The holidays are my favorite time of year here in Weatherford. The house smells like cinnamon, the tree's finally up, and there's almost always a dog underfoot hoping something falls off the counter. But after 25+ years working with dogs, I'll tell you a hard truth: the season that fills our homes with joy also fills them with hazards most folks never think twice about.
Veterinary ERs see a spike in emergencies every December — and the heartbreaking part is that nearly all of them are preventable. So before the guests arrive and the wrapping paper flies, here's what I want every dog family to watch for.
The tree is a minefield
That beautiful tree in the corner is one giant temptation, and several of its parts are genuinely dangerous:
- Ornaments — Glass shatters into paw-slicing shards, and swallowed pieces (glass, plastic, salt-dough) can cause cuts or a blockage. Hang the breakables and the sentimental ones up high, out of tail-and-tongue range.
- Tinsel and ribbon — This is the big one. Stringy things like tinsel, ribbon, and garland can bunch the intestine as they pass through — vets call it a "linear foreign body," and it often means surgery. If you have a chewer, skip tinsel entirely. It isn't worth it.
- Lights and cords — A curious mouth on an electrical cord means burns or shock. Tape cords down and use cord covers.
- Tree water — Stagnant water, preservatives, and fertilizers in the base can cause real stomach upset. Cover it so nobody sneaks a drink.
- Pine needles — Mildly irritating to the gut and sharp on the way down. Sweep often.
My rule: treat the tree like a toddler zone. A baby gate, an anchored tree, and a little supervision go a long way.
The table is where the real danger lives
I know how tempting it is to share the feast. But the holiday table is behind more ER visits than the tree ever will be.
- Fatty foods — Turkey skin, gravy, drippings, buttery sides, and ham can trigger pancreatitis, a painful and sometimes life-threatening inflammation. This is one of the most common holiday emergencies I hear about, and it usually starts with "just a little taste."
- Cooked bones — Turkey and ham bones splinter. Never give them. Ever.
- The toxic list — Keep these completely away from your dog: chocolate (especially dark and baking chocolate), xylitol (in sugar-free gum, some peanut butters, and baked goods), grapes and raisins (kidney failure), onions and garlic (including the powders hiding in stuffing), macadamia nuts, alcohol, raw yeast dough (it rises in the stomach), and nutmeg.
- The trash and the counters — That picked-over carcass is a magnet. Secure the garbage with a lid or behind a closed door.
And do me a favor: tell your guests, kindly but firmly, no table scraps. One "harmless" bite from every person at the table adds up to a very sick dog — and if you'd rather let your outfit do the talking, our Don't Feed the Dog tee says it for you.
The hidden ones most people miss
These are the ones that catch even experienced dog owners off guard:
- Festive plants — Holly and mistletoe are more toxic than most realize (vomiting, and heart trouble in serious cases). Poinsettias are overhyped but still irritating. Keep lilies far away — they're deadly to cats and hard on dogs. Amaryllis is toxic too.
- Candles and liquid potpourri — Burns from an excited tail, and liquid potpourri can cause chemical burns if licked.
- Wrapping paper, ribbon, bows, and batteries — All chewable, all capable of causing a blockage. Button batteries are a true emergency — they can burn through tissue fast.
- Snow globes and antifreeze — Some snow globes contain ethylene glycol, the same deadly ingredient in antifreeze. It tastes sweet and even a small amount is fatal. Watch the garage and driveway, too.
- Ice melt and road salt — Irritates paws and is toxic if licked off. Wipe those feet after winter walks.
The stress nobody talks about
Here's the piece I care about most, because it ties everything together: holidays are chaos for dogs. Strangers, noise, doors opening and closing, and a routine that's completely out the window. A stressed dog bolts, guards food, or gets into things they normally wouldn't touch.
This is where enrichment earns its keep. A mentally tired dog is a calmer, safer dog. During the gathering, give yours a job — a frozen lick mat smeared with Dawg Butter or a puzzle feeder in a quiet room keeps them happily occupied and far away from the tree, the table, and the open front door. It's the single best thing you can do for a nervous dog during the holidays.
And before the coming-and-going starts, double-check that ID tags and microchip info are current. More dogs go missing around the holidays than any other time of year.
Your quick holiday-proofing checklist
- Breakables and lights hung high; cords covered; tree anchored and its water base covered
- No tinsel if you've got a chewer
- Trash secured, counters cleared
- A firm "no scraps" rule for every guest
- Toxic foods and plants completely out of reach
- A calm, enriched safe space for your dog during gatherings
- Emergency numbers on the fridge (below)
If something happens, don't wait
If you even suspect your dog got into something they shouldn't have, call right away — minutes matter:
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435
- Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661
(Both may charge a consultation fee, and both are worth every penny.) Keep your regular vet and the nearest emergency clinic saved in your phone, too.
The holidays should be about making memories, not emergency vet bills. A little prep keeps the whole season merry for everybody — the four-legged family included. From my home to yours, here's to a calm, safe, dog-gone good holiday. 🐾
This post is general guidance, not veterinary advice. When in doubt, always call your vet.
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