How to Dog Proof Your House for Christmas Safely

Veterinary emergency clinics across the UK consistently report a spike in poisoning, digestive distress and injury cases throughout December. Christmas combines several high-risk elements all at once:

• Rich, toxic and fatty foods

• Electrical hazards and fragile decorations

• Large gatherings and unfamiliar visitors

• Disrupted walking, feeding and rest routines

Dogs rely heavily on predictability. When their environment suddenly changes in multiple ways, their stress levels rise, and their risk-taking behaviours increase. Counter-surfing, bin-raiding, jumping for decorations and anxiety-related ingestion all become far more likely during the festive season.

Dog proofing your home is not about restricting enjoyment but preventing avoidable emergencies before they happen.

The Christmas tree is often the visual centrepiece of the home, but for dogs, it can also look like a giant, sparkling climbing frame filled with dangling toys, flashing lights and irresistible smells. Whether you choose a real or artificial tree, it introduces multiple hazards at once: instability, electrical risks, breakable decorations and even toxic substances. Dog proofing your tree properly is one of the most essential festive safety steps you can take, especially for puppies, curious young dogs and energetic breeds.

Taking a few practical precautions can dramatically reduce the risk of injury, electrocution, poisoning and expensive emergency vet visits.

Whether you choose a real or artificial tree, stability is essential. Dogs can knock over trees through play, zoomies, curiosity, or chasing falling baubles. An unstable tree can fall directly onto a dog, causing blunt trauma, broken limbs, or trapping injuries, particularly in smaller breeds.

Always use a heavy, wide-based stand and ensure it is fully tightened. For added protection in households with excitable dogs or multiple pets, consider securing the tree to a wall or ceiling anchor using a strong, invisible line or fishing wire. This discreet support prevents tipping if the tree is bumped or pulled.

If you have a puppy or a particularly inquisitive dog, using a protective barrier or playpen around the base of the tree can provide an additional layer of safety, preventing direct access to decorations and wires entirely.

Fairy lights pose one of the most serious Christmas hazards for dogs. Chewed electrical wires can cause severe burns to the tongue and mouth, dangerous heart rhythm disturbances, respiratory distress and fatal electrocution. Puppies are particularly vulnerable due to their natural chewing behaviour.

All cables should be kept completely out of reach, routed behind furniture or protected using rigid cord covers. Avoid leaving excess wire coiled at floor level, as this invites investigation and chewing.

It is also good practice to switch off all Christmas lights when you leave the room or go to bed, eliminating the risk of unsupervised electrical accidents during quiet hours.

Battery-powered lights should be treated with equal caution. Button batteries are extremely dangerous if swallowed, causing rapid internal burns to the oesophagus and stomach.

Tinsel is particularly dangerous because it is shiny, lightweight and string-like, making it highly attractive to dogs. If swallowed, even small lengths of tinsel can cause life-threatening intestinal blockages, requiring emergency surgery. For this reason, tinsel is best avoided altogether in households with dogs.

Glass baubles and fragile ornaments also present serious risks. These can shatter easily if nudged or knocked, creating razor-sharp shards that can lacerate paws, mouths and digestive tracts if swallowed. Even non-glass ornaments may splinter or contain small detachable parts that present choking hazards.

Real Christmas trees introduce a lesser-known, but significant risk through the water held in the tree stand. This water may contain sap, bacteria, fertilisers, preservatives, or mould spores, all of which may cause irritation, vomiting, or diarrhoea if ingested.

Dogs attracted by the scent of pine and stagnant water may attempt to drink from the stand, especially if their own water bowl runs low. To prevent this, always cover the base of the tree securely with a fitted tree skirt, a plastic barrier, or a custom stand cover.

Additionally, fallen pine needles can cause mouth irritation and gastrointestinal upset if chewed, so daily sweeping around the base of the tree is strongly recommended.

Many traditional Christmas decorations are visually stimulating and move easily, which makes them especially tempting to dogs. Unfortunately, what looks like a toy to a dog can quickly become a choking hazard, a source of toxic exposure, or a cause of serious injury if chewed or swallowed.

Candles and tea lights pose an obvious fire and burn risk. A curious tail or nose can easily knock over lit candles, leading to burns, house fires or melted wax on fur and skin. These should always be placed well out of reach and never left unattended.

Artificial snow sprays are often used on windows, trees and decorations, but many contain chemicals that can irritate the mouth, stomach and respiratory system if licked or inhaled. Dogs investigating these areas may ingest residue.

Crackers and popping devices contain small plastic parts, chemicals and explosive elements that can cause choking, internal injury or poisoning if chewed. The sudden noise can also trigger fear and panic in sensitive dogs.

Wrapping paper, ribbon and bows are easily swallowed and can cause serious intestinal blockages. Long ribbons and string are particularly dangerous, as they can cut into the gut if ingested. Always clear away packaging immediately after gift opening.

Battery-powered ornaments and button batteries are extremely hazardous. If swallowed, button batteries can cause rapid internal burns to the oesophagus and stomach and are a true medical emergency.

Decorative plants such as mistletoe, holly and ivy are commonly used at Christmas but are toxic to dogs. Berries and leaves can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling and, in some cases, more severe poisoning.

To reduce risk, always decorate high, avoid placing ornaments at floor level, and store unused decorations in sealed containers. Make a habit of checking the floor regularly and removing fallen packaging, broken ornaments or loose decorations before allowing dogs full access to the room.

Food causes more emergency vet visits in December than any other seasonal hazard. Dogs are highly opportunistic and will actively seek out discarded plates, open bins and unattended treats.

The biggest risks include:

• Overeating and pancreatitis

• Ingestion of cooked bones

• Toxic ingredients hidden in sauces and desserts

• Well-meaning guests offering unsafe treats

Never assume a food is safe “in small amounts” unless it has been specifically confirmed as dog-safe.

Some Christmas foods are not poisonous but still place a heavy strain on a dog’s digestive system and should be avoided whenever possible.

• Pigs in blankets and sausages are very high in fat and salt.

• Yorkshire puddings are cooked in fat and provide no nutritional value for dogs.

• Cheese sauces and cauliflower cheese contain excessive fat, dairy and salt, all of which can cause bloating and diarrhoea.

• Blue cheese contains moulds that are difficult for dogs to process and can cause neurological symptoms in large quantities.

• Bread, rolls and stuffing offer very little nutrition and often contain onion, garlic or butter that can be harmful.

• Crisps and salty snacks lead to dehydration, digestive upset and sodium imbalance.

• Most nuts are extremely high in fat and can cause pancreatitis. Macadamia nuts are toxic and should never be fed under any circumstances.

Some festive favourites must never be fed to dogs as they carry a genuine risk of serious poisoning or organ failure. Most common culprits:

• Chocolate

• Raisins, Currants & Sultanas

• Onions, Garlic & the Allium Family

• Xylitol (Sugar-Free Products)

• Alcohol and Yeast Dough

The kitchen becomes the highest-risk room in the house at Christmas, as it is where toxic foods, sharp tools, hot surfaces and overflowing bins all come together. During busy cooking periods, hazards can appear and disappear within seconds, often before owners notice them.

Bins should always be secured with locking lids, as roast trimmings, bones, wrappers, skewers and dessert packaging are irresistible to many dogs. Turkey carcasses and leftover bones are particularly dangerous and should never be left accessible, even briefly. Food waste should be removed from the home frequently during the festive period rather than left overnight.

Whenever possible, keep dogs out of the kitchen during food preparation and cooking. Dropped ingredients such as onions, garlic, raisins, chocolate fragments, cocktail sticks or foil wrappers are often swallowed before they can be retrieved, leading to choking, intestinal injury or poisoning.

Dishwashers and ovens also pose hidden risks. Dishwashers may contain sharp cutlery, chemical residues from cleaning tablets, or food scraps clinging to plates, while ovens remain dangerously hot long after cooking has finished. These appliances should be thoroughly cooled and securely closed before dogs are allowed back into the space.

Finally, it is essential to brief guests and family members not to feed your dog in the kitchen. Well-meaning visitors are one of the most common causes of accidental festive poisoning. Providing a clear “no feeding” rule and offering dog-safe treats if needed is far safer than relying on guesswork.

Christmas often brings a constant flow of visitors, louder-than-usual environments and changes to the regular household routine, all of which can be overwhelming for dogs, even those that are usually confident and social. Increased noise from conversations, music, cooking, doorbells and children playing can raise stress levels, while unfamiliar people moving unpredictably through the home can make some dogs feel unsettled or defensive.

Excitable children may unintentionally crowd, hug, or chase dogs, while adults may not always recognise subtle signs of discomfort, such as lip-licking, yawning, turning away, or hiding. At the same time, open front doors and increased foot traffic raise the risk of accidental escapes, particularly when guests arrive and depart frequently. Some dogs respond to this stimulation by withdrawing and hiding, while others become over-excited, vocal or hyperactive.

It is essential to set clear boundaries for guests from the outset:

• No feeding the dog without permission

• No unsupervised interactions, especially between children and dogs

• No opening doors or gates without checking where the dog is

Simple management steps, such as using stair gates, leads indoors for excitable dogs, or rotating quiet rest breaks, can dramatically reduce stress and risk.

Reinforcing calm behaviours before the festive season begins is also highly beneficial. Practising cues such as “settle”, “stay”, and “leave it” helps your dog remain composed during busy periods and gives you reliable tools to manage challenging situations safely when the house is at its liveliest.

During the festive season, your home can quickly become loud, busy and unpredictable. Even dogs that are usually sociable and confident can feel overwhelmed by constant visitors, noise and disrupted routines. For this reason, every dog should have access to a quiet retreat area throughout Christmas, where they can rest undisturbed and decompress when needed.

This safe space might be a spare bedroom, crate, utility room or a quiet corner away from the main celebrations. The exact location matters less than the atmosphere it provides — calm, familiar and free from interruptions.

The space should include:

• Your dog’s bed and familiar blankets for comfort and security

• Fresh water available at all times

• A favourite chew or enrichment toy for quiet engagement

• Reduced noise and soft lighting to minimise stimulation

It is essential that this area remains a no-guest zone, particularly for children, and that your dog is never followed or disturbed while resting. Allow your dog to enter and leave freely, without being coaxed or carried into social situations.

Maintaining regular feeding and walking times is just as important as providing physical space. Familiar routines help stabilise your dog’s emotions and are one of the most effective ways to prevent stress-related behaviours during busy festive periods.

Christmas hazards are not limited to the home itself. Gardens, driveways, and outdoor walking areas also pose a range of seasonal risks that require heightened awareness during winter.

Fireworks are one of the most significant outdoor dangers. Sudden loud bangs and flashes can trigger panic, causing dogs to bolt, injure themselves or attempt to escape. Dogs should be kept securely indoors during firework displays, with access to their calm retreat space.

Outdoor extension cables and lighting may be used for festive displays and can pose electrocution or chewing hazards if left within reach.

Frozen ponds, water features and icy paths increase the risk of slipping injuries, falls and cold exposure, particularly for senior dogs. Access to icy areas should be restricted wherever possible.

De-icing chemicals and antifreeze used on pavements and driveways are highly toxic if licked from paws. Even small amounts can cause serious kidney damage.

Festive foliage dropped from outdoor arrangements, such as holly, ivy and mistletoe, may be ingested during garden exploration and can lead to poisoning.

To reduce risk, always supervise outdoor access during December, especially after decorating or adverse weather. After winter walks, rinse and dry your dog’s paws to remove any chemical residues, grit or ice-melt products before they are ingested through licking.

Some festive hazards cause immediate reactions, while others may lead to delayed symptoms that develop over several hours or even days. For this reason, it is essential to monitor your dog closely for at least 24–72 hours after any suspected exposure to unsafe food, decorations, chemicals or other seasonal risks.

Early signs of a problem can be subtle at first and may easily be mistaken for mild digestive upset or tiredness. However, these symptoms should never be ignored, especially at Christmas when toxic exposure is more common.

Warning signs to watch for include:

• Vomiting or diarrhoea, particularly if persistent

• Excessive drooling or foaming at the mouth

• Lethargy or extreme agitation, restlessness or pacing

• Abdominal pain, hunched posture or vocalisation when touched

• Tremors, wobbling, loss of coordination or seizures

• Collapse or breathing difficulty

Behavioural changes such as hiding, confusion, unusual clinginess or sudden aggression can also indicate pain or poisoning.

Never wait for symptoms to worsen before seeking advice. Early veterinary intervention significantly improves outcomes, particularly with chocolate, xylitol and raisin toxicity.

You should seek urgent veterinary advice straight away if your dog eats, or you suspect they may have eaten, any of the following:

• Chocolate of any type

• Christmas pudding, mince pies or fruit cake

• Onions, garlic or stuffing

• Alcohol

• Xylitol-containing sweets, gum or baked goods

• Cooked bones

These items can cause serious, sometimes life-threatening complications and should always be treated as emergencies.

You should also contact your vet immediately if your dog shows:

• Repeated vomiting

• Tremors or seizures

• Severe or sudden lethargy

• Collapse, disorientation or breathing problems

Do not attempt home remedies, induce vomiting or “wait and see” with suspected poisoning. Time is critical in toxic exposures.

Many UK veterinary practices provide out-of-hours emergency care throughout the festive season, but availability may vary on bank holidays. It is wise to save your regular vet’s emergency contact number in advance and know where your nearest emergency clinic is located before Christmas arrives.

Dogs do not experience celebration through food alone. In fact, overstimulation through treats often causes more harm than enjoyment.

Meaningful non-food festive inclusion includes:

• New toys or long-lasting chews

• Puzzle feeders and scent games

• Extra gentle walks

• Calm cuddles and positive attention

• Short, rewarding training games

These options build emotional enrichment without digestive risk.

Learning how to dog proof your house for Christmas is one of the kindest gifts you can give your dog. The festive season should be filled with warmth, not worry, and most emergencies are entirely preventable with early preparation.

By securing food, managing guests, protecting decorations and prioritising calm routines, you create an environment where your dog can feel as safe and relaxed as you do.

At PetAmaze, we believe that a dog-centred home is a safer home, not just at Christmas, but all year round.