Christmas Hazards for Dogs: What to Watch For

The main Christmas hazards for dogs are the tree and what hangs on it, holiday plants, rich food and chocolate, and the chaos of guests and noise. Almost all of them are easy to prevent once you know where to look.

Dogs do not read the festive calendar. A shiny strand of tinsel, a plate of fudge and an open front door look the same to them as any other Tuesday, only with more temptation. Walk through your home as if you were a dog at nose height, and use the checklist below.

The tree: tipping, water and decorations

A tree is a large, wobbly object covered in things that glitter and dangle. Start with the base. Place the tree in a sturdy stand, and consider anchoring it to the ceiling or a doorframe with fishing line so a rambunctious dog cannot bring it down.

The water in the stand is the next problem. It can grow bacteria that cause nausea, diarrhea or an upset stomach, so cover the base or block access. Do not add anything to the water, since swallowing it could do harm.

Then the decorations:

• Tinsel and ribbon. Swallowed strands can cause vomiting, an intestinal blockage and dehydration, and sometimes surgery. Skipping tinsel altogether is the simplest fix.
• Glass and plastic ornaments. Broken pieces can cut the mouth and digestive tract. Hang fragile ones high and keep the lowest branches for unbreakable decorations.
• Salt-dough and food ornaments. These can cause serious salt imbalances if eaten, so keep them well out of reach.
• Lights and cords. Chewed wires can deliver a shock. Tuck cords out of sight or use covers.
• Batteries. A punctured battery can burn the mouth and esophagus. Keep battery-powered decorations and gifts out of reach.

Holiday plants

Many seasonal plants are not as harmless as they look. Poinsettia usually causes only mild to moderate stomach irritation, but holly and mistletoe can cause stomach upset and affect the heart. The AVMA also lists amaryllis, balsam, pine and cedar as plants that can cause problems if eaten.

A real tree counts as holiday greenery too. Branches of pine, balsam and cedar can cause trouble if eaten, so sweep up fallen needles and discourage chewing on the lower branches.

If you want greenery without the worry, use artificial plants or keep real ones in a room your dog cannot enter. Skip edible decorations on the tree as well, such as candy canes, chocolate ornaments or popcorn strings, because dogs can smell them and will go looking.

Food, drink and the trash

Christmas dinner brings the same food risks as Thanksgiving, with more sweets. Our Thanksgiving safety guide covers fat, bones, onions, grapes and dough in detail. Add these holiday extras:

• Chocolate. Every type is off-limits. Dark and baking chocolate carry more risk than white chocolate, but none of it is safe to share.
• Sugar-free sweets and baked goods. Xylitol can cause low blood sugar and liver damage.
• Alcohol. Drinks left at dog height are an easy target. Keep glasses on high surfaces.
• Wrapped food gifts. Dogs can smell chocolate and treats through wrapping, so keep them off the floor and out from under the tree.
• Fatty scraps. Gravy, skin and trimmings can cause pancreatitis.

Use a trash can with a secure lid. Food scraps and broken decorations mix badly with a curious nose.

Candles, snow globes and other hidden hazards

Some of the nastiest hazards do not look dangerous at all.

• Candles. A wagging tail can knock a candle over, causing burns or a fire. Never leave a lit candle unattended.
• Snow globes. Some contain ethylene glycol, the toxic ingredient in antifreeze. It smells sweet, so dogs may lap it up. Keep them high and clean up any breakage thoroughly.
• Liquid potpourri. It can injure the mouth, eyes and skin.
• Ice melt. Salt used on steps and paths can cause serious electrolyte problems if eaten. Choose a pet-safe product, and read our guide to winter hazards for dogs.
• Guests' medications. Ask visitors to keep pills in closed cabinets, not in open bags or suitcases on the floor.

Guests, noise and open doors

Parties, loud music and party poppers can frighten dogs that are normally relaxed. Give your dog a quiet room with a bed, water and a chew toy, and close the door before the guests arrive. A nervous dog is happier tucked away than hovering at the edge of the crowd.

Doors open and shut all evening, so assign someone to watch them. Make sure your dog's collar has a current ID tag and that the microchip is registered with your latest details. Remind visitors not to feed your dog from their plates.

A calm, dog-friendly Christmas morning

The excitement of unwrapping presents can be too much for a dog. Wrapping paper, ribbons and small toys scatter quickly, so clear them as you go. Keep your dog's normal meals and walk times as steady as possible, and give them a chew toy of their own while the family opens gifts.

When to call your vet

Call your vet or an emergency clinic right away if your dog:

• Swallowed tinsel, ribbon, an ornament or a battery
• Chewed an electrical cord or has burns in or around the mouth
• Ate chocolate, xylitol, alcohol or a large amount of rich food
• Is vomiting repeatedly, has diarrhea, seems depressed or is in pain

You can also call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (US; fees may apply). Outside the US, call your local emergency vet. Do not try to make your dog vomit; that decision belongs to a vet or poison specialist.

Written from veterinary sources by the Pawsplained editorial team. Not yet reviewed by a veterinarian; this is general information, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Updated Oct 30, 2026. Editorial policy