Christmas is a magical time full of sparkle, visitors, rich foods and festive chaos – but for our dogs, it can also bring risks that we don’t normally encounter during the rest of the year.
Here’s how to keep your Collie safe, calm and happy over the holiday season.
Open fires, wood burners and hot radiators can all be tempting for dogs who love a warm spot.
Always use a fire guard and supervise closely, especially if you have visiting children who may forget to keep a safe distance.
Christmas is full of delicious indulgences… but many traditional festive foods are dangerous – even deadly – for dogs. Here are the biggest hazards to keep away from curious paws and noses:
Found in mince pies, Christmas pudding, fruit cake and stollen.
Even tiny amounts can cause acute kidney failure.
Common in gravy, stuffing, soups, stocks and sandwiches.
These damage red blood cells and can lead to life-threatening anaemia.
Turkey, goose or ham bones splinter easily and can cause choking, internal damage, or blockages.
Whether it’s brandy on the pudding or mulled wine on the floor, alcohol is extremely toxic to dogs.
The darker the chocolate, the higher the theobromine levels.
Can cause vomiting, agitation, seizures and even heart complications.
Often found in festive nut mixes.
Causes weakness, tremours and overheating.
A sweetener found in sugar-free treats and some peanut butters.
Can cause rapid hypoglycaemia and liver failure.
Not a food, but extremely important at this time of year.
Even a small lick of spilled antifreeze can be fatal – mop up spills immediately.
Important: This is not an exhaustive list. Buffets, grazing tables, coffee tables full of nibbles and visiting relatives can create endless opportunities for accidental snacking. Supervision is your best defence.
If your dog eats something suspicious, contact your vet immediately or use the veterinary poisons line.
It’s natural to want to share Christmas leftovers with your dog, but sudden changes in diet (especially rich, fatty foods) can cause vomiting, diarrhoea or pancreatitis.
Stick to dog-safe items they’re used to, and avoid feeding from plates or the table – it can create unhelpful habits that linger long after Christmas.
Your Christmas tree can be magical… and a hazard.
Avoid placing the tree where your dog usually stands to look out of the window.
Consider securing the tree to a wall or ceiling hook.
Keep lower branches free of breakable ornaments.
Check the water in real tree stands – it may contain pine sap or preservatives that are toxic to dogs.
Keep tinsel, ribbons and wrapping paper out of reach – these are common causes of intestinal blockages.
Avoid edible decorations such as popcorn strings, chocolate coins or salt-dough ornaments.
Don’t store food gifts under the tree. Dogs can unwrap presents!
Popular festive plants like Poinsettia, Amaryllis and Mistletoe can all cause stomach or mouth irritation.
Keep them well out of reach.
Supervise play with new toys (yours or the children’s!) and only give your dog toys designed for pets.
Avoid leaving knives, skewers or cocktail sticks within reach.
Keep bin bags secured in a dog-proof bin.
Make sure family members know where your First Aid Kit is and how to contact the emergency vet.
Christmas can be overwhelming for dogs: noise, routine changes, new faces, different smells and lots of overstimulation.
A few simple strategies help enormously:
Stick to your dog’s usual feeding, walking and resting routine where possible.
Use their meals for training, enrichment and slow feeding – Kongs, Lickimats and scatter feeding can help them relax.
Give them permission to opt out of the chaos by creating a quiet, safe space to rest.
Keep dogs out of the kitchen while cooking – hot hobs and pans are dangerous.
When guests are coming and going, it’s easy for a dog to slip out unnoticed.
Use baby gates, leads or a safe room when welcoming visitors.
Practise boundary games and door manners ahead of time.
Ensure your dog’s ID tag is correct and their microchip details are up to date.
Christmas can be especially hard for worried dogs.
Provide a quiet room or crate where they can retreat.
Don’t force interactions with visitors.
Brief all guests—especially children—on how to behave around your dog.
Use baby gates to protect everyone’s space.
Remember: scared dogs may bite if overwhelmed.
With a little planning and mindfulness, your Christmas can be magical and safe for your dog.
From all of us here at Collie Culture – wishing you and your Collie a calm, cosy and joyful festive season!
