14 Dangerous Christmas Items for Dogs You Must Avoid

Emergency vet visits jump 30% during Christmas season. Your holiday decorations could put your beloved pet in danger.

Christmas brings joy and celebration to your home. However, your decorations include many more dangerous items that could send your dog to an emergency vet visit. Holiday hazards for pets hide in almost every corner of your decorated home, from toxic plants to attractive tinsel.

This year, learn about the Christmas dangers that could harm your dog before decorating. We have identified 14 common holiday items that pose risks to your four-legged family member. You can keep your pet safe and still enjoy the festive spirit with our practical tips.

1. Toxic Christmas Plants

While holiday plants add festive charm to your home, many popular varieties can be dangerous for your dog. Holly and mistletoe are especially harmful—holly can cause stomach upset and difficulty walking, while mistletoe may lead to irregular heart rates and high blood pressure if consumed in large amounts.

Amaryllis and snowdrops are also risky, potentially causing severe symptoms like bloody diarrhea, irregular heartbeat, or seizures. Even poinsettias, while less toxic, can cause mild vomiting, drooling, or skin irritation due to their sap.

To protect your pet, keep all holiday plants out of reach, use barriers around displayed greenery, or opt for artificial alternatives. Be vigilant for symptoms like vomiting, drooling, difficulty walking, or lethargy. Acting quickly can prevent serious complications and ensure a safe holiday season for your furry friend.

2. Christmas Tree Hazards

Real Christmas trees like pine, fir, and spruce contain oils that can upset your dog’s stomach, causing drooling or vomiting. Sharp needles are even more dangerous, as they can puncture the digestive tract. The water in the tree stand often contains chemicals like pesticides or fertilizers, which may lead to vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy if ingested.

Artificial trees also come with risks. If your dog chews on them, the plastic or PVC materials can block their digestive system. To keep your pet safe, secure the tree with anchors, block access to the water stand, and place ornaments and lights out of reach. Using a pet gate and cleaning up fallen needles can help prevent accidents. Even well-behaved dogs might explore, so stay vigilant, especially if it’s their first Christmas tree.

3. Dangerous Decorative Lights

Twinkling Christmas lights add holiday cheer to your home, but they can pose serious risks to your dog. Chewing on light cords can lead to electrical shocks, mouth burns, or even life-threatening electrocution. Additionally, the materials in lights—such as glass, copper wiring, and PVC plastic—can block or tear your dog’s digestive system if ingested.

To keep your pup safe, use grounded, three-prong extension cords and secure them with tape or covers. Battery-operated lights are a safer alternative, and placing lights higher on the tree helps keep them out of reach. Always unplug lights when leaving the room, and take your dog to the vet immediately if you notice signs of cord chewing or electrical shock.

4. Toxic Tinsel Threats

Tinsel is a hidden danger for dogs. While not toxic, if swallowed, tinsel can cause a “linear foreign body” where the stringy material gets stuck in the stomach or wraps around the tongue. As the intestines try to move it, the tinsel can slice through tissue, leading to severe internal injuries, ruptures, or life-threatening complications requiring emergency surgery.

Signs your dog may have eaten tinsel include vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, unusual bowel movements, or lethargy. If you suspect tinsel ingestion, seek immediate veterinary care—don’t wait for it to pass naturally.

The safest option is to avoid using tinsel altogether in homes with pets. Consider pet-friendly alternatives like wide ribbons or plastic icicle ornaments to keep your holiday decor safe and stress-free for your furry friend.

5. Hazardous Holiday Treats

Chocolate, especially dark chocolate, contains theobromine, which can cause tremors, convulsions, and even death. Macadamia nuts can lead to neurological problems like leg weakness and paralysis. Sugar-free treats with xylitol can cause dangerous blood sugar drops and liver failure, even in small amounts.

Holiday meals also hide dangers. Onions, garlic, and other allium vegetables can cause anemia, while salty, fatty foods like ham can trigger pancreatitis. Raisins and grapes in fruitcakes can lead to acute kidney failure. Alcoholic drinks, especially eggnog, can intoxicate dogs, causing disorientation and breathing issues.

6. Glass Ornament Dangers

Glass ornaments are beautiful but can be dangerous for your dog. If broken, sharp glass fragments pose a risk of cuts to your dog’s mouth and paws. Swallowed pieces can cause severe damage to the esophagus and stomach.

To keep your dog safe, use shatterproof ornaments made from plastic or fabric. Place sturdy decorations on lower branches and keep fragile ones high up, out of reach. A dog gate around the tree can offer extra protection.

Consider replacing glass ornaments with durable plastic alternatives, which look festive and are safer for pets. Always keep breakable items out of reach to protect both your decorations and your furry friend.

7. Candle Safety Concerns

Holiday scented candles may create a cozy atmosphere but can be harmful to pets. Traditional paraffin wax candles release toxic chemicals, and scented candles with oils like cinnamon, pine, or peppermint can poison your dog, leading to seizures, respiratory problems, or liver and kidney issues. Pets are also at risk of knocking over candles, creating a fire hazard.

To keep your pet safe, consider using battery-operated candles, pet-safe soy or beeswax candles, or unscented options. Wax warmers or diffusers placed high up are also safer. If you notice symptoms like coughing, breathing problems, or lethargy, extinguish the candles and move your dog to fresh air. Contact your vet if symptoms persist or worsen.

8. Snow Globe Dangers

Snow globes can be deadly for your dog, as many contain ethylene glycol, a toxic chemical found in antifreeze. Even small amounts can be fatal to a dog. If a snow globe breaks, the liquid inside can pose a serious risk. Symptoms of poisoning include vomiting, excessive drooling, seizures, and labored breathing.

Quick action is crucial—treatment must begin within 8 to 12 hours to prevent kidney damage and increase your dog’s chances of survival. To keep your pet safe, opt for plastic snow globes and place glass ones in secure spots. If a glass snow globe breaks, remove your pet from the area and seek immediate veterinary care.

9. Dangerous Tree Decorations

When decorating your Christmas tree, it’s important to consider your dog’s safety. Fragile ornaments can break easily, creating sharp pieces that could injure or be swallowed by your pet, potentially causing blocked intestines. To protect your dog, hang breakable decorations at the top of the tree, avoid edible ornaments like candy canes or popcorn strings, and use shatterproof or non-choking decorations.

Be cautious of swinging ornaments that may tempt your pet, and keep the bottom third of the tree free of risky items. Watch for chewed-up decorations and call the vet if necessary. Even non-toxic decorations like plastic or wooden ornaments can still cause digestive problems, so always place decorations out of reach to keep your furry friend safe.

10. Hazardous Gift Wrapping

Ribbons, strings, and foil wrapping paper can cause blockages or puncture your dog’s digestive system. Tape and glitter can also be choking hazards or difficult to detect on X-rays. These materials can create a “linear foreign body,” which causes life-threatening issues if ingested.

Watch for signs like coughing, excessive drooling, pawing at the mouth, or difficulty making sounds. To keep your dog safe, store wrapping supplies in a secure place, wrap gifts in a pet-free area, and clean up right after. Always keep gifts in a closet until ready to open. If your dog ingests any wrapping materials, contact your vet immediately to avoid serious complications.

11. Essential Oil Hazards

During the holiday season, essential oils like wintergreen, pine, cinnamon, peppermint, and tea tree oil can pose serious risks to dogs. These oils, commonly used in diffusers or potpourri, can cause severe reactions from skin contact or even licking. Dogs process these oils through their liver, making them especially vulnerable to toxicity, particularly if they have liver disease.

Symptoms of essential oil poisoning include difficulty breathing or walking, drooling, muscle tremors, lethargy, skin redness or burns, and vomiting with an oily smell. If you suspect exposure, wash the oil off your pet and contact a veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline immediately. Always store essential oils securely and never leave them unattended, as even “pet-safe” oils can be dangerous for dogs.

12. Artificial Snow Dangers

Artificial snow on Christmas trees can pose risks to pets, especially those made with toxic substances. Imported spray-on snow often contains methylene chloride, which can cause respiratory issues when inhaled by pets. Powdered snow can also cause digestive problems and blockages if ingested.

Symptoms of exposure include excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, respiratory issues, and decreased appetite. While the toxicity is mild, large amounts can lead to dangerous blockages or toxicity from dyes. To protect your pet, avoid using artificial snow and opt for pet-safe alternatives. If your pet consumes any, contact your veterinarian immediately for advice and treatment.

13. Holiday Food Hazards

Many holiday foods can be harmful to your dog and cause serious health issues. Dark chocolate, xylitol in sugar-free treats, onions, garlic, and grapes or raisins in holiday desserts are among the most dangerous. Macadamia nuts can also cause weakness and tremors, while ham’s high fat and salt content can lead to pancreatitis.

Signs of food poisoning in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, seizures, and difficulty breathing. To protect your pet, securely store holiday treats and inform guests about these risks. If your dog eats something harmful, contact your vet immediately for prompt care.

14. Guest Medication Risks

Holiday medications can be a serious danger to your dog, with both prescription and over-the-counter drugs posing risks. Pain relievers, ADHD medications, and even supplements can cause severe health issues like kidney damage, tremors, and seizures.

Signs your dog may have ingested medication include lethargy, vomiting, difficulty walking, and seizures. To protect your pet, ensure medications are stored securely, and guests keep their bags and pill organizers out of reach.

If you suspect your dog has ingested medication, contact your vet immediately. Bring the medication container for proper treatment, as different meds require specific care. Always prioritize medication safety to keep your pet safe during the holidays.

Conclusion

During the holiday season, keep your dog safe from risks like toxic plants, harmful decorations, dangerous foods, and medications. Take precautions by keeping decorations out of reach and choosing pet-safe alternatives.

Always have your vet’s contact information and the Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) handy. Watch for signs of distress and act quickly if needed. A pet-safe holiday environment ensures everyone enjoys the celebrations without emergency trips to the vet. Simple steps can prevent major emergencies.