Deck the Halls with Care: A Dog-Safe Holiday Guide – Protecting Your Pup from Festive Hazards, One Decoration at a Time

🎄Festive decorations bring joy to homes, but they also pose a variety of hazards to dogs. Sparkling ornaments, tinsel, and electrical cords can be irresistible to curious pups, leading to risks such as choking, gastrointestinal blockages, or electric shock. Taking precautions when decorating can prevent accidents and ensure your dog enjoys the festive season safely.

🐾 Key Risks and How to Address Them

Tinsel and Ribbons

Risk: Dogs may swallow tinsel or ribbons, which can cause life-threatening intestinal blockages.

Prevention Tips:

Avoid using tinsel or place it high up, out of your dog’s reach.
Opt for safer alternatives like fabric garlands or paper chains.

Glass Ornaments

Risk: Glass ornaments can shatter if knocked over, leading to cuts or ingestion of sharp fragments.

Prevention Tips:

Use shatterproof ornaments or secure fragile ones higher on the tree.

Attach ornaments tightly to branches using hooks or ribbon.

Fairy Lights and Electrical Cords

Risk: Chewing on electrical cords can cause burns, electrocution, or fires.

Prevention Tips:

Use cord protectors or hide wires behind furniture.
Opt for battery-operated fairy lights when possible.
Unplug lights when not in use, and never leave them on unsupervised.

Edible Decorations

Risk: Decorations like popcorn garlands, candy canes, or gingerbread ornaments can tempt dogs, leading to choking, ingestion of toxic ingredients, or destructive behavior.

Prevention Tips:

Avoid edible decorations entirely, or use faux alternatives.
Ensure any human food-based decorations are placed well out of reach.

Yule/ Christmas Trees

Risk: Dogs may knock over trees, chew on branches, or drink water from the tree stand, which can contain harmful preservatives or bacteria.

Prevention Tips:

Anchor the tree to the wall or ceiling to prevent tipping.
Block access with a baby gate or a decorative fence.
Use a covered tree stand to prevent access to the water.

Signs of Danger to Watch For –

If your dog interacts with unsafe decorations, look for:
Vomiting, diarrhea, or signs of abdominal discomfort (could indicate ingestion of foreign objects).

Pawing at the mouth or choking sounds (signs of airway obstruction).

Burns or singed fur (possible interaction with lights or candles).

Decrease in appetite.

In any of these cases, contact your veterinarian immediately.

🎄 Action Steps for Guardians

Supervise your dog around decorations, especially when first introducing them.

Create a “safe zone” for your dog away from heavily decorated areas.

Help your dog to be safe around decorations using positive reinforcement techniques.