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As the festive season approaches with it promise of indulgence it is an exciting time. However, it also can be full of hidden dangers to our four-legged friends, from toxic foods to dangerous seasonal plants. In today’s article, we have put together our top tips on how to keep your dog safer this Christmas season.
The centrepiece of Christmas surely has to be the Christmas dinner and with that many of us are tempted to give a tiny amount to our dog. Providing your dog is healthy and is not allergic to the following foods, it’s safe to feed your dog a little bit of these foods at Christmas:
- turkey meat (no skin or bones)
- salmon (fillets or cooked in spring water are preferable to smoked salmon)
- lamb meat (no bones)
- green beans
- Brussels sprouts
- parsnips
- carrot
- peas
- swede
- mash potato (best without added butter)
- new potatoes
- sweet potatoes
Toxic Christmas food for dogs
Christmas is the time for eating, drinking and being merry, but lots of our favourite festive foods are toxic to our dogs and should be kept well our of reach:
- chocolate
- Christmas pudding and mince pies
- onions (and garlic, leeks, shallots and chives)
- alcohol
- macadamia nuts
- leftovers
- sweets
In addition to festive foods, there can be other less well known dangers for dogs. The most common types of Christmas trees including pine, fir and spruce are not highly toxic to dogs, but oils they produce and the pine needles that drop from the tree can pose a risk. Not only can the sharp pine needles get stuck in your dog’s paws, they can also cause a mild stomach upset or blockage if eaten. If you have a dog but would like a real Christmas tree, you can opt for a non-drop variety – just remember to never leave your dog unsupervised around the tree.
Christmas trees can be full of hidden dangers for dogs and we list our tips on how to dog proof your Christmas tree.
Keep decorations out of reach
Decorations such as baubles and tinsel can cause a dangerous stomach blockage if swallowed. Hang Christmas tree decorations up high to prevent mischievous paws (or tails) from knocking them off, and remember to never hang chocolate decorations as chocolate is poisonous to dogs.
Don’t leave presents under the tree
Christmas presents lying under the tree can be too tempting for our four-legged friends – especially if the gift is edible! It’s best to keep wrapped gifts out of paws’ reach, as wrapping paper can cause a blockage in your dog’s tummy if too much is eaten.
Keep fairy light cables tidy
The wires on fairy lights can be tempting for your dog to chew. Keep any cables out of your dog’s reach and remember to switch them off at the mains when they’re not in use.
Always supervise your dog
Whether you have a real or an artificial tree, it’s always best to supervise your dog around the Christmas tree, so you can spot mischief before they get themselves into trouble. It may be a good idea to keep your dog out of the room completely while you’re out.
Christmas poisonous plants
Christmas plants make the season all the more festive and homes feel more Christmassy, but these traditional Christmas plants are toxic to dogs:
- poinsettia
- holly
- mistletoe
- ivy
- potpourri
Stress in dogs at Christmas
The festive fun can get a little overwhelming for dogs and with the change in routine and increased visitors it can be stressful. Christmas brings with it lots of guests, but too many can be stressful for your dog. It’s best to prepare for visitors before they arrive, by providing a safe space for your dog to retreat. This could be a quiet room or a den – just make sure it’s somewhere where your dog can’t be disturbed, and remember to provide them with their food, water and any familiar toys, so they have everything they need in their safe space. This also applies if other pets are visiting your home.
On behalf of all of the team at the VCMS we wish you and your animals a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
