Holiday Decorations and Dogs: Safety Guide

Before decorating, get down to your dog's level and look around the room. Note what is at nose height, what could be knocked over by a wagging tail, and what you would be tempted to chew if you were a dog. This five-minute check shows you where to put things.

Dogs also explore with their mouths, especially puppies and young adults. Anything small enough to swallow and not meant to be eaten is a risk, even if it is not toxic. Foreign objects are one of the most common reasons dogs end up at the vet over the holidays.

This is where the tree, lights, and most decorations tend to be. Keep fragile ornaments on higher branches, use shatterproof ones low down, and avoid edible decorations such as popcorn strings, candy canes, and salt-dough ornaments, which are dangerous for dogs because of the high salt content.

Secure cords and cables with covers or run them along the wall, and unplug lights when you are out of the room. Chewing on a live cord can cause burns or electric shock.

• Anchor tall trees so they cannot be pulled over.
• Skip tinsel and use wide fabric ribbon sparingly, since long strands can cause serious intestinal problems if swallowed.
• Cover or guard the tree stand water.
• Keep candles, matches, and lighters out of reach, and use flameless candles if your dog is a counter-surfer.
• Put breakable decorations on shelves, not low tables.

A wagging tail can knock a candle over in a second, and a nosy dog can burn its nose or whiskers. Place candles high on stable surfaces, or use battery-operated ones. Keep scented oils, potpourri, and wax melts out of reach, as some can be harmful if swallowed or licked.

Use a guard around fireplaces and space heaters, and never leave a dog unsupervised near an open flame. Old snow globes, which may have contained antifreeze, should be kept well away from dogs, and broken glass should be swept up immediately.

Note: Antifreeze (ethylene glycol) is highly toxic to dogs. If you suspect your dog has swallowed any, treat it as an emergency and call your veterinarian straight away.

Food decorations are a weak spot. Gingerbread houses, candy dishes, nuts, and chocolate-based treats left on tables are an invitation. Keep them on high shelves, or out of the room entirely, and bin wrapping and packaging promptly.

Avoid decorative bowls of nuts, which can contain macadamia nuts that are toxic to dogs, and fruit that dogs should not eat, such as grapes. Keep sweets and sugar-free products out of reach, since some contain xylitol.

Wrapped presents are scented, moveable, and fun to chew. Food gifts, such as chocolates and cookies, are a particular temptation, and a dog can smell them through the paper. Put edible presents out of reach until they are opened.

Ribbon, string, and wrapping paper can cause blockages if swallowed, and some foils and plastics are sharp. Clear up quickly during gift opening, and keep a bin bag nearby so nothing ends up on the floor.

A closed door is the best safety tool. If you have a room you do not need for decorations, make it your dog's safe space, with a bed, water, and a chew toy, so you can put your dog there when you are busy or have guests.

Check that decorations on stairs, doorways, and hallways are not a trip hazard for a dog, and that gates are secure around areas you want to protect.

Two short skills pay off all season. Teach leave-it so your dog ignores dropped items, and teach a mat or place command so the dog has somewhere calm to go while you decorate or entertain. Practice both in short daily sessions for a week or two before the decorations go up.

Reward heavily at first, then taper off as the behavior becomes reliable. A well-exercised dog who knows what to do is much less likely to get into trouble.