Holiday Hazards for Dogs – 10 Items to Avoid this Holiday Season

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! But with all the festivities that come with this time of year, come a lot of holiday hazards for our furry friends. Nothing will ruin your holiday season faster than an expensive trip to the emergency vet. Keep your pet safe this year by avoiding these 10 holiday hazards for dogs.

Food Hazards

Food is one of the common holiday hazards for dogs. Cookies and chocolates are one of the best parts of the Christmas season but a lot of the yummy treats we consume this month can be dangerous to our pets. Avoid feeding these foods to your dog this holiday.

1. Chocolate

It should be common knowledge by now that chocolate is poisonous to dogs. The chemical, theobromine, that is in chocolate is toxic to our pets. 

2. Mince Pies and Christmas Puddings

Grapes, raisins, and currants are all toxic to dogs so avoid feeding them foods that contain them.

3. Bleu Cheese

If bleu cheese is part of your charcuterie boards this year, make sure to keep them away from your furry friends. Bleu cheese contains roquefortine C, which dogs are very sensitive to. 

4. Macadamia Nuts

Whether you’re cracking them with a nutcracker or putting them in your cookies, don’t feed macadamia nuts to your dog as they can cause severe illness. 

5. Garlic and Onions

Garlic and onions are often used in holiday foods such as stuffing, but these ingredients are poisonous to your pets. 

Decor Hazards

Garland and tinsel fill any space with holiday joy. Unfortunately, some holiday decor can cause injury and illness to Fido. Keep these decorations up high, so they won’t be viewed as a toy to your pooch.

1. Tinsel

Tinsel looks like a ton of fun to our pets but it is known to cause blockages in the stomachs of dogs and cats. 

2. Snow Globes

Snow globes contain antifreeze which is toxic to dogs and can cause kidney failure. If you have snow globes in your home, keep them in a safe place where your pets won’t be able to get  into them. 

3. Christmas Lights

If your dog loves to chew, keep Christmas lights where they won’t be reachable. If your pet chews on these wires they risk being electrocuted and seriously injured.

4. Poinsettia and Mistletoe

These plants are mildly toxic for our pets. They can cause vomiting, drooling, and diarrhea if ingested.

5. Christmas Trees

Pine needles can cause an upset stomach for your pooch. The needles can also cut and irritate their mouths and gums. Make sure you’re vacuuming or sweeping up loose pine needles frequently and monitoring your pets around the tree. 

The holidays are a busy time for everyone, but if you have a particularly nervous pet it is important to make sure they’re safe and comfortable this time of year. Keep an eye on them around holiday visitors. Don’t put Christmas sweaters or PJs on them if they’re not comfortable. Avoid giving them Christmas themed rawhide treats. And most importantly, make sure to keep them on their normal schedule and routine so that they stay happy during the most wonderful time of year.