How to keep your dog safe during the holiday season

The holidays bring joy, gatherings and traditions — but they also introduce unique risks for our furry family members. From tempting treats on the counter to twinkling decorations that beg to be chewed, the festive season can require extra vigilance to keep your dog safe. Understanding these potential hazards helps you create a celebration that's both merry and secure for everyone in your household.

Watch out for toxic holiday foods

Your holiday spread might look delicious to your dog, but there are definitely some dos and don’ts when it comes to sharing food. 

Many traditional foods can cause serious health problems. Chocolate tops the danger list, especially dark chocolate, which contains high levels of theobromine that dogs can't process. Even small amounts can trigger vomiting, seizures or worse. Sugar-free treats pose another threat — xylitol, a common artificial sweetener, can cause rapid insulin release and liver failure in dogs.

Turkey bones might seem like a natural treat, but cooked bones splinter easily and can puncture your dog's digestive tract. Fatty foods like gravy, turkey skin and buttery sides can trigger pancreatitis, a painful inflammation that often requires emergency care. Keep grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, onions and garlic away from curious noses too — these common ingredients are toxic to dogs. And while that festive cocktail might put you in the holiday spirit, alcohol is extremely dangerous for pets, even in tiny amounts. 

Christmas tree safety matters more than you think

When it comes to Christmas trees, make sure you have your dog’s safety in mind, starting with different ways you can dog-proof your tree. 

“While the trees themselves aren't highly toxic, the water in tree stands can harbor bacteria and preservatives that cause stomach upset," Dr. Aliya McCullough, Fetch’s Chief Veterinary Officer, explains. "Pine needles pose a bigger concern — they can irritate the mouth, be a choking hazard or cause an obstruction if swallowed.”

Secure your tree to prevent it from toppling if your dog gets too enthusiastic and place breakable ornaments on high branches. If your dog ate ornaments, especially glass ones, contact your vet immediately — sharp pieces can cause serious internal injuries. Salt-dough ornaments, often made by children as gifts, contain dangerous amounts of salt that can poison dogs if eaten. Tinsel might look festive, but it's particularly dangerous, as swallowed strands can bunch up in intestines and require surgical removal.

Be mindful of potential decoration dangers

Those twinkling lights create ambiance, but they also present risks if your dog decides to chew on cords. Puppies and young dogs are especially prone to investigating with their mouths. If your dog ate Christmas lights or chewed through electrical cords, seek emergency veterinary care immediately — electrical burns in the mouth can be severe even if your dog seems fine initially.

Candles add warmth to holiday gatherings, but wagging tails and open flames don't mix. One enthusiastic greeting could knock over a candle, causing burns or starting a fire. Battery-operated candles provide the same cozy glow without the risk. 

Keep toxic plants out of reach

Several traditional holiday plants can harm your dog. Holly berries and leaves cause drooling, vomiting and diarrhea, plus those spiky leaves can injure your dog's mouth and throat. Mistletoe affects the cardiovascular system and causes gastrointestinal upset.

While poinsettias have a fearsome reputation, they're actually only mildly toxic, typically causing minor stomach upset if nibbled. Amaryllis bulbs and yew branches, sometimes used in wreaths and arrangements, are far more dangerous and should stay completely out of your dog's environment.

Managing holiday stress 

The excitement of the season affects dogs too, but not always positively. Changes in routine, houseguests, loud gatherings and travel can trigger stress. Your normally well-behaved dog might start hiding, barking excessively, losing their appetite or even becoming destructive. 

Create a quiet retreat space where your dog can decompress when festivities become overwhelming. Maintain regular feeding and walking schedules as much as possible. Introduce visitors gradually rather than overwhelming your dog with a house full of strangers. 

Prepare for emergencies before they happen

Despite your best efforts, accidents can happen during the busy holiday season. Keep important numbers easily accessible: your regular vet, the nearest 24-hour emergency clinic, the ASPCA Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) and the Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661). These hotlines operate around the clock and can provide immediate guidance if your dog ingests something dangerous.

Creating safe holiday memories

The holidays should be joyful for every member of your family, including your dog. By understanding potential hazards and taking simple precautions, you can prevent most holiday emergencies. Keep dangerous foods secured, choose pet-safe decorations, maintain routines when possible and always supervise interactions between your dog and holiday items. With thoughtful preparation, you and your pup can enjoy all the warmth and wonder of the season together.