Quick answer
The biggest Christmas dangers for dogs are tinsel, tree water, electrical cords, glass ornaments, salt-dough or edible decorations, mistletoe and holly, rich holiday food and stressful gatherings. Secure the tree, keep decorations and wires out of reach, skip tinsel, and call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 if your dog swallows something risky.
Christmas is full of new smells, shiny objects and tempting food. For a curious dog, that can mean trouble. A few simple steps before you decorate will keep the holidays happy. If you are also planning other seasonal events, see our guides to Halloween and Thanksgiving dog safety.
Quick hazard guide
| Item | Risk | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Tinsel | If swallowed, it can cause vomiting and an intestinal blockage that may need surgery | Skip it entirely |
| Electrical cords and batteries | Chewing can cause shocks; punctured batteries can burn the mouth and throat | Hide cords; keep batteries out of reach |
| Glass and breakable ornaments | Shards can cut the mouth, paws and digestive tract | Use shatterproof ornaments, high on the tree |
| Tree water | Can grow bacteria and may cause stomach upset | Cover the stand or block access |
| Mistletoe and holly | Can cause stomach upset and, with mistletoe, sometimes heart problems | Use artificial versions out of reach |
| Poinsettia | Often overstated; the ASPCA says it causes mild to moderate stomach irritation | Still keep it out of reach |
| Salt-dough ornaments and ice melt | Salt can cause dangerous electrolyte imbalances | Hang high; use pet-friendly ice melt |
| Candles | Burns and fire from wagging tails | Place high; never leave lit unattended |
The Christmas tree
- Anchor it well. A tree that tips can injure a dog. Use a sturdy stand and consider a corner location.
- Block access if needed. A freestanding pet gate or a closed door keeps curious dogs away, especially while you are out.
- Keep lights and low ornaments away from the bottom branches. Hot bulbs can burn, and dogs often chew what is within reach.
- Choose dog-safe decorations. Paper chains and large unbreakable ornaments are safer. Avoid edible ornaments and popcorn or cranberry strings, which can tempt a dog to pull the tree down.
- Watch needles. Both real and artificial needles are sharp and indigestible.
Holiday food to keep away
Rich, fatty or seasoned foods can upset a dog’s stomach, and some are toxic. Avoid bones and carcasses, chocolate, anything containing xylitol, raisins and grapes, onions and garlic, and heavily seasoned or fatty leftovers. Plain turkey meat without skin is the safest share, in small amounts. Our safe and toxic human food list covers many holiday foods, and our Thanksgiving dog safety guide has a prep checklist. Keep trash secured, since broken decorations and food scraps often end up in it.
Parties, guests and stress
Holiday gatherings can overwhelm dogs. Give your dog a quiet room with water, a bed and a chew toy, and use a gate or door to prevent door-dashing. Watch for stress signals such as lip licking, yawning, tucked tails or hiding, and learn more from our dog body language guide. Practice greetings with our no-jumping plan. Keep your dog busy with a stuffed KONG or other safe chew toy.
Cold-weather and gift safety
- Presents. Wrapped packages can contain food or toys that are unsafe for dogs. Store them out of reach.
- Dog gifts. Check toys for small parts that can be swallowed. See our guide to choosing chew toys.
- Medications and cleaners. Visitors’ bags and coat pockets can hold medicine, gum or candy.
- Winter walks. Read how cold is too cold for dogs and our winter coat buying guide.
What to do if your dog eats something dangerous
- Remove your dog from the item and check their mouth for pieces.
- Note what was eaten, how much and when. Keep packaging.
- Call your vet, an emergency vet, or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435. A consultation fee may apply.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet tells you to.
- Go to the clinic right away for vomiting, weakness, drooling, trouble breathing or suspected swallowing of tinsel, glass or batteries.
Find your nearest 24-hour emergency vet before the holidays, since regular clinics may be closed.
Quick self-check
Tap each question to reveal the answer.
1. Which tree decoration is best to skip?
Tinsel. Swallowed tinsel can block the intestines and may need surgery.
2. Is poinsettia the deadly plant many people think?
No. The ASPCA describes it as causing mild to moderate stomach irritation, but keep it out of reach anyway.
3. Your dog swallowed part of an ornament. What now?
Call your vet or an emergency clinic right away.
Frequently asked questions
Is a real or artificial tree safer for dogs?
Both have risks. Real trees drop needles and have tree water; artificial trees have sharp, indigestible needles and may have wires. The most important steps are securing the tree and limiting access.
Are Christmas lights dangerous for dogs?
Cords can cause shocks if chewed, and hot bulbs can burn. Keep lights off the bottom branches and hide cords.
Can dogs eat Christmas ham or turkey?
Small pieces of plain, skinless turkey are generally fine, but fatty, salty or seasoned meats and bones are not. See our human food list.
How do I keep my dog calm during Christmas gatherings?
Give them a quiet space with water, a bed and a chew, and keep up normal walks and meals.
Sources and further reading
Featured photo: Jasmin Schuler on Unsplash. This article is educational and is not a substitute for advice from your vet.