November 10, 2025 | Categories: Pet Health
Holiday Hazards for Dogs
The holidays are a time when we’re all feeling a little excited and festive. But if you’re not careful, your dog’s excitement about new decorations, different food smells, noises, oh yea, and a tree in the house! could turn into a dangerous situation. Here, discover holiday hazards for dogs to be aware of while celebrating with family, friends, and your four-legged favorites all season long. (Still shopping for holiday gifts? These are the Best Dog and Cat Gifts to Give and Get.)
Keep these factors in mind while you decorate your home, serve food, and celebrate. You can still have fun while creating a safe space for your family and pet.
Putting a Christmas tree up when you have a pet at home can be a danger for a number of reasons. Here’s what to be aware of if you have a Christmas tree and a dog at home:
Before you light a seasonal scented candle, make sure it’s in a secure location that your dog can’t get to or accidentally knock over. Even better, use battery-operated candles to limit the holiday hazards to pets and humans. Learn more about candle safety for your pet.
Yes, a poinsettia has the beginnings of the word poisonous in it but is not deadly. That being said, if your pet eats it, they could get an upset stomach. Holly leaves are prickly and could hurt your dog if they ingest them. Be on the lookout for dried leaves from any plant that fall to the floor.
Overnight visitors might not be used to having animals—or small children—around. Make sure any medications they take are securely stored away and picked up if they fall on the floor.
Your dog-loving extended family might be tempted to share bones from their dinner plates or other foods with your pup when she sits nicely. Remind family and friends not to feed the dog any human food as it might contain an ingredient that could make them sick. Cooked bones are usually too soft for dogs to eat and they could cause injury to a dog’s mouth, esophagus, or trachea. Ensure that any chocolate treats—and grapes and raisins—stay out of reach of your dog and that any dropped food is cleaned up quickly.
If your neighbors or township set off fireworks around the holidays, the unexpected loud bangs could frighten your pup. Make sure your dog is always wearing their collar with tags all season long, just in case they run out the door as guests arrive or during a fireworks celebration. If your dog has gotten stressed out during similar situations in the past, consider them a vet-approved anti-anxiety medication or herbal supplement.
Being on the lookout for holiday hazards that fell to the floor will help you stay on top of any dangers and make you feel more relaxed that you’re doing the best you can to keep everyone safe.
Remember to reward your dog for good behavior with Old Mother Hubbard Winter Fun peanut butter-flavored dog biscuits all month long. Help them keep their teeth clean and bright with WHIMZEES Winter Chews. You’ll be glad you did when you find yourself under the mistletoe with your dog. These dog treats also make great stocking stuffers for your dog or a family member’s four-legged friend.
Here are more ways to have a dog-friendly holiday this year.
This article originally appeared on Old Mother Hubbard’s blog. Get in touch with Diana if you need a freelance pet writer.
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