Christmas for Dogs: Safety Advice & Tips

Christmas should, and can be a genuinely enjoyable, stress-free experience for your dog. Most stressors are completely manageable once you understand them. As a canine behaviourist, I’ve seen how small adjustments can make all the difference, so in this guide, I’ll help you recognise what unsettles your dog and how to respond, keeping the season calm and happy for everyone. We’ll cover the essentials: stress signals to watch for and how to set up a safe, peaceful home environment.

Let’s start with the food! Alison Frost, our Head Canine Nutritionist (Dip.CN), breaks down exactly which Christmas foods are off-limits and which festive alternatives your dog can safely enjoy.

Toxic plants

Many festive plants are dangerous for dogs if eaten. Avoid or keep out of reach:

• Poinsettias: can cause irritation to the mouth and stomach.
• Holly and mistletoe: contain compounds that can cause dog diarrhoea and vomiting
• Lilies: highly toxic to cats and harmful to dogs too.

Choose artificial versions of these plants to stay safe while keeping your home festive.

The Christmas Tree

Your tree can be a wonderland for a dog’s Christmas but also a source of risk.

Stabilise it securely so it will not topple if nudged. You can even create a barrier using a baby gate.

Avoid tinsel, which can cause dangerous blockages if swallowed, and keep edible decorations such as chocolate coins or popcorn garlands off the tree entirely.
Hide electrical cords to prevent chewing and use plastic or shatterproof baubles instead of glass.

Dog Christmas Friendly Gifts

If you are wrapping presents, be mindful that food gifts such as chocolates or biscuits can be detected by your dog’s strong sense of smell. Keep them out of reach until Christmas morning.

When choosing toys, make sure they are durable and size-appropriate, and always supervise play. Avoid anything small enough to be swallowed whole.

During the excitement of unwrapping, some dogs may feel overwhelmed. Keep the door to their quiet room open so they can retreat if they need a break.

Choking Hazards

Christmas can bring plenty of tempting treats and decorations, but some of these pose a real choking risk for dogs. From small toy parts and ribbon to cooked bones and dropped food scraps, it only takes a second for curiosity to become danger. Always supervise your dog around wrapping materials, table leftovers, and children’s toys to keep them safe from accidental choking this festive season.

While we might enjoy dressing up during the festive season, it’s a different story for our dogs. Costumes can easily become a fire hazard, especially around open flames, candles, or log burners. Dogs simply don’t have the same spatial awareness we do, one excited tail wag or a quick dash past the fireplace is all it takes for fabric to catch. If you do choose to dress your dog up, always prioritise safety and keep them well away from heat sources and avoid cheap Christmas dog costumes. These can be extremely dangerous.

Scented Candles and Air Fresheners

Scented candles and festive diffusers can make our homes feel cosy and inviting, but some fragrances can be overwhelming, or even harmful, for dogs. Many popular seasonal scents, including cinnamon, pine, peppermint and clove, contain essential oils that may irritate your dog’s airways or trigger allergic reactions. Because dogs have an incredibly powerful sense of smell, a fragrance that feels subtle to us can be intensely strong for them. Non-natural, chemical-based air fresheners can be even more problematic.

If you enjoy using candles, choose unscented options or those made with naturally derived ingredients. Research which essential oils are genuinely dog-safe before introducing them into your home. Always keep candles out of reach, ensure the space is well ventilated, and avoid burning them near your dog’s bed or safe area. This helps keep your dog comfortable, relaxed, and safe throughout the festive season.

Lights and Cords

If you are using fairy lights or extension cords, tuck wires safely out of reach and unplug them when not in use to prevent chewing or electric shock. They can also be trip hazards for dogs who get their paws caught.

Minimise Fuss

It’s also important to be mindful of how much attention your dog receives during social gatherings. Some dogs enjoy being the centre of attention, while others find constant fussing and petting overwhelming. Encourage guests, especially children, to let your dog approach on their own terms and give them the option to retreat to a quiet room if they need space.

Christmas for dogs should be as joyful and relaxed as it is for you. By being mindful of foods, decorations, and routines, you can make the holidays both safe and special.

The best gift you can give your dog this Christmas is your time, love, and attention, and perhaps a few dog-safe festive treats.