A Safe & Waggy Christmas: How to Keep Your Dog Out of Holiday Trouble
🎄 A Safe & Waggy Christmas: How to Keep Your Dog Out of Holiday Trouble
Because dogs deserve the good stuff — and a safe Christmas too.
Christmas is all about sunshine, family time, backyard fun, and the smell of delicious food floating through the house. And if you’re a dog parent, you already know… your pup thinks Christmas has been organised entirely for them. More people? More pats. More snacks? Even better.
But between the celebrations, decorations and festive treats, Christmas can bring a few hidden dangers for our furry mates. So before your dog tries to unwrap something they shouldn’t, here’s your Bark with Buster guide to keeping pups safe, healthy and happily wagging all season long.
If your dog eats something potentially harmful or swallows a decoration or other foreign object, contact your vet or an emergency veterinary clinic promptly. Do not wait for symptoms or induce vomiting unless a veterinary professional instructs you to.
🎁 Foods That Look Harmless… But Aren’t Safe for Dogs
We get it — those puppy eyes are POWERFUL. But some classic Christmas foods can be dangerous, even in small amounts. Here’s what to keep far away from curious sniffers:
❌ Grapes & Raisins
The real troublemakers hiding in fruitcake, puddings and mince pies. Even small amounts can cause serious harm.
❌ Chocolate
A Christmas favourite for humans, but dangerous for dogs (especially dark chocolate).
❌ Onions, Garlic & Chives
These sneak into gravies, stuffings and marinades. Keep them away from dogs.
❌ Cooked Bones
Turkey, chicken or lamb bones can splinter and cause blockages or internal injuries.
❌ Alcohol
Keep alcoholic drinks out of reach — alcohol can poison dogs.
❌ Xylitol
Found in some sugar-free products, including lollies and desserts. Extremely dangerous for dogs.
👉 When in doubt, skip it. Your pup will thank you later… probably with a sloppy kiss.
🎄 Festive Hazards Hiding in Plain Sight
Dogs don’t just get into food — they get into everything. Here are a few Christmas items that can cause unexpected trouble:
⚡ Fairy Lights & Power Cords
Chewy, glowy and absolutely irresistible to certain pups. Keep cords tucked away or use protectors.
🎀 Wrapping Paper & Ribbons
Fun to unravel, not fun to digest. Clean up as you go to reduce the risk of swallowing them.
🌲 Christmas Tree Ornaments
Glass baubles, tinsel and hanging decorations can look like toys. Hang fragile items high and secure the tree if you’ve got an enthusiastic tail-wagger.
🎁 Leftover Gifts & Packaging
Dogs have a keen sense of smell, so food gifts and snack-filled bags can be particularly tempting. Store them securely rather than relying on wrapping paper to keep your dog out.
Kids dropping chocolate? Aunty Sue’s handbag open with snacks inside? Your dog may find it first.
🐶 How to Keep Your Dog Calm During the Festive Chaos
Christmas can be just as overwhelming for dogs as it is for humans. A few ways to help them stay relaxed:
- Create a quiet space with their bed, water and favourite toy
- Keep routines as normal as possible
- Offer suitable enrichment toys, puzzles or sniff walks
- Reward calm behaviour during big gatherings
Let your dog move away from visitors, and ask your vet for help with persistent anxiety or noise sensitivity.
🦴 Dog Treat Alternatives: Choose the Good Stuff for Your Dog
Dogs want to be included — so instead of sharing rich table scraps, choose natural, Aussie-made dog treats suited to your individual dog. Check the ingredients, recommended use and portion size rather than assuming every treat or chew suits every dog.
Our Kangaroo Jerky Dog Treats are one option to consider for festive rewards. Use appropriately sized pieces, supervise chewing and provide fresh water. You can also explore our healthy dog treats range and compare options for your dog’s age, size and dietary needs.
For more on decorations, batteries, summer heat and emergency precautions, read our Christmas dangers for dogs guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Christmas foods should I keep away from my dog?
Keep chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, chives, alcohol and products containing xylitol out of reach. Do not offer cooked bones or rich, fatty leftovers. If your dog eats something potentially harmful, contact your vet promptly.
How can I help my dog stay calm during Christmas gatherings?
Provide a quiet space with familiar bedding, water and a favourite toy. Keep routines as normal as possible, let your dog move away from visitors and reward calm behaviour. Ask your vet for help if your dog struggles with noise or visitors.
How should I choose Christmas dog treats?
Choose treats suited to your dog’s age, size, dietary needs and chewing style. Check the ingredients and product guidance, offer appropriate portions and supervise chewing. Treats do not replace a balanced diet or veterinary advice.
💛 From Our Pack to Yours
Christmas should be full of joy — not stress, panic googling, or emergency vet visits. With a few simple precautions and a little extra awareness, you can help keep your pup safe, happy and right by your side through all the celebrations.
Here’s to a Christmas filled with sunshine, snuggles, wagging tails and treats made with love.
Merry Christmas from the Bark with Buster Family! 🎄🐶💛
Last reviewed: 25 October 2026 at 2:47 pm AEDT.