Trimming trees, wrapping gifts and stockpiling festive foods… Christmas is the season to be jolly! But some things you enjoy about this time can be serious health hazards for your dog.
Our dog safety tips will help you and your canine companion make the most of the Christmas celebrations, without any mishaps!
1. Prepare home sweet home
Planning to give your house a holiday makeover? Pets thrive on predictability so too many sudden changes can leave them feeling stressed. Make gradual changes and remember to pet-proof the house. You’ll need to get down low to identify temptations and dangers that may not be obvious.
2. Oh Christmas tree
If your Christmas tree attracts attention from visitors, your pet will be drawn to it too.
- Check your tree can’t tip over and remove sharp branch ends or hooks that could injure your pet. Real and artificial trees can shed “needles” so vacuum regularly to ensure your pet doesn’t wolf them down and become ill.
- Sparkly glass baubles look like shiny new balls – perfect toys for an excitable pup. But breakable ornaments can cut mouths or cause serious internal damage if swallowed. Use non-breakable decorations and keep fragile items out of reach.
- Avoid tinsel and ribbons that can be swallowed, potentially obstructing their digestive system. Make sure power cords for lights aren't within reach.
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Plants such as holly, mistletoe and poinsettia are poisonous, so choose non-toxic options.
3. Pass on wrapping the parcel
- Buy pet-friendly gifts such as frisbees, tug toys and food treats so your pal can join in the excitement.
- While brightly wrapped gifts look great, patterned paper with chemicals such as bleach and chlorine can be harmful when ingested. Go without wrapping, or stick to undyed paper or cardboard boxes. Remove discarded wrappings immediately.
- Put gifts under the tree on Christmas Eve but never leave edible gifts within reach – especially chocolate. It’s too much of a temptation for you both!
4. Make a pet-safe menu
The festive season may entice you to indulge. But the RSPCA warns that Christmas menus often include the most dangerous foods for pets.
- Among items to avoid are chocolate, alcohol, avocado, coffee, Christmas pudding, ham, pork, cooked bones, onion, garlic, macadamia nuts, grapes, raisins, lollies and xylitol.
- And no – even a small taste is not okay so keep harmful foods out of reach and tell guests not to give in to pleading. Toxic foods can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, tremors, seizures, abnormal heart rhythms or even death. Contact the vet immediately if you suspect they’ve eaten anything on the naughty list.
- Prepare a pet-safe feast – browse the internet for healthy homemade dog treats recipes or buy ready-made Christmas goodies from your pet store.
5. Decide whether to dress up or down
If you’re inclined to step out in a Santa hat or Christmas shirt, then your companion may like to dress up too. The RSPCA says to think dog safety over fashion though. A cute gingerbread character costume may cause your dog to overheat in the hot Aussie summer.
- Avoid synthetic fabrics and outfits with tight necks and armholes. The ears and tail should be free so they can move and run easily.
- Remove buttons, chewing hazards and ribbons or ties that can tangle around their legs and neck.
- Go for simple, comfortable outfits: bandanas, bow ties, Santa hats and reindeer antlers.
- Watch the temperature and ditch the outfit immediately if your pet looks uncomfortable or stressed. Heatstroke is a serious condition.
- Not everyone likes to dress up but grooming – perhaps a professional grooming session – can help your fur baby feel and look good!
6. Recognise pet stress
Constant activity, guests, loud music and interrupted routines of the Christmas season can be overwhelming. Spare a thought for your furry friend.
- Keep up their routine. Before special events, spend time together playing games or going for a run. Exercise helps to wear out your dog so they relax later on.
- Notice if your pooch is struggling with constant attention from guests or boisterous children.
- Allow them to escape to a quiet, safe haven with special toys, a food treat Kong and water on hand. Low-level music or television may help to cover outside noise.
- Frightened dogs may flee from loud music or fireworks, so try to keep them indoors if possible, and check microchips and registrations are up-to-date.
Tis the season to be jolly! But the trappings of this holiday can create some unexpected hazards for your canine companion. So take some extra care, for a happy and safe Christmas season.