Keeping your dog safe over Christmas

As Christmas approaches and excitement rises, be aware this can be a dangerous and stressful time for your dog…

Dog resting their head on someone's lap with a Christmas tree in the background

Stress

Christmas is a wonderful break from normality for most of us, but dogs prefer normality, finding change stressful and unsettling. Our homes become unrecognisable with Christmas trees, lights, decorations and parcels piling up, furniture rearranged and houseguests arriving.

Sometimes more people are at home during the holidays, contributing to a more chaotic environment; sometimes the dog’s usual “people” are going out more, and for longer, socialising. And their usual walks or activities might be shortened or even abandoned. As our dogs cannot make sense of these changes, they can become anxious, displaying signs:

Panting, licking their lips or yawning
Ducking, running away or hiding
Being aggressive and even biting

Most dog bites in the home occur during the Christmas period, and children are the most likely victims.

Eating bad things

Dogs succumb to temptation sometimes more than we do, eating:

Christmas cake, Christmas pudding, mince pies, which all contain raisins and sultanas - highly toxic to up to 15% of dogs.
Chocolate, everywhere at Christmas; Agria Pet Insurance (underwriters for Kennel Club Pet Insurance) last year, saw 31% of all chocolate poisoning claims happening between December 2023 & January 2024.
Alcohol, macadamia nuts, very fatty or salty foods, and cooked bones which can obstruct, splinter in and pierce a dog’s insides.
Non-food items such as Christmas lights, decorations, wrapping, small toys and batteries.
Decorative plants: Poinsettia, Mistletoe, Holly & Ivy cause stomach upsets.

“Chocolate can be incredibly dangerous to your dog, especially if consumed in large enough amounts. Symptoms can vary, but include sickness, upset or painful stomach, as well as excessive drinking, dribbling and fast breathing, and can appear any time between four – 24 hours later. Owners who think their pets have ingested any chocolate should contact their vet for advice immediately.”

Robin Hargreaves

The Kennel Club Pet Insurance / Senior Veterinary Advisor

Wintery conditions

Outside, make sure your dog will be warm enough, dressing them in a coat if necessary. Dry them off after a walk, otherwise they can get chilled, and develop joint problems later in life. Check their paws, trimming hair between their toes so ice doesn’t collect in painful clumps.

Near water, if it’s frozen or faster flowing/flooding, keep them on a lead and away from danger. People may be using antifreeze in their cars and puddles sometimes contain the run-off so avoid allowing your dog to drink from them.

Tips for keeping your dog safe

Maintain a routine as close to normal as possible for your dog, they will derive a huge amount of security from this.

1
Provide a safe place
Provide a safe place your dog can retreat to when things are too noisy, busy or stressful for them, like a crate or a quiet room. You could also use this to keep them safe when you’re busy, or use a baby gate to keep them away from harm or children.
2
Keep food and drink out of your dog's reach
Be vigilant in keeping food and drink out of your dog’s reach, as well as monitoring their body language, it is up to you to protect them from harm and from harming others.
3
Make sure they get enough exercise
Don’t stint on the exercise, this will help them stay calm, happy and relaxed; you will benefit too!
4
Give your dog attention
Even though it’s a busy time, give your dog the attention they deserve, that’s all they will want for Christmas.

If you have any concerns about your dog, you can book a video vet appointment, 24/7, using the Agria app, free with your Kennel Club Pet Insurance policy, download it today, just in case!

About the Author

Sam Khan shares her woodland home with Junior, the cat, Gully, the dog and bunnies Hugo & Billy, sometimes playing the family’s ‘favourite’ game with the tortoise – “Where’s Churchill?” She loves writing for Agria, sharing our passion for animal welfare, protecting biodiversity and the environment. When not writing or illustrating, she will be making something, reading a book or swimming in the lake at the bottom of her lane.