Christmas is a magical time filled with festive food, decorations, and family fun, but it can also come with hidden hazards for our furry friends. As you prepare for the holidays, it’s essential to keep your dog safe while ensuring they feel included in the celebrations. Here’s how to make it a safe and fun Christmas for your dog, along with some festive activities and gift ideas!

How to Make Christmas Safe for Your Dog

1. Beware of Harmful Foods

Christmas is often packed with delicious food, but many holiday treats are dangerous for dogs. Keep these off-limits:

• Chocolate: Highly toxic for dogs due to theobromine content.

• Christmas pudding and mince pies: Raisins, currants, and sultanas can cause kidney failure.

• Onions and garlic: Found in many Christmas dishes, these can lead to anaemia.

• Bones from roasts: Cooked bones can splinter and cause internal damage.

• Alcohol: Even small amounts can be toxic to dogs.

Instead, treat your dog with safe, dog-friendly Christmas snacks or make homemade dog treats using ingredients like peanut butter, pumpkin, and sweet potato.

2. Secure the Tree

A Christmas tree is beautiful but can pose risks to your dog. Take these steps to keep things safe:

• Anchor your tree: Ensure it’s sturdy so it doesn’t topple over if your dog bumps into it.

• Avoid tinsel and breakable ornaments: Tinsel can cause blockages if swallowed, and glass ornaments could break and injure paws.

• Keep electrical cords out of reach: Hide or tape down lights and extension cords to prevent your dog from chewing on them.

• Skip the edible decorations: Avoid using popcorn strings, candy canes, or chocolate ornaments as tempting tree decor.

3. Mind the Presents

Curious dogs might want to sniff, chew, or even unwrap presents under the tree. Watch out for:

• Wrapped food gifts: Your dog’s keen sense of smell can lead them to rip into presents containing chocolates or other dangerous treats.

• Small toys or parts: These can be choking hazards or cause blockages if swallowed.

Keep presents out of reach until it’s time to open them, and always supervise your dog around gifts.

4. Holiday Plants

Some festive plants can be toxic to dogs, so be cautious about where you place them:

• Poinsettias: Mildly toxic and can cause stomach upset.

• Holly and mistletoe: More toxic and can lead to vomiting, diarrhoea, or worse if ingested.

• Christmas trees (pine needles): While not highly toxic, ingested pine needles can cause irritation.

Keep plants out of your dog’s reach or opt for pet-friendly artificial alternatives.

Fun Things to Do with Your Dog at Christmas

1. Christmas Dog Walks

Take advantage of the festive season to explore your neighbourhood decorated with Christmas lights! You could plan a Christmas-themed walk where both you and your dog don festive outfits like a reindeer headband, or wrap them in a cozy Christmas jumper. Some parks or local areas might even have Christmas dog parades you can join.

2. Host a Doggy Christmas Party

Invite friends or neighbours with dogs over for a festive doggy playdate. You can:

• Create a dog-safe Christmas buffet with treats like homemade dog biscuits, turkey slices, and carrots.

• Set up a doggy photo booth with Christmas props, reindeer ears, and Santa hats.

• Play fun games like “find the treat” or a festive dog-safe tug-of-war contest.

3. DIY Christmas Crafts with Your Dog

Get creative by making Christmas crafts together. Try these ideas:

• Paw print ornaments: Make salt dough ornaments and press your dog’s paw into them for a keepsake.

• Dog treat stocking: Decorate a Christmas stocking with your dog’s name and fill it with their favourite goodies.

4. Christmas Movie Night

There are plenty of dog-friendly Christmas movies, like The Grinch or A Dog Named Christmas. Snuggle up with your dog, make some popcorn for you, and offer them a dog-safe treat like frozen peanut butter or a chew toy to enjoy while you watch.

5. Include Your Dog in Present Opening

Let your dog be part of the Christmas morning fun! Wrap up some dog toys and treats and let them tear open the paper (supervised, of course). You could even use tissue paper or soft wrapping that’s easier for them to handle.

Fun Things to Buy Your Dog for Christmas

1. Interactive Toys

Interactive and puzzle toys are a great way to stimulate your dog mentally during the festive season. Some ideas include:

• KONG Classic Toy: Fill it with peanut butter or other dog-safe treats for hours of entertainment.

• Snuffle mats: Hide treats in the fabric so your dog can “hunt” for them.

2. Christmas-Themed Chew Toys

Look for holiday-themed chew toys like:

• Rope toys shaped like candy canes.

• Squeaky toys in the shape of Christmas characters like Santa, elves, or reindeer.

3. Personalised Dog Accessories

Get your dog something special and unique:

• Personalised dog collar: Choose festive colours or patterns with their name engraved on it.

• Christmas jumper or coat: Keep them warm during winter walks with a cute festive sweater or coat.

4. Gourmet Dog Treats or Chews

Splurge on some festive treats to make your dog’s Christmas extra tasty:

• Christmas-themed dog biscuits: Look for options shaped like stars, stockings, or snowflakes.

• High-quality chews: Rawhide alternatives like antler chews or yak chews make great gifts that last longer.

5. Dog Bed or Blanket

Upgrade your dog’s sleeping spot with a plush new dog bed or cozy blanket. Look for one with festive colours or patterns to keep your dog comfy all season long.

A Merry and Safe Christmas for You and Your Dog

By taking a few safety precautions and getting creative with festive activities, you can ensure your dog enjoys the holidays just as much as you do. With dog-friendly treats, fun gifts, and plenty of time spent together, your furry friend will feel included in the Christmas celebrations while staying safe and happy. Whether it’s festive walks, DIY crafts, or snuggling up for a Christmas movie, your dog is sure to have a tail-wagging good time!