The festive season brings a lot of joy - but it can also pose hidden dangers for our furry companions. Whether you're a puppy parent or have an adult dog, it's essential to plan ahead to keep your dog safe, healthy, and stress-free this Christmas. Here are some expert tips on how to ensure your dog has a very merry Christmas!
Dog-Friendly Decorations for a Safe Christmas at Home
As you decorate for the holidays, keep in mind your dog's safety. Puppies (and adult dogs!) often love to steal and chew exciting new objects, so it's important to keep Christmas tree ornaments, tinsel and other decorations out of their reach. Tinsel, for example, can be a serious choking hazard or cause intestinal blockages if ingested. If your dog tends to chew on things, supervise them closely or choose dog-safe Christmas decorations like these cute felted ones from local Leamington Spa business Henderson Hound.
If your dog struggles with changes in their environment, introduce decorations gradually to avoid overwhelming them. Start with the Christmas tree, then add lights and ornaments over the course of a few days to give your dog time to adjust. Also, remember that popular Christmas plants like poinsettias, cyclamen and mistletoe are toxic to dogs. Keep these out of reach to avoid accidental poisoning.
Holiday Foods That Are Dangerous for Dogs
Christmas treats might be irresistible, but many festive foods can be toxic to dogs. Chocolate, for example, contains theobromine, a substance that dogs can’t metabolize effectively, leading to poisoning. Dark chocolate has the highest theobromine content, while white chocolate contains very little. If your dog eats chocolate, contact your vet immediately, especially if your dog is small or has consumed a large amount.
Other foods to avoid include:
Mince pies, Christmas cake, and Christmas pudding (these contain raisins, which can cause kidney failure in dogs)
Xylitol, a sweetener found in some sugar-free sweets and gummies
Onions and garlic, commonly found in stuffing, which can lead to anaemia in dogs
If you want to give your dog a special Christmas treat, choose one that’s made with safe, dog-friendly ingredients like these dog-safe Christmas cookies from the Happy Spaniel Bakery.
Stress-Free Celebrations for Dogs During the Holidays
The hustle and bustle of Christmas can be stressful for some dogs. While some love the attention from guests, others may find holiday gatherings overwhelming. It's important to create a safe space for your dog where they can retreat if they need a break. This could be a cosy bed, a crate or even a quiet room. Ensure your dog associates this space with positive experiences by rewarding them with treats when they go to their safe space voluntarily, and make sure you tell guests not to disturb them.
Introducing calming products such as Adaptil (a synthetic dog pheromone) or dog-safe scents like lavender can also help reduce stress. If your dog is comfortable wearing accessories, try spraying a bandana (like this festive one from Albie's Boutique in Coventry) with a calming scent like Adaptil spray or lavender pillow spray and have them wear it at times when they're normally calm and contented (e.g. when you're chilling on the sofa in the evening) to create positive associations to start with. This can be a useful tool during holiday events or when you're hosting guests.
Santa Paws Is Coming to Town with Dog-Friendly Gifts!
Your dog is a cherished family member, so don't forget to include them in the Christmas gift-giving fun! However, be cautious when selecting dog toys or treats. Many products in mainstream pet stores, like brightly coloured rawhide chews, can be harmful to your dog. Rawhide is often treated with chemicals, and chewing on it can lead to choking or blockages.
Opt instead for safe, natural alternatives like these braided lamb skin chews from Dog Deli in Warwick. If your dog has a sensitive stomach, avoid giving them anything overly rich or fatty or that they haven't tried before - no-one wants to be dealing with a sick pup on Christmas Day!
Alternatively you can gift your dog a durable dog toy like this one from Beco - which is also made from recycled materials! While it's true that many of our dogs already have overflowing toy boxes, introducing new toys (or rotating their existing ones) can help to prevent boredom and provide mental stimulation.
Keep Your Dog's Christmas Jolly and Stress-Free
By following these tips, your dog is sure to enjoy the festive season as much as you do! However, keep an eye out for signs of stress in your dog. These might include changes in behaviour such as increased irritability, lethargy, or nervousness, as well as signs of stress like excessive panting, yawning, lip-licking, or a tucked tail.
If you notice any of these signs, give your dog a break with a quiet day or a relaxing walk. Always remember to continue activities that your dog loves throughout the holiday season, whether it’s playing fetch, going for walks, or just cuddling on the sofa. After all, the best gift you can give your dog this Christmas is time and attention!