A Safe and Joyful Christmas for you and your dog
For many of us, Christmas is a time of connection - gathering with loved ones, exchanging gifts, and soaking up the glow (and occasional chaos) of the festive season. And of course, our dogs are part of that too. After all, they’re usually the first to remind us what unconditional love looks like - and the last to judge our questionable Christmas jumper choices!
Whether your celebrations lean towards a sparkling, gift-filled extravaganza or something more simple and slow, it’s worth taking a moment to consider: could some of your festive traditions be putting your dog at risk?
Chocolate Decorations on the Tree
Chocolate isn’t just a stocking stuffer - it often ends up hanging on the Christmas tree too. While these shiny foil-wrapped decorations might look harmless, they can smell irresistible to dogs - as the dangerous cocoa is masked with sugar, cream, and vanilla.
Chocolate contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs even in small amounts. The darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is - but even milk chocolate can still cause harm. Symptoms of chocolate poisoning can include vomiting, diarrhoea, tremors, and, in severe cases, seizures or even death.
Dogs have an uncanny knack for sniffing out treats, so make sure any chocolate ornaments and advent calendars are well out of reach - or better yet, skip them altogether. There are plenty of safer, dog-friendly ways to decorate your tree.
Glass Baubles and Other Decorations
Glass baubles may look beautiful under twinkling lights, but if your dog’s tail is the wagging type, one enthusiastic swoosh can spell trouble. Broken glass can cause cuts to paws, tongues, or noses if your dog decides to investigate.
If you’ve got a younger or more playful dog - especially a ball lover! - consider swapping fragile ornaments for wooden or fabric alternatives.
Grapes and the Christmas Cheeseboard
After the main event of Christmas dinner, many move onto a cheeseboard in the evening. It’s easy to forget that grapes (and raisins) are highly toxic to dogs. Even one or two can cause severe kidney failure.
If your festive spread includes grapes, raisins, or anything made with them (like mince pies or fruitcake), keep them well out of reach. And watch out for the ones that roll onto the floor - dogs can be quicker than Santa down a chimney when it comes to grabbing dropped food.
Let's go nuts - Maybe not with Macadamias!
Nuts are a great accompaniment for those festive pre dinner dinks, but not great for dogs. Most are relatively harmless for your dog, unless they are mouldy, but macadamia nuts should be kept well out of paws reach! The exact toxin is unknown, but macadamias can affect your dogs nervous system and can lead to life-threatening symptoms; weakness (especially in the back legs), tremors or shaking, vomiting and general lethargy could all be signs your dog needs to get to the emergency vets faster than Santa on his way back to Lapland!
Cooked Turkey Carcasses and Bones
After Christmas lunch, it’s tempting to share leftovers with your dog. But please, skip the turkey carcass, as cooked bones are brittle and can splinter easily, posing a serious choking hazard or causing internal injuries.
Instead, treat your dog to something made just for them, like a safe natural chew or a little of their favourite dog-friendly festive food. It’s safer, and you can still feel like they’re included in the feast.
Alcohol and Festive Drinks
Whether it’s mulled wine, eggnog, or something sparkling to toast the season, keep all alcoholic drinks well out of reach. Alcohol is extremely toxic to dogs and even a small amount can lead to serious symptoms like vomiting, confusion, or seizures. It’s important to also be cautious with caffeine-based drinks which can have similar repercussions.
Candles and Fairy Lights
Candles and fairy lights add that unmistakable Christmas glow - but they can also be risky around curious noses and wagging tails. Never leave candles unattended, and make sure fairy light cords are safely tucked away from any playful chewers.
When to Call Your Vet
If you suspect your dog has eaten something they shouldn’t, don’t wait. Symptoms can include vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, or changes in appetite and behaviour. Keep your vet’s emergency number somewhere visible - ideally on the fridge, for all to see, or saved in your phone.
Calm and Cosy Christmas Travel with Your Dog
If your Christmas plans involve a trip to visit friends or family, a little preparation can make the journey much smoother - for both you and your dog.
Let your hosts know in advance about your dog’s needs: things like where they sleep, when they eat, or whether they’re comfortable around other pets. It helps avoid any surprises on arrival and keeps everyone relaxed. Of course, make sure that you also ask for your host’s rules too - perhaps they’re less inclined to invite your dog up onto the sofa, so taking a comfy bed for your dog will make everyone feel comfortable.
When it comes to packing, having everything organised in one place can make all the difference, especially as it allows you to get prepared in advance. That’s where the Bark and Vibe doggo weekend bag comes in - designed to fit all your dog’s essentials neatly and stylishly. From food and toys to leads and blankets, you’ll have everything ready to go. No last-minute scrambles. No forgotten treats. Just calm, joyful travel - exactly how the holidays should feel.
The Best Gift of All
As much as we love the giving and receiving of gifts, the greatest present you can offer your dog is your time and attention. A peaceful walk, a few minutes of focused play, or simply curling up together while the Christmas lights twinkle - that’s what your dog treasures most.
Here’s wishing you and your canine companion a safe, love-filled Christmas - full of gentle moments, wagging tails, and joy that shines brighter than any tree lights.
Written for Bark & Vibe by Caroline Wilkinson
Caroline Wilkinson is a Certified Animal Behaviourist. As the Founder of digital pet coaching service Barket Place, Caroline has a passion for improving connections between human and hound, with a focus on relationships and reduction of stress for canines living in a human world.
https://barketplace.uk