Vet Approved Guide: Keeping Your Puppy Safe & Happy This Christmas 2025 🐶🎁

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

Welcoming a new puppy into your home is a heartwarming experience, and celebrating their first Christmas adds an extra layer of joy. 🐾🎅 However, the holiday season introduces various hazards that can pose risks to your curious and energetic pup. This guide provides comprehensive, vet-approved tips to help you navigate the festivities safely. 🩺📘

🍸 1. Keep Alcoholic Beverages Out of Reach

Festive drinks like eggnog and cocktails can be enticing to puppies but are dangerous if ingested. Alcohol consumption can lead to symptoms ranging from lethargy and vomiting to more severe effects like seizures or coma. Always ensure that alcoholic drinks are placed well out of your puppy's reach.

🍽️ 2. Monitor Holiday Foods and Treats

Holiday meals often include ingredients that are toxic to dogs. Be vigilant about keeping the following foods away from your puppy:

• Raisins and Grapes: Common in fruitcakes and puddings; can cause kidney failure.
• Chocolate: Contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs.
• Macadamia Nuts: Can cause weakness, vomiting, and tremors.
• Yeast Dough: Can expand in the stomach, leading to bloating and discomfort.
• Xylitol: A sugar substitute found in many candies; can cause hypoglycemia and liver failure.

Ensure that guests are aware not to feed your puppy any table scraps or treats. 

🌿 3. Be Cautious with Holiday Plants

Some traditional holiday plants are toxic to dogs:

• Mistletoe: Can cause gastrointestinal upset and cardiovascular problems.
• Holly: May lead to vomiting and diarrhea.
• Poinsettias: Generally cause mild irritation but still best kept out of reach.

Opt for pet-safe plants or artificial alternatives to decorate your home.

🎄 4. Secure the Christmas Tree

Your Christmas tree can be a source of fascination for your puppy. To prevent accidents:

• Anchor the Tree: Secure it to prevent tipping if your puppy jumps or pulls on it.
• Use Pet-Safe Ornaments: Avoid glass or breakable decorations; opt for shatterproof options.
• Hide Electrical Cords: Use cord protectors to prevent chewing, which can lead to electrocution.
• Cover Tree Water: Tree water may contain fertilizers or bacteria; cover it to prevent ingestion.

Regularly sweep up fallen needles, as they can cause gastrointestinal irritation if ingested. 

🕯️ 5. Avoid Hazardous Decorations

Some decorations pose risks to your puppy's health:

• Tinsel: Can cause intestinal blockages if swallowed.
• Lit Candles: Risk of burns or starting a fire if knocked over.
• Edible Ornaments: Salt dough ornaments and candy canes can be toxic.

Choose decorations that are safe and place them out of your puppy's reach. 

🏠 6. Create a Safe Space

The hustle and bustle of the holidays can be overwhelming. Provide your puppy with a quiet, comfortable area equipped with their bed, toys, and water. This retreat allows them to relax away from the noise and activity. 

👨👩👧👦 7. Educate Guests

Inform your guests about your puppy's needs and rules:

• No Feeding: Ask them not to feed your puppy any human food.
• Secure Belongings: Personal items like medications should be kept out of reach.
• Supervise Interactions: Ensure that all interactions are gentle and supervised.

Clear communication helps prevent accidents and ensures a safe environment for your puppy.

📱 Enhance Safety with Ask A Vet

For personalized advice and support during the holiday season, the Ask A Vet app connects you with licensed veterinarians ready to assist you. 🐾💬

Visit AskAVet.com or download the app today to ensure your puppy's safety and well-being during festive celebrations. 📲