Christmas Dog Safety

While Christmas may be a time of joy and celebration, there are dangers to your dog specific to this time of year. With the holiday decorating and festivities just starting, you may want to check this partial list to ensure your home is dog safe.

Houseplants that we tend to keep around at Christmas, such as mistletoe, holly, lilies and poinsettias are all poisonous to dogs, and should be kept out of reach. Food that can be strung into strands for the Christmas tree, such as popcorn and cranberries, can cause blockages resulting in emergency surgery to remove. If you do get a real tree, you must keep your dog from drinking the water it's sitting in, as it could contain toxic chemicals or bacteria. Holiday goodies such as chocolate (theobromine) and candies (xylitol) can be poisonous to your dog.

The cords from Christmas tree lights and decorations can cause shocks, burns or other serious injuries. Whenever possible tape them down, and unplug them whenever your not at home. For safety, you can also anchor the top of the Christmas tree to the ceiling, to make sure it doesn't fall down. Avoid glass ornaments, which break easily and may cut your dogs feet or mouth. If your dogs a chewer, it's better to keep the Christmas tree blocked off altogether, as artificial and real trees have sharp needles that are indigestible. It's better not to use tinsel, as it can obstruct the intestine. Keep lights and ornaments off the lower branches of the Christmas tree. Wire hooks on ornaments, small ornaments, and even shards of glass from broken ornaments could be swallowed.

The Christmas season can also be a stressful time for pets, especially with the increased amount of visitors in the house. To keep your dog feeling secure, make sure to keep him on his normal routine of feeding, walking, and playtime.