The Holiday seasons are super exciting, whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Year's, we love being together with our family and friends to celebrate. However, with the noise and excitement, there can be risks for dogs, from confusion and stress to potentially ingesting harmful items such as decorations. So, owners need to consider holiday risks for dogs to keep them safe, so you can get on and enjoy the celebrations.
In this article, we take you through the common risks for dogs during the holiday season and how you can keep them safe and ensure that your beloved pooch enjoys the festivities as much as you do. Here is how to make sure everyone can stay safe and enjoy themselves at various festive occasions throughout the year.
Halloween can be such a fun time for families, but it can be a really stressful time for your new puppy. One of the most dangerous risks with Halloween is the vast amounts of chocolate and candy we have out, and often, people leave it out in bowls without thinking. It’s important to make sure that sweets aren't left out where dogs can reach them, so keep them out of reach and teach the children not to give sweets to the dog.
Chocolate, and especially baking chocolate, contains theobromine and caffeine, which are toxic to dogs, so they should not be given to them. This is also the same for sugar-free sweets containing xylitol, which is also toxic to dogs. If your dog does accidentally eat candies or chocolate, you should make sure you seek prompt advice from your veterinarian.
Costumes can also be hazardous with face paint, foam, and fake hair. If dogs get hold of these and ingest any of these items, then they would be extremely hazardous, and you should seek veterinary attention. Some people also lie to dress their pup up, which can be stressful for them, and they could chew off buttons, etc. If you do decide to dress up your dog, you must make sure they’re supervised while wearing their costume.
If you are in a location where trick or treating is popular, your dog might get stressed out by the doorbell going frequently, so you might want to settle your dog into their comfy, safe space, like their crate. You can play calming music as a distraction.
The big meal and indulgent feasts are an essential part of Thanksgiving, but if you treat your dog to treats, this could be really bad for them. There are many foods that we eat that are toxic to dogs, such as garlic, onions, nutmeg, turkey skin, etc., and these can all cause gastrointestinal problems, and if they are ingested and they become unwell, you will need to contact your veterinarian.
We all know that we should not allow your dog to eat chicken bones because they can splinter and cause choking or internal injuries. The same can be for turkey bones, but when everyone is celebrating, you need to be careful not to leave the carcass out, and also make sure it is secured in the bin, so your dog can’t scavenge any of it.
Again, make sure there is plenty of space for your dog to go into if they feel anxious or stressed. Create a safe space with a bed, water, and toys to go and hide in when they feel unsure.
Christmas is a wonderful time of joy and sparkles, but there can be risks for dogs at this time of year. Ornaments can cause choking as dogs think they look like toys. Choose shatterproof and safe ornaments and secure your tree so it can’t be knocked over. Some Christmas plants are toxic to dogs, including poinsettias, holly, and mistletoe.
Be careful of cords and lights, especially if your dog tends to chew. Burns or electric shocks are risks for dogs, especially puppies, at this time of year. Especially if your puppy is still learning and you are still in house proofing stages. Unplug lights when not supervised.
Again, as with other holidays, you need to be aware of food and drink being left about, perhaps by guests, which should not be eaten by dogs. Raisins and nuts are found in fruit cake or placed in bowls for snacks, which are toxic to dogs. Tell guests not to feed the dog if your puppy begs for food.
New Year’s Eve can be a challenging time for dogs, particularly because of fireworks, which can be very stressful for them. Loud music can also be a cause of anxiety and panic attacks for dogs. Make sure you have a quiet, safe space for your dog to hide. If your dog gets very stressed in these situations, you can seek professional advice from a registered dog behavioural specialist or your veterinarian.
There is also a risk for dogs with party poppers, streamers, and confetti, so ensure that your dog can’t choke on these and that they don’t ingest them. They are at risk of digestive issues if they do. If you do notice that your dog has eaten something it shouldn’t have, then get in contact with your veterinarian.
There are lots of potential holiday risks for dogs. To keep them safe, you should stick to their routines for walks and bedtimes, ensure they are wearing ID and microchipped, prepare a safe space for them to retreat to and educate your guests. Finally, just be mindful of items being left about that could be potentially harmful to your dog and be quick to remove them.
With planning and preparation, you can avoid the common risks for dogs during the holiday season. From toxic treats to decorations, you can help your puppy feel safe and secure and part of the family celebrations.
22 October, 2025