Having a puppy proof Christmas is not only a way to keep your dog safe during the holidays. It’s also helpful in creating an actual feeling of holiday glee and celebration for your family, free from “what if’” scenarios related to your dog getting into trouble… Christmas can often be challenging for puppy owners, so we’re happy to help you through it in this article.
As you deck the halls and prepare for festive gatherings, ensuring your home is safe for furry family members is very important. With decorations, treats, and unfamiliar guests, the excitement of Christmas can be overwhelming for dogs and puppies alike.
Taking pre-emptive action, such as protecting fragile ornaments and keeping dangerous items out of reach, can help to avoid mishaps and ensure that everyone enjoys the festivities without anxiety.
In this article, we’ll explore practical tips and strategies for creating a happy and secure holiday atmosphere for your dog. We’ll look at how to puppy proof a Christmas tree and decorations, making sure you have dog proof Christmas ornaments, how to dog proof your Christmas dinner, and our guide to the perfect Christmas gift for a new puppy or their owner.
If you’re looking for a training program to make this Christmas go smoothly, look no further than the Zigzag puppy training app. We’ve got plenty of programs for puppies and dogs of all ages, and even specific ones for rescue and separation anxiety. Ooh, or how about our tricks program to show off to your guests?
Have any questions or concerns about your dog? They can all be answered by our wonderful certified dog trainers 24 hours a day via our in-app chat.
Zigzag’s top five tips for keeping your dog safe at Christmas
Having a dog proof Christmas often boils down to managing the environment and expectations. Because of all the festive commotion, your dog is going to be under a lot of pressure during this time, and tensions run high for us humans too.
Here’s our top 5 ideas on how to dog proof your home for Christmas:
- Create a Dog-Safe Quiet Zone
‘First times’ of any sort of event are typically stressful for a puppy, as everything is new and unfamiliar to them. Having a puppy playpen, crate or a separate area away from the hustle and bustle will be a real benefit for your pup as they’ll have a calm, quiet place they can go to when things get a little too busy.
Zigzag Puppy Coach Lisa Milleret says:
With the excitement and changes that come with Christmas, I think it’s especially important for pups to have a safe space where they can settle and rest undisturbed, or enjoy a chew in peace.
Set up a designated area with your dog’s bed, favourite toys, water, and food. This gives them a safe retreat from holiday stress and helps reduce the likelihood of destructive behaviour. Ensure this area is away from decorations and potentially harmful items.
- Educate Guests on House Rules
Holiday gatherings can be overwhelming for dogs, especially puppies. To prevent accidents and keep your hard-worked consistency in training up, inform your guests beforehand about your dog’s rules and routines. This can include guidelines on feeding, petting, and interacting with your dog. For instance, maybe you like them up on the sofa, or maybe you don’t.
If your dog gets nervous around new people, consider using baby gates to create separate spaces or talk to your guests about how to properly (and calmly) greet your dog to minimise stress.
Zigzag Puppy Coach Petrina Firth says:
Make a set of ‘my dog’s rules’ and pop them on the refrigerator so everyone in the house, and visiting guests, can see, read and importantly follow them. This ensures consistency and doesn’t let bad habits creep in. Dogs like to know what’s expected of them, and humans have a big part to play in this.
- Crate train the Christmas Tree!
OK, maybe that’s a little much — but puppy proofing your Christmas living space is key to make sure it’s safe for your puppy to be free in the house.
Zigzag Puppy Coach Laura Gault has some tips for this:
I recommend putting the Christmas tree, lights, and gifts inside a puppy playpen to prevent dogs from chewing and shredding or causing mischief! You can also disguise it and decorate the playpen with tinfoil or Christmas stockings, so it becomes a decoration itself.
- Don’t leave Christmas food around
Did you know that raisins and currants which are commonly found in mince meat and mince pies are toxic to dogs? That’s right — we know chocolate is poisonous for dogs, but other foods like raisins often get overlooked.
Prevent your dog from jumping up or surfing the kitchen counter by making sure the edges are clear of any food items…nobody wants an emergency visit to the vet on Christmas.
- Use artificial plants and trees
Did you know that many traditional Christmas plants are dangerous if ingested by dogs?
Mistletoe, holly and even pine needles can all be dangerous if your dog eats them, so you might want to consider getting an artificial Christmas tree and other just as lovely, yet dog proof holiday plants to decorate your home.
Finally….take the pressure off and try to relax
Your puppy’s first Christmas should be fun! You’ll be able to enjoy some peace of mind as soon as you know your house is puppy proof, and any risks of mishaps can be avoided. Managing the environment your puppy is in is one of the most important things to do to ensure your festive season goes smoothly with no emergency trips to the Vet.
Dog proofing your Christmas Tree
Dog proofing Christmas decorations is one thing, but dog proofing your Christmas tree and ornaments is another.
Dogs interact with trees all the time when they’re out on walks. They sniff and pee on them…we don’t want the latter part to happen in the house! Ooh, they might even think the Christmas tree is a giant stick to play with. You can already imagine the possible scenarios for mayhem.
Here’s your top questions answered about having a dog safe Christmas tree:
What is a dog safe tree?
There are many kinds of Christmas trees — Douglas fir, White pine, or Fraser fir have softer and more flexible needles, which makes them less dangerous for your dog to eat.
But the most dog safe tree is simply the artificial option. These come in all kinds of designs – from a real-looking evergreen Christmas Tree, to the flashy pink, gold or even sprinkled with fake snow. We’re sure you’ve got good taste and will choose a tree that will make Christmas feel magical.
Is it safe to have a Christmas tree with a dog in the house?
Yes! Provided you take some precautions like choosing a dog safe tree or setting it up behind a barrier, so your dog can’t get into any trouble.
Should I secure the Christmas tree?
Yes, it’s wise to secure the tree so it can’t be pulled over when you have a curious puppy or dog around.
What precautions should I take to secure the tree?
Choose a secure base that holds onto the tree, so it won’t tip easily. You can also place the tree behind a barrier such as a puppy playpen or wire it to anchor points in the ceiling or the wall so that there is no chance of it moving.
Should I get Christmas tree fencing?
Yes, if you have a curious dog or a new puppy, putting a fence around will keep both the tree and your dog safe.
What is the best way to fence off a Christmas tree from my dog?
Using a baby gate or a playpen can create a barrier around the tree and will prevent your dog from accessing it.
How do I decorate the Christmas tree but protect it from the dog?
Hang your decorations high up and keep the bottom half of the tree bare so curious pups can’t get to them so easily. Avoid putting chocolate decorations on the tree since it’s one of the most unsafe foods dogs – we don’t want them getting into that!
How do I teach the dog to ignore the Christmas tree?
Teach your dog to ‘leave it’ when they go near the tree. It’s wise to practise some mat training to show them other ways to get rewarded, and that the reward is much better than raiding the tree.
Should I put presents under the tree?
We don’t recommend it, dog’s want to get into everything! You don’t want to find your presents unwrapped and chewed on before the big day.
Can dogs eat Christmas treats and holiday foods?
Yes, while some holiday foods like cooked meats are nice for dogs, avoid foods high in fat that can cause health problems for your dog. And of course, don’t feed them anything toxic like chocolate, raisins or currants.
Which common holiday foods are toxic to dogs?
Chocolate, raisins, currants and grapes are the obvious, but high fat foods can also cause lots of issues. Even seemingly innocent foods like onions and garlic can be problematic for dogs.
Dog-proofing Christmas decorations & ornaments
Here are some precautions you can take to create puppy proof Christmas. Besides those, we’d also advise you to take note of the contact details of emergency out-of-hours Vets in your area, or wherever you’re spending the holiday season.
Sharp ornaments
If ingested, tinsel can cause intestinal blockages and glass ornaments may shatter and cause internal injuries. Sorry for the graphic image, but traditional decorations can truly pose serious risks to dogs, so it’s important that you take the time to dog proof your Christmas decorations.
Here’s your top questions answered about dog-proofing your Christmas decorations and ornaments:
Are Christmas ornament hooks dangerous for dogs?
Yes, metal hooks used for Christmas tree ornaments can be hazardous. They can cause mouth or paw injuries if chewed or trodden on, and pose a serious risk if swallowed. Consider using plastic hooks or ribbon to attach your ornaments instead, and keep them out of your dog’s reach.
How can I prevent my dog from getting injured by broken glass ornaments?
Place fragile glass ornaments higher on the tree, out of your dog’s reach. Opt for shatter-proof plastic or wooden ornaments on lower branches, or avoid them altogether by keeping the bottom of the tree bare. Keep an eye on broken ornaments, and always clean them up immediately to prevent paw injuries.
Is tinsel safe to use with dogs around?
Tinsel is not recommended for homes with dogs. If ingested, it can cause intestinal blockages, which may unfortunately require surgery. Consider pet-safe alternatives like ribbon garlands, and just avoid tinsel altogether. There’s enough plastic in the world already, right?
What should I do if my dog chews on a sharp foil decoration?
Remove the decoration immediately and check your dog’s mouth for cuts or injuries. If you notice any bleeding or your dog seems distressed, contact your Veterinarian. In the future, avoid using sharp or easily shredded foil decorations.
How can I make my tree topper dog-safe?
Choose a lightweight, non-breakable tree topper. Secure it firmly to prevent it from falling if your dog accidentally bumps the tree, and avoid toppers with small, detachable parts which could be a choking hazard if they fall.
Candles & Open flames
For a dog friendly Christmas, the safest approach is to avoid open flames entirely when dogs are around, especially during the excitement of the holiday season.
But let’s keep it real — Christmas is not Christmas without a couple of lit candles or a chimney. If you’re wanting to create a warm, cosy ambience for Christmas with candles or open flames, here’s your top questions answered on how to keep safe:
Are candles safe to use around dogs during Christmas?
Candles pose significant risks to dogs. In their enthusiasm for the holiday cheer, they can knock over lit candles causing fire hazards, or burn themselves on the flame. Let’s keep it safe by using flameless LED candles instead. 4.
How can I safely decorate with candles if I have a dog?
If you simply must use real candles, make sure to place them on secure, high shelves well out of your dog’s reach. You must know this already, but never leave lit candles unattended, and always extinguish them when you leave the room3.
Are scented candles harmful to dogs?
Some scented candles may contain essential oils or other ingredients that can be toxic to dogs if ingested or inhaled in large quantities. Opt for pet-safe, unscented candles or diffusers instead.
What should I do if my dog gets too close to a fireplace?
Install a sturdy fence or barrier to keep your dog away from the fireplace, whether it’s real, gas, or electric. Always supervise your pup around fireplaces, as dogs are often drawn to the warmth and find it difficult to resist snuggling right up to it.
Are electric fireplaces safer for homes with dogs?
While electric fireplaces eliminate the risk of burns from open flames, they still generate heat that can be dangerous for your dog’s paws. Use a fireplace screen and supervise your dog to prevent any accidents from happening.
How can I create a festive ambiance without using candles?
Consider using battery-operated LED candles, string lights (securely placed), or light projectors to create a cosy holiday atmosphere without any risks associated with open flames.
How can I prevent my dog from chewing on Christmas lights and cords?
Simple. Just keep them well away from your dog.
What are some effective ways to hide or secure electrical cords?
Use cord organisers to bundle multiple wires together and hide them behind furniture. You should also keep lights confined to the upper half of the tree and tape any exposed cords securely to the walls.
Are there any decorations that are particularly dangerous for dogs?
Chocolate tree ornaments, glass or foil decorations and tinsel should all be avoided.
What should I do if my dog gets into holiday decorations or food?
Check the toxicity of what they are eating, and if in doubt, call your Veterinarian.
How can I recognize signs of distress or poisoning in my dog?
If your dog is withdrawn, panting, vomiting, seems low or lethargic, then they may have eaten something they shouldn’t.
Dog proof your Christmas dinner
For stress-free puppy proof Christmas dinner without any begging or troubles for your guests, take the following steps:
Teach your dog to relax elsewhere
Training your dog to lie in a dog bed, crate or on a mat means they can’t be under the table begging for Christmas dinner scraps from your guests. We’ll save the puppy-eyes for playtime.
Teaching this kind of independence is a life skill that’s incredibly useful not just for Christmas, but certainly at other times throughout the year as well.
Don’t leave the Turkey on the kitchen counter
Counter surfing comes naturally to many dogs…especially if they’re tall enough, they will try to nick the bird you’ve worked so hard on from the side!
Ask your guests not to engage
Just lay down the rules beforehand — no feeding of tidbits under the dining table!
Give your dog their Christmas dinner in a puzzle feeder
Puzzle feeders will almost guarantee that your pup will leave you alone while you’re eating your own Christmas dinner…they’ll be too busy eating theirs! Using an intelligence toy like a puzzle feeder or Kong will help them take longer to finish their meal than eating out of a bowl, which means you’ll have a better chance of getting through dinner without any puppy-eyes or paws nudging you for a cheeky taste.
Make sure your dog has a walk before Christmas dinner
A walk before Christmas dinner will help your dog to relax and feel like going for a nap while you and your guests work up an appetite. Ooh, having a nice, family walk after Christmas lunch sounds good too — all that turkey might need walking off!
The perfect Christmas gift for a new puppy
Okay, get ready for our golden Christmas tip: The Zigzag puppy training app will be the ultimate gift for you and your puppy. Equipped with infinite pieces of advice and training lessons, our app will not only help you prepare your pup for their first Christmas and give you ideas for fun things to do over the holiday season, but will prepare you for a lifetime journey together.
If you’re a new puppy owner, we understand how new everything can feel. Christmas is already overwhelming enough on its own, so check out our guide to your puppy’s first Christmas for more tips on socialization, training and more, or read our Christmas dinner for dogs guide to learn what’s safe for your puppy to eat or not!
Download the Zigzag puppy training app for a dedicated program based on your puppy’s breed, life stage and backgrounds — dogs coming from breeders, shelters, and rescues.
We also have our program for adult dogs, especially for separation anxiety training. Get started on the app now, and get access to our certified dog trainers who are available 24/7 to help you smooth out any trouble you run into.
