For us humans, Christmas usually means spending time with family, plenty of food, and lots of activities. For dogs, however, it’s often a stressful time—and there are some dangers lurking that you should be aware of to ensure that Christmas is a wonderful experience for everyone.
With a few well-thought-out precautions, you can make the holidays safe and stress-free. The following three tips will help you do just that!
1. Make sure your Christmas decorations are dog-safe
Christmas decorations look beautiful, but they can be dangerous for dogs. Shiny Christmas tree ornaments or tinsel look like toys and can quickly end up in a dog’s mouth. That’s why fragile ornaments should only be placed at the top of the tree, and ideally, dogs should not be allowed near the tree unsupervised.
After all, the Christmas tree itself is another potential hazard. An unsecured tree can tip over—especially if you have a boisterous young dog that likes to run around wildly. It’s best to secure the tree to the wall or ceiling.
Also, be careful with real candles! A wagging tail or a curious snout is all it takes to cause a disaster. LED candles are a safe alternative.
And finally, you should also be careful with plants: classics like poinsettias, mistletoe, and holly are toxic to dogs and can cause stomach problems such as vomiting and diarrhea, or even lead to more serious consequences. So be sure to keep them out of your dog’s reach.
2. Be careful with Christmas treats
Christmas and food go hand in hand! For dogs, all those treats can be very tempting—and in some cases, dangerous. Chocolate, for example, is toxic to dogs. The same goes for raisins and grapes.
The biggest problem: Dogs often accidentally eat something harmful simply because of a momentary lapse in attention. A plate on the coffee table, an open gift basket, a child sharing a treat… So be sure to store Christmas treats safely in closed containers, cabinets, or higher-up areas, well out of your dog’s reach.
3. Remember: Christmas sets the tone for New Year's Eve
For many dogs, Christmas isn’t a celebration but a constant source of stress. Visitors come and go, bringing with them many new sounds and smells. If the owners are stressed as well, this stress is immediately passed on to the dog. The result: The dog’s body releases cortisol and adrenaline. These stress hormones remain in the bloodstream for up to six days. When the next stimulus arrives, the release increases more quickly and intensely. This is exactly how chronic stress develops. And then New Year’s Eve is just around the corner, and the dog’s hormones are already at their limit.
That’s why proper New Year’s Eve planning doesn’t start on December 31—it starts at Christmas! So set up a designated quiet spot for your dog that guests aren’t allowed to enter. Make sure to schedule some downtime and establish clear rules for guests.
If you’re using CBD to manage New Year’s Eve anxiety, it might be a good idea to adjust your dose before Christmas (e.g., starting on December 19). Especially if you know that the holidays tend to be hectic for you and the whole family is coming over, taking early action can be helpful.
A peaceful Christmas with your dog, a relaxing New Year's Eve!
A calm dog at Christmas is the best way to ensure that New Year’s Eve doesn’t get out of hand. If you keep this in mind, you’ll be protecting your dog in the long run!
With dog-safe decorations and snacks safely stowed away, nothing stands in the way of a relaxing holiday season. And if you’re still looking for a Christmas gift for a dog owner, you might find what you’re looking for here: Our gift ideas for dog owners!
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