The holiday season is a magical time, but it can also bring risks to our furry companions. With all the lights, decorations, and new scents filling our homes, it’s easy for dogs to become curious or overwhelmed. A Christmas tree adorned with sparkling ornaments might be as exciting for your dog as it is for you—but it could also pose hidden dangers.

Tips to Dog-Proof Your Christmas Tree:

1. Tinsel, Ornaments, and Fairy Lights– These may look like fun toys to your dog, but they can lead to serious health problems if swallowed, such as obstructions or punctures in the digestive system. To keep your dog safe, consider the following:
   • Set up your Christmas tree a few days before decorating to let your dog adjust to its presence.
   • Use a sturdy stand or tether the tree to the wall or ceiling to prevent it from being knocked over.
   • Consider placing a pet gate or tree guard around the base to restrict access.
   • Keep the lower branches undecorated. Place lights, tinsel, and baubles higher up, out of your dog’s reach. These decorations are typically made from materials like plastic, paper, or foil, which are low in toxicity but can still cause choking or blockages if swallowed.
   • Tape down electrical cords to prevent them from being chewed. Keep Christmas lights and their cables out of your dog’s reach, as biting into them can result in electrical shock or ingestion of sharp, broken bulbs.
2. Avoid Edible Decorations– Chocolate coins, candy canes, and even homemade salt-dough ornaments may look festive, but they are hazardous for dogs. Chocolate is toxic, and the high salt content in salt-dough can make your dog seriously ill, causing vomiting, excessive thirst, lethargy, and in severe cases, kidney damage or seizures.
3. Wait to Place Presents– Only put presents under the tree on Christmas Eve to prevent your dog from “opening” them early. This will help minimise the temptation.

Other Christmas Hazards for Dogs:

• Poinsettia– While poinsettias have a reputation for being highly toxic, the effects are usually mild. Their sap can cause drooling, vomiting, or diarrhea if ingested. To be safe, keep this festive plant out of your dog’s reach.
• Snow Globes– Surprisingly, some snow globes contain ethylene glycol, a chemical that can cause fatal poisoning if ingested. Since ingredient labels aren’t typically provided with snow globes, it's impossible to know which ones may contain this chemical. If your dog ingests any liquid from a broken snow globe, seek veterinary attention immediately.
• Batteries– Batteries, particularly small button batteries, can cause chemical burns or heavy metal poisoning if chewed and punctured. If swallowed, they can cause a blockage that may require surgical removal. In some cases, button batteries lodged in the throat or gut can produce an electric current, damaging surrounding tissues.
• Silica Gel Sachets– These small packets, often found in packaging, are labelled "Do not eat" not because they’re toxic but because they’re not meant for consumption. However, if your dog swallows a silica gel sachet, it can still cause an intestinal blockage, requiring surgery.

What to Do in an Emergency
If you suspect your dog has eaten, touched, or inhaled something harmful, contact your vet immediately. Dogs West is not a veterinary organisation, so we advise seeking professional help from your local vet if you're concerned about any of the issues raised in this article.