If you and your pooch are preparing for the paw-fect Christmas, there are some things that you need to bear in mind first. While the festive period is an exciting time for both two- and four-legged alike, the most important thing is to keep your dog happy and healthy throughout the period. To help you do so, we’ve put together a useful guide for a dog-friendly Christmas, covering how to make sure Christmas trees and Christmas dinners are fully safe for your canine companion.
Are real Christmas trees safe for dogs?
While you’re getting your home prepared for the winter season, you’re sure to be thinking of getting your Christmas tree ready. However, it’s important to do so safely if you’ve got a dog, as it can pose some potential problems – and slightly more so if you opt for a real Christmas tree.
With a real tree, your dog may be tempted to drink the water from the base, which can contain bacteria, tree sap, preservatives, and other things that can all upset your dog’s stomach. So, keeping the base covered to stop your dog from drinking from it is key.
Your tree’s decorations may be tempting for your pup to play with, as they’ll likely be enticed by all of the glowing and glistening. To keep your dog safe, you should keep decorations higher up the tree, as this will prevent injury from shattered ornaments or intestinal blockages from ingested tinsel.
If your dog is particularly excitable, it’s especially important that the tree is kept secure. Ensure that the base is sturdy and properly secured to the floor, as this will prevent your dog from accidentally knocking it over if they get a case of the zoomies.
With all of this in mind, it’s best to try and keep your dog away from a real Christmas tree. You can do so with positive reinforcement by rewarding them and making a fuss of them while they’re away from the tree. Or, you can also go with some more physical solutions, such as a pet gate. If you do choose a real tree instead of an artificial one, you’ll also need to bear in mind our advice below.
Are Christmas trees toxic to dogs
Christmas trees aren’t toxic to dogs. However, the most common varieties, including pine, fir, and spruce, produce oils that can irritate a dog's mouth and stomach if eaten. As a result, it’s best to choose a non-drop variety if you’re a dog owner, which are types of Christmas trees that drop fewer needles in comparison to others. This way, your dog will be less likely to try to eat any needles that fall to the floor.
A safer option is to choose an artificial tree, as this will mean that there will be no risk at all of any irritation.
Can dogs eat Christmas dinner
When the big day arrives, we’re sure that your dog will be just as enticed by what you’re cooking up on Christmas Day as you and the family are. However, it’s important that if you do give anything to your dog, it is safe for them to eat
Generally, dogs can eat parts of a Christmas dinner as the fresh meat and veg will be both nutritious and tasty for them. However, you’ll have to make sure that it only contains the following safe foods:
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Turkey or chicken that is unsalted, skinless, and boneless
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Cranberry sauce
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Brussels sprouts
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Parsnips
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Peas
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Carrot
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Broccoli
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Swede
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Green beans
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Cauliflower
The above foods are fine for your dog to eat, but there are common Christmas dinner components that could cause harm to them. Therefore, you should make sure that their bowl doesn’t contain any:
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Bones – These can be a choking hazard for dogs
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Gravy – Gravy contains a lot of salt and fat that dogs shouldn’t eat
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Onions, garlic, and other alliums – these are poisonous to dogs. You should also similarly avoid garlic and onion powders
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Pigs in blankets – These are too high in fat and salt for dogs. Any pork that is given to your dog should be lean
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Stuffing – Stuffing can contain onions, which can be harmful
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Roast potatoes – Boiled potatoes are fine, though roast potatoes are too starchy and difficult to digest for dogs. Any potatoes given to your dog shouldn’t have any butter or salt added
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Yorkshire puddings – Their high fat and salt content mean that they shouldn’t be eaten by dogs
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Herbs and spices – These can upset your dog’s stomach
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Dairy products – Any milk, butter, or cream should be avoided in your dog’s dinner, as they can find it difficult to digest lactose (a sugar found in dairy products)
If you do give your pup a smaller Christmas dinner, you should make sure to make it a smaller portion. Even if the dinner that you give them is safe for them to eat, unfamiliar foods eaten in large amounts could upset your dog’s stomach. So, it’s best not to let them overindulge – something that maybe we humans could bear in mind, too!
Advanced dog products at Closer Pets
You now know all you need to keep your dog safe and healthy over Christmas so that you and the family can enjoy it to the fullest!
If your dog’s been a good boy this year, they deserve to be treated to some of our super useful dog products. Our automatic dog feeders allow you to feed your dog while you’re away, while our dog water fountains keep them hydrated with water they are naturally attracted to. There are also our many dog doors, which let your pup explore outdoors whenever they like.
If you have any questions about our dog supplies and how they can benefit both you and your dog, get in touch with us today. A member of our team will be happy to help you out!