Holiday Safety for Dogs: Decorations & Visitors
- Tim Marshall
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
Holiday gatherings can be magical, but for dogs they can also bring choking hazards, toxic treats, and a lot of stress from extra noise and visitors.[1][2] With a bit of planning around decorations and guest etiquette, you can keep the season fun and safe for your dog.
Why holidays are risky
Australian vets and welfare groups highlight three main festive risks for pets: unsafe decorations, toxic foods, and overwhelmed or escaping dogs when visitors come and go.[1][3][2] Veterinary behaviour advice also warns that loud music, sound-activated décor, and strong scents can create “sensory overload” for pets, especially in busy homes.[4]
Rodney Habib and Dr Karen Becker repeatedly stress that chronic stress is a major enemy of long-term health and longevity in dogs, and that environment and routine changes (like holidays) can significantly raise a dog’s stress load.[5] Their holistic approach encourages guardians to manage triggers, provide calm spaces, and protect dogs from preventable hazards in the home, not just focus on diet and vet care.[5]
Decoration dangers in detail
Many common Christmas decorations are tempting but dangerous toys from a dog’s point of view.[1][6] Australian vets recommend:
Choosing shatterproof, non-glass ornaments and keeping any fragile, sharp, or glittery items up high and out of tail range.[1][6]
Avoiding tinsel, ribbons, and long strands of curling ribbon, which can cause life-threatening gut blockages if swallowed.[6][2]
Being careful with wrapping paper, bows, and small trinkets once presents are opened, as these can become choking or obstruction hazards.[6][2]
Christmas trees and lights also need attention.[6][2] Pet safety guides suggest anchoring the tree securely, keeping the water base covered and free from additives, and taping or hiding electrical cords so dogs cannot chew them and risk electrocution.[6][2] Using cooler LED lights instead of hot bulbs further reduces burn risks if a curious nose or paw gets too close.[6]
Visitors, stress and escape risks
Extra visitors, kids, and noise can be very stressful, even for normally social dogs.[4][2] Veterinary behaviour advice recommends setting up:
A quiet, dog-only retreat room with a comfy bed, water, and familiar toys, where visitors are not allowed to follow.[4][2]
Clear house rules for guests: do not feed the dog, do not chase or corner them, and keep doors and gates closed.[2]
Dr Karen Becker has long emphasised creating predictable routines and safe spaces for dogs, especially during busy events, and recommends management strategies like baby gates, crates (for crate-trained dogs), and calm background sound to buffer sudden noises.[7] Habib and Becker’s longevity messaging also underlines that repeated spikes in fear and panic, such as from fireworks or chaotic gatherings, can contribute to anxiety disorders and poorer health over time, so prevention and planning are key.[5]
Food, gifts and “edible” décor
Holiday food is one of the biggest seasonal dangers.[3][8] Australian veterinary organisations and clinics consistently warn to keep dogs away from:
Chocolate, xylitol-sweetened lollies, rich fatty meats, cooked bones, onions, garlic, grapes and raisins, which can all be toxic or cause pancreatitis.[3][8]
Edible decorations such as chocolate ornaments, gingerbread houses, and candy canes, which dogs can smell and may pull down or unwrap.[3][6]
Vets also caution that well-meaning guests often slip treats under the table, so it helps to state clearly that all food for the dog must come from you.[2] If you want your dog to feel included, prepare dog-safe festive treats in advance and place them in a jar marked just for your pet, something Becker and Habib both encourage as part of integrating dogs into celebrations in a species-appropriate, safe way.[5][7]
Practical holiday safety checklist
To pull it all together, many Australian veterinary clinics suggest a simple holiday checklist: pet-proof decorations, manage visitors, and plan for emergencies.[9][3][2] Useful steps include:
Check your home at “dog level” for dangling cords, small objects, dropped skewers, or broken ornament pieces after parties.[1][6]
Confirm your regular vet’s holiday hours and have the nearest 24-hour emergency clinic’s details handy in case of sudden poisoning or injury.[9][3]
For noise-sensitive dogs, discuss calming options, pheromone products, or medication with your vet ahead of fireworks or very large gatherings.[4][2]
Comments