Most dog parents love sharing the holidays with their pups and pets. But avoiding seasonal pet and dog holiday hazards makes the season merrier.
You may know some items that your dog shouldn’t get into, like tinsel or chocolate. I didn’t know the full list either until I researched it.
While I love to include my dog, Henry, in a good celebration, including the holiday season, I make sure he’s safe while doing it. With this in mind, let’s dig in and discover what dog holiday hazards you need to avoid.
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Budget Tip:
Keeping your curious pets safe during the holiday season isn’t difficult. Generally, it doesn’t even cost you any additional money. But when you overlook a possible hazard, you could end up with a surprise emergency vet visit or worse. Being safe and avoiding dog holiday hazards is a win-win for your pup and your wallet.
What I love for holiday dog safety:
Pet savings account - good anytime for your buddy
Emergency vet fund - always a good idea to create a slush fund
Go-to grab pet bag - keep one ready to go for any emergency
Pet poison hotlines - while they may cost a bit, it could be a lifesaver and it's great to have them in your phone.
Pet safe zone - for your buddy to escape the festive follies
Pet first aid kit - always good to have one on hand and this is a great one!
What are the Dog Holiday Food Hazards to Avoid This Season?
I love all the yummy treats and eats during the holidays. My waistline might not be so much. Even more importantly, my dog, Henry, could get very sick with all the delicious holiday treats. So, I make sure he’s safe from hazards and toxic food. Even a small amount could mean a frantic visit to the emergency vet or worse.
Dogs can be super quick if something is dropped or left unattended. Don’t let your pup outsmart you and be at least one step ahead.
- Chocolate
- Grapes
- Raisins
- Coffee
- Caffeine items
- Xylitol – found in sugar-free candies, gums, and processed peanut butter
- Onions
- Garlic
- Chives
- Gravy
- Cheeses
- Fatty meat trimmings
- Fruitcake (raisins plus alcohol, double whammy)
- Raw bread and yeast dough (rises in the stomach, ferments into alcohol)
- Salty treats like pretzels (too much can cause salt toxicity)
- Nuts (walnuts, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, heck, most nuts)
- Alcoholic drinks and treats
- Dressing or stuffing
- Seasoned turkey
- Turkey bones
Holiday Hacks: Create a “no-no” holiday list and tape it to the fridge so guests and visitors know what your dog can’t eat.
What Holiday Decorations are Hazardous to Dogs?
Who doesn’t love a beautifully decorated home during the holidays? But knowing what could be dangerous to your four-legged family member is key to avoiding a mishap and pricey vet bill. Watch out for these possible decoration hazards.
- Christmas tree tinsel
- Garlands
- Ornaments
- Lights
- Electrical cords
- Candles
- Tree water
- Pine needles
- Tree sap
- Pinecones
- Snow globes
- Batteries
- Salt dough ornaments, the homemade handprint kind
- Liquid potpourri and stovetop simmer pots
- Ice melt and antifreeze on paws coming in from outside
- Glass ornament shards on the floor (I’m always shocked at how many ornaments I break every year and quickly have to clean up with Henry safely in another room)
- Ribbon and strings (which could be ingested and cause stomach issues if not supervised)
- Holiday costumes that scare your buddy or make it harder for your pup to see or move
Which Holiday Plants are Hazardous to My Pets?
I used to buy a poinsettia every year for my mom. I made sure it was visible, yet out of the reach of my furry friends, and especially my curious cats. These holiday plants can be very toxic to pets.
- Poinsettia
- Holly
- Mistletoe
- Lilies (very toxic for cats)
What Hazards Should I Avoid For My Dog With Holiday Gatherings?
Unfortunately, while a holiday party can be fun, it can also pose a hazard to your buddy. Watch out for these possible hazards.
In this article, discover how to host a holiday party and have a calm dog.
- Open doors or open gates leading to a lost dog
- Children being rough with your dog
- Toxic food dropped on the floor
- Open purses or bags with toxic food like candy
Holiday Hacks: Place a sign on your door that says, “Please keep the door shut to keep my pets safe.”
Easy Dog Holiday Emergency Prep is Key
Unfortunately, accidents happen at any time of year. That means it’s best to be prepared. Consider the following:
- Have a pet savings account
- Create an emergency vet account
- Add your vet and emergency vets to your phone (I have two emergency vets in my phone, just in case one is not available, I have another option)
- Put the pet poison hotlines in your phone. You don’t want to search for those numbers if you need them. Keep in mind, they charge for the calls. But that’s a small price when you have to act quickly to save your buddy.
- Keep a pet first aid kit handy and let everyone know where it is in your home.
- Create a pet grab bag (fires and disasters happen when you least expect it)
- Have a list of toxic foods and plants to avoid for your fur kid.
- Give your dog a safe zone to escape loud or energetic party guests
Pro Tip: If you’re not 100% sure something is safe for your buddy, simply avoid it so you don’t regret it later.
How Does Avoiding Dog Holiday Hazards Save Me Money?
These tips are all easy and doable. They keep your pup safe and bills down. Consider the following for a moment.
| Issue | Estimated Cost |
| Pet poisoning | $100 – 5,000 |
| Swallow small or large items/intestinal blockage | $2,000 – 10,000+ |
| Injured furry buddy | $200 – 8,000 |
| Lost dog | $25 – 8,000 |
| Happy and healthy holidays with your pup | PRICELESS!!! |
Want to up your dog parent game and avoid the hidden dog expenses most dog parents overlook? Here are the expenses that catch most off guard and how to prevent them.
Related articles:
- How to Remove Sap From Dog Fur
- Lost Dog Strategy For Successful Reunion
- Create a Pet Savings Account
- Why an Emergency Vet Account is Essential
- What Pet Numbers You Need in Your Phone
- How to Create a Pet Grab Bag
- A Simple Way to Create a Dog Safe Zone
- Easy Ways to Create a Calm Dog Friendly Holiday Home For Your Pup
- Festive and Joyful Outdoor Holiday Dog Safety Tips
- 12 Fun and Safe Ways to Include Dogs in Holiday Traditions
- Hidden Dog Expenses: Why Good Dog Parents Spend More Than They Expect
Final Thoughts on Dog Holiday Hazards to Avoid
If you’re like me, your holidays include your furry four-legged family member. But making the season fun and safe is essential when you’re a dog parent. It can take a few more steps, but keeping your pup healthy and avoiding an emergency vet visit is worth every ounce of effort. Henry loves the festive holiday season and looks forward to the jolly man’s visit each year.
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