Christmas Dog Safety Guide: Protecting Your Pup During the Festive Season
December is a magical time across North London, with twinkling lights in Alexandra Palace, festive markets, and homes filled with seasonal cheer. But while we're celebrating, the festive season brings hidden dangers for our four-legged friends. At The Wag Club, serving families across Alexandra Palace, Muswell Hill, Golders Green, and West Hampstead, we want to help you keep your dog safe while still enjoying all the magic of Christmas.
Dangerous Christmas Foods for Dogs
The festive season revolves around food, but many of our favourite treats are toxic to dogs. Here's what to watch out for:
Chocolate
We all know chocolate is dangerous for dogs, but Christmas brings extra risk with selection boxes, advent calendars, and chocolate decorations everywhere. Dark chocolate and cooking chocolate are especially toxic, containing high levels of theobromine that dogs cannot process.
Keep safe: Store all chocolate in high cupboards, remind guests (especially children) not to share treats, and be extra vigilant with presents under the tree.
Grapes, Raisins, and Currants
Christmas pudding, mince pies, panettone, stollen, and fruit cake all contain these toxic ingredients. Even small amounts can cause kidney failure in dogs.
Keep safe: Never leave festive baked goods within paw's reach, and warn visitors not to drop crumbs. Many dogs are expert counter-surfers, so don't assume items are safe on worktops.
Onions and Garlic
Stuffing, gravy, and many Christmas dishes contain onions and garlic, which damage dogs' red blood cells. This includes the cooking juices from roast turkey or beef.
Keep safe: Keep dogs well away from the kitchen on Christmas Day, and don't be tempted to add gravy to their dinner as a treat.
Alcohol
Brandy butter, Christmas cocktails, and even rum-soaked desserts can be dangerous. Dogs are far more sensitive to alcohol than humans, and even small amounts can cause serious problems.
Keep safe: Never leave drinks unattended at Christmas parties, and watch for spills that curious dogs might lick up.
Xylitol
This artificial sweetener appears in sugar-free mince pies, diabetic chocolate, and even some festive gift items. It's extremely toxic to dogs, causing rapid insulin release and liver failure.
Keep safe: Check labels carefully and store sugar-free items securely.
Christmas Decoration Hazards
Christmas Trees
Real trees drop needles that can irritate paws and stomachs if eaten. Pine needles can also get stuck in paws or throats. Tree water often contains preservatives that are harmful if drunk.
Dog-friendly solution:
Secure your tree firmly to prevent toppling
Cover the water reservoir
Vacuum regularly around the tree
Consider a barrier or playpen around the tree for particularly curious dogs
Tinsel and Ribbons
Sparkly decorations are irresistible to playful pups, but if swallowed, they can cause intestinal blockages requiring emergency surgery. This is particularly common with cats but can affect dogs too.
Keep safe: Opt for dog-safe decorations on lower branches, or keep tinsel and ribbon high up on the tree and off wrapped presents.
Fairy Lights
Chewing electrical cables can cause burns, shocks, or worse. Puppies are particularly at risk.
Keep safe: Use cable covers, secure lights away from dog height, and always switch off lights when you're out or asleep.
Glass Baubles
Beautiful but dangerous if broken. Sharp glass can cut paws and mouths, and if swallowed, can cause serious internal damage.
Keep safe: Use shatterproof baubles on lower branches, and keep fragile ornaments high up or in dog-free rooms.
Festive Plants That Are Toxic to Dogs
Poinsettias
While not as deadly as once thought, poinsettias can cause drooling, vomiting, and stomach upset.
Holly and Mistletoe
The berries are particularly dangerous, causing vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, heart and blood pressure problems.
Ivy
Common in Christmas wreaths and garlands, ivy causes stomach problems and in large quantities can affect breathing.
Christmas Cactus
Less toxic than other festive plants but can still cause stomach upset.
Keep safe: Choose artificial plants where possible, or display real plants in rooms dogs can't access. Always clean up fallen berries immediately.
Christmas Day Stress and Routine Changes
Beyond physical hazards, Christmas disrupts your dog's routine, which can cause stress and anxiety.
Visitor Management
Excited children, unfamiliar adults, and the constant doorbell can overwhelm dogs. Some love the attention, but others find it stressful.
Help your dog cope:
Create a quiet safe space where your dog can retreat (a bedroom with their bed, water, and a treat-filled Kong)
Brief visitors on house rules (no feeding the dog, respect their space)
Watch for stress signals: panting, pacing, yawning, or trying to hide
Consider using dog daycare on particularly busy days—at The Wag Club, we maintain normal routines even during the holidays
Keep to Feeding Schedules
It's tempting to share festive food or feed your dog at unusual times, but this can cause stomach upsets and pancreatitis.
Better approach: Stick to normal meal times with their regular food. If you want to treat them, prepare special dog-safe Christmas treats in advance.
New Year's Eve Fireworks
Just when Christmas winds down, New Year brings another challenge: fireworks. Many North London areas have spectacular displays, but these can terrify anxious dogs.
Preparation tips:
Walk your dog during daylight hours on December 31st
Create a den with blankets where they feel secure
Play calming music or TV to mask sudden bangs
Stay calm yourself—dogs pick up on our anxiety
Consider a Thundershirt or calming supplements (consult your vet first)
Never force your dog outside during fireworks
When to Call the Vet
If your dog has eaten something toxic, shows unusual symptoms, or you're simply worried, contact your vet immediately. During the Christmas period, locate your nearest emergency vet in advance.
Symptoms requiring urgent attention:
Vomiting or diarrhea
Lethargy or collapse
Difficulty breathing
Seizures
Excessive drooling
Loss of coordination
Any sudden behavioral changes
Dog-Safe Christmas Celebrations
Christmas can still be wonderful for dogs with a bit of planning:
Dog-Safe Christmas Dinner
Prepare a special dog-friendly Christmas meal: plain cooked turkey (no skin or bones), carrots, green beans, and plain sweet potato. Serve in a Kong or puzzle feeder to keep them entertained while you eat.
Christmas Presents for Dogs
New toys (check they're appropriate for your dog's size and chewing strength)
Treat-filled puzzle toys
Cozy new beds or blankets
Dog-safe advent calendars (available from pet shops)
Festive Dog Walks in North London
Take advantage of decorated streets and parks:
Alexandra Palace's illuminated grounds create magical evening walks
Hampstead Heath offers peaceful winter scenes
Local high streets like Muswell Hill and Golders Green are beautifully decorated
Just remember: busier than usual areas might stress some dogs, so pick quieter times if your pup is nervous.
The Wag Club's Christmas Support
Running a dog daycare means we understand how hectic December can be. Whether you need regular care during the school holidays, occasional sessions during Christmas shopping trips, or simply want your dog to maintain their routine during a busy period, we're here to help across all four of our North London locations.
Our experienced teams keep dogs safe, active, and happy while you tackle your festive to-do list. From Alexandra Palace to West Hampstead, we're the constant in your dog's routine when everything else feels chaotic.
Final Thoughts: Planning Makes Perfect
Christmas doesn't have to be stressful for dogs. With awareness of hazards, good planning, and a few sensible precautions, your dog can enjoy the festive season as much as you do.
The key is preparation: secure dangerous items before guests arrive, establish safe spaces early, maintain routines where possible, and don't hesitate to ask for help when you need it.
From all of us at The Wag Club, we wish you and your four-legged family members a very safe and happy Christmas. Here's to festive walks, cozy evenings, and plenty of tail wags throughout the season.
Need dog daycare this Christmas? Contact The Wag Club at any of our North London locations: Alexandra Palace, Muswell Hill, Golders Green, or West Hampstead. Keep your dog's routine consistent during the busiest time of year.