bigger concern is ribbon and string. These long, thin items can cause internal issues if swallowed. Foil wrapping paper can also cause stomach discomfort.

Toys packaged in plastic often come with sharp edges that can cut a dog’s mouth if they decide to steal and chew before the item is unwrapped. Batteries are extremely dangerous if swallowed because they can leak chemicals. Small loose parts from children’s toys can also become a choking risk.

A simple clean up routine works well. As gifts are opened, collect wrapping and string straight away. Keep batteries in a drawer until needed. Make it easy for your dog to succeed by reducing access to tempting items. Providing a safe chew toy during gift opening can help them stay calm and occupied.

5. Candles, Wax Melts And Oil Burners

Scented items are common at Christmas. Candles, wax melts and oil burners fill the house with seasonal scents. Dogs experience smells far more strongly than humans. Some strong scents can irritate sensitive noses. Curious dogs can get too close to candles and risk burns. Oil burners and melts contain concentrated oils that may be toxic if licked or spilled.

Electric diffusers can also cause issues. Some essential oils are unsafe for dogs. Tea tree, eucalyptus and clove oils, for example, can cause symptoms if inhaled or ingested. Spills can happen faster than you expect, especially when a home is busy with activity.

The easiest approach is to keep candles and burners out of reach and in stable areas. Never leave a lit candle unattended in a room with a dog. If you use diffusers, check which oils are safe and ensure the device is high up. If your dog shows signs of coughing, sneezing, drooling or eye irritation near strong scents, reduce the use of these products. Fresh air is always the safest option.

6. Batteries, Electronics And Small Gadgets

Christmas often brings new gadgets, light up decorations and battery powered toys. Dogs tend to investigate anything that moves, flashes or makes unusual noises. Small batteries, including button batteries, can cause severe internal burns if swallowed. TV remotes, children’s toys and small decorations are common sources of these batteries.

Wires and chargers can also be tempting for puppies or dogs who enjoy chewing. A sharp tooth can break through the outer casing of a wire. This may lead to shocks or burns. New electronics often come with plastic films, zip ties and small parts that end up on the floor during unboxing.

A little organisation makes a big difference. Unpack electronics on a table rather than the floor. Place spare batteries in a closed drawer right away. Keep chargers tucked behind furniture. If you have a puppy or a dog that enjoys chewing, use cable tidy tubes. After opening new items, run a quick check of the floor for leftover parts. It takes seconds and prevents easy mistakes.

7. Visitors, Noise And Routine Upsets

The final hazard is not a physical object. It is the sudden shift in daily life. Doors open more frequently as guests arrive. Loud noises from crackers, parties or excited children can unsettle many dogs. Some dogs become nervous. Others rush towards visitors in excitement. Both scenarios carry risks. An anxious dog may hide, refuse food or behave in ways you do not usually see. An excitable dog may jump, mouth clothing or rush past people and slip out of the door.

The most effective approach is planning. Create a safe space for your dog, somewhere they can rest without interruption. A quiet room with their bed works well. Let guests know your dog’s routines before they arrive. If your dog worries around noise, turn on a radio or use a calming activity like a stuffed toy in their safe space. Make sure your dog gets outdoor time before busy events.

Door safety is important. With people coming and going, it is easy for a dog to slip outside. Using a baby gate near the front door or asking visitors to pause while you secure your dog gives you more control. If your dog struggles with lots of visitors, limit their exposure. There is no pressure to include them in every gathering. A peaceful space can prevent stress and accidents.

How To Prepare Your Home Without Feeling Overwhelmed

Christmas often arrives faster than expected. You might not have time for large changes. The good news is that most safety steps take only a few minutes. Look at each room and ask yourself what your dog is likely to explore. If something seems tempting, move it higher or make it less accessible. It is not about perfection. It is about reducing risk while keeping your home feeling festive.

Many dogs behave differently when a house is busy. Try to keep a few normal routines going. Regular walks, feeding times and rest breaks can help your dog feel more settled. If you have children opening gifts, remind them to keep small pieces off the floor. If you use festive foods or treats, keep them in sealed containers. These actions fit easily into daily life.

Some people feel worried about getting everything right. Remember that accidents can happen even in careful homes. The aim is not to remove all risk. It is to lower it. When you understand the common hazards, you can make quick decisions that keep your dog safe.

What To Do If Something Goes Wrong

If your dog eats something concerning, or shows sudden changes like vomiting, shaking, excessive drooling or unusual behaviour, phone your vet. It helps to know exactly what your dog may have eaten. If it is packaging, bring a sample with you. If it is food, be clear about the type and quantity.

Do not wait to see if things improve on their own. Christmas is a busy time for clinics. Early advice matters. If you are unsure about something your dog may have chewed or swallowed, ask. Vets expect these questions at Christmas. It is better to check than to worry.

If you plan ahead, keep your vet’s number somewhere visible. Some clinics run reduced hours during holidays, so note the details of your nearest emergency clinic. This removes stress if you need help quickly.

Keeping Christmas Enjoyable For Your Dog

Dogs enjoy Christmas most when they feel included but not overwhelmed. A steady routine, a comfortable quiet space and a little planning go a long way. Safe chews, a walk before guests arrive and calm praise can help your dog feel settled.

You do not need to make Christmas completely different for your dog. A few thoughtful changes protect them from the most common seasonal hazards. You will be able to enjoy the holiday knowing you have lowered the risk as much as possible.

When the holidays finish and the decorations come down, most dogs settle back into their normal rhythm within a day or two. The season is temporary, but the care you provide helps your dog navigate it safely.

Conclusion

Christmas is a joyful season filled with traditions, treats and gatherings. For dogs it can also bring unexpected hazards. By understanding the seven most common dangers, you can create a home that feels festive and safe. Keep decorations out of reach, store food securely, manage visitors thoughtfully and stay alert to small items that may tempt your dog.

A little preparation keeps stress low and enjoyment high. Your dog relies on you to guide them through the extra excitement and the unfamiliar objects that come with Christmas. With simple steps and steady routines, you can relax and focus on the parts of the holiday that matter most.