Christmas dangers for dogs: a safer season for curious noses
Journal & Articles / Seasonal care
Seasonal care & safety
Chocolate under the tree, a dropped ribbon, a bauble that looks just like a ball. Christmas brings plenty for a curious dog to investigate. A little preparation helps everyone enjoy the season together.
For a happy, peaceful Christmas.
If something has happened
Call your vet or emergency vet immediately if your dog may have swallowed something toxic or dangerous, even if they seem well. Some effects are delayed. If they are struggling to breathe, collapsing or having a seizure, seek emergency veterinary care at once.
Move your dog away from the hazard if you can do so safely.
Tell the vet what happened, when, the possible amount and your dog’s approximate weight. Keep the packaging or take a photograph, but do not delay the call to find it.
Do not try to make your dog vomit or give salt, oil, milk, medicines or other home remedies. Follow the vet’s instructions.
If something is on their coat or paws, prevent licking and ask the vet how to remove it safely.
Suspected swallowed glass, batteries, ribbon or tinsel also needs prompt veterinary advice. Do not pull on string protruding from the mouth or bottom. [1] [2] [3]
Festive food to keep out of reach
Chocolate and cocoa
Theobromine in chocolate is poisonous to dogs. Dark chocolate and cocoa are especially concentrated. Keep advent calendars, tree chocolates and edible presents in a closed cupboard. Risk depends on the type, quantity and the dog’s size, so let a vet assess any suspected ingestion. [4]
Grapes, raisins, sultanas and currants
These can cause kidney failure, and sensitivity varies between dogs. Mince pies, Christmas cake, pudding and some breads contain dried fruit. Even a small amount warrants an immediate call to your vet. [5]
Xylitol
This sweetener can cause a dangerous fall in blood sugar and liver injury. Look for it in sugar-free gum, sweets, some spreads and other products; it may also be labelled birch sugar. Check ingredients and keep visitors’ bags away from inquisitive noses. [6]
Other food and drink hazards
Onions, garlic, leeks and chives can damage red blood cells, including when cooked or used in stuffing and gravy. Alcohol, caffeine, macadamia nuts and uncooked yeast dough are also unsafe. Dough can expand and produce alcohol as it ferments. [7]
Keep bins and compost secure: mouldy food can cause poisoning. Cooked bones can splinter or obstruct the gut, while rich, fatty leftovers can trigger pancreatitis. These risks are different from poisoning but still matter. Offer your dog a familiar, suitable treat instead. [2] [8]
Decorations that look like toys
Fragile decorations
Keep glass baubles and hooks out of reach.
Ribbons and gifts
Clear wrapping, ties and small toy parts promptly.
Batteries and lights
Secure batteries and protect cables from chewing.
Glass baubles and ornament hooks
Broken glass can cut paws and mouths or injure the digestive tract if swallowed. Place fragile ornaments and hooks where your dog cannot reach them, or choose less breakable decorations. Shatterproof does not mean safe to chew. Keep your dog away while clearing any breakage. [9]
Tinsel, ribbon and small gifts
String-like decorations can damage or block the intestines when swallowed. Clear ribbons, gift ties, cracker toys and small toy parts as you unwrap presents. Keep them out of reach rather than using them for play. [3] [10]
Batteries, fairy lights and candles
Chewed or swallowed batteries, including button batteries, can cause serious burns and other injury. Keep spare batteries and battery packs secured. Protect electrical cables from chewing and switch lights off when unattended. Keep lit candles well away from tails and never leave dogs alone with a flame. [9] [14]
The tree itself
Use a stable stand, restrict access if needed and clear fallen needles. Prevent drinking from the tree-water reservoir and do not add preservatives or fertilisers. Salt-dough ornaments are another hidden hazard because their high salt content can cause poisoning. [9] [10]
Plants and everyday poisons
Holly, mistletoe and ivy should stay out of reach. Poinsettia can irritate the mouth and stomach; it is not in the same risk category as every other poisonous plant. Elsewhere in the home and garden, yew, foxglove, daffodil bulbs and sago palm can be dangerous. If a plant has been chewed, photograph it and its label for the vet rather than guessing its identity. [8] [11]
Lock away medicines, cleaning products and pest-control products. Human painkillers such as ibuprofen and paracetamol can harm dogs, and their own medicines can be dangerous in excess. Never give medication unless your vet has directed it. Rat poisons and slug baits vary, so keep the exact product packaging if exposure is suspected. [2] [11]
Antifreeze containing ethylene glycol is an emergency. Even a small exposure can cause severe kidney injury. Secure containers, clean spills promptly and prevent dogs licking affected paws or surfaces while you contact your vet. [12]
On walks throughout the year, stop scavenging and avoid water with suspected blue-green algae. This is more common in warmer weather, but belongs on the wider awareness list. Follow local warnings; suspected exposure needs urgent veterinary advice. [13]
A small Christmas checklist
Put edible presents, medicines and cleaning products behind closed doors.
Secure the tree and keep fragile ornaments, cables and batteries inaccessible.
Clear plates, bones, wrapping and ribbons promptly, and secure the bin.
Ask visitors to keep bags out of reach and check with you before offering treats.
Give your dog a quiet, familiar resting place away from busy doorways and decorations.
Save your usual vet’s number and their out-of-hours arrangements before the holiday.
Our companions can still be part of the celebrations. Familiar routines, suitable toys and a little thoughtful preparation go a long way.
Dog walking and bespoke pet care in South Hampshire
Holty Paws & Hooves Ltd provides dog walking, home visits, pet sitting, equine care and equine transport. Our coverage includes Bishop’s Waltham, Fareham, Hedge End, Whiteley, Locks Heath, Waltham Chase, Sarisbury Green, Botley, Bursledon and West End. Availability and coverage vary by service, so please ask about care in your area.
Explore dog walking and pet-care services or ask about care in your area.
If we are caring for your dog over Christmas, please share their usual vet, emergency contact and any relevant health needs.
More from our journal
Why dogs need time to sniff on walksHelping your dog through fireworks
References and further guidance
General awareness guidance, not a diagnosis or a complete list of every hazard. Your vet should assess any suspected exposure. Sources checked 26 October 2026.
Dog photograph: Alfo Medeiros / Pexels. Chocolate photograph: Pexels, image 4198415. Stock photographs used in the existing approved content pack; not Holty client photographs. Decoration symbols are illustrations.