From tinsel to turkey – what’s merry (and what’s not) for our four-legged friends

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🎅 The Most Wonderful (and Sometimes Tricky) Time of the Year

At Doggy Dawdles, Christmas is one of our favourite seasons — frosty morning walks, cosy fires, and of course, plenty of extra cuddles. But while the festive season can be magical for us, it can also bring a few hidden dangers for our dogs.

From tempting foods and sparkly decorations to the bustle of visitors, Christmas can sometimes overwhelm or accidentally harm our canine companions. With a little awareness and planning, we can make sure the season stays merry, bright, and safe for everyone — wagging tails included!

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🍗 Christmas Foods: What’s Safe (and What’s Not)

Let’s start with the table — because we all know how hopeful those puppy eyes get when the roast comes out! While a few festive foods are safe for dogs in moderation, others can be seriously harmful.

✅ Festive Treats That Are (Mostly) Safe:

• Plain turkey or chicken (boneless and skinless) — a lean source of protein (Depending on individual dogs sensitivities/allergies).
• Steamed or raw vegetables like carrots, green beans, and broccoli.
• A little mashed potato or sweet potato (without butter, milk, or seasoning).
• Dog-safe treats or natural chews as special rewards.

🚫 Foods to Avoid:

• Chocolate – contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs.
• Mince pies and Christmas pudding – raisins, currants, and sultanas can cause kidney failure.
• Stuffing and gravy – often contain onions and too much salt.
• Bones – cooked bones can splinter and cause internal injuries.
• Alcohol and caffeine – both are extremely dangerous for dogs.

💡 Tip: Even if your dog has eaten something small and seems fine, call your vet right away for advice. Some toxic effects take hours to show.

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🌿 Festive Plants and Flowers: Pretty but Perilous

Christmas brings plenty of greenery indoors — and while they look lovely, many festive plants can cause upset stomachs or worse.

🚫 Keep These Out of Paw’s Reach:

• Poinsettia: Causes irritation to the mouth and stomach.
• Mistletoe: Can lead to vomiting, diarrhoea, and low heart rate.
• Holly and Ivy: Contain saponins that upset tummies and can cause drooling.
• Lilies: Extremely toxic to cats, but best avoided around all pets.

Instead, try pet-safe alternatives like artificial garlands, rosemary sprigs, or dried orange slices for a festive look without the risk.

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🎁 Toys, Tinsel, and Temptations

We get it — Christmas trees are basically big, sparkly playgrounds from a dog’s point of view! But a few decorations can pose hidden hazards:

• Tinsel and ribbons can cause dangerous intestinal blockages if swallowed.
• Baubles and ornaments can shatter and cause cuts or choking.
• Fairy lights may look enticing to chew but can lead to electric shocks.

If your dog is the curious type, consider placing the tree in a room where you can supervise or use a safety barrier.

🎁 Good News!
At Doggy Dawdles, we’ve stocked up on a small selection of safe, durable dog toys — perfect for keeping your dog entertained while you unwrap your own gifts.

We have a limited supply available, so if you’d like one, please get in touch via our Facebook page

We’d love to help you choose something fun and festive for your pup!

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🐾 Managing the Festive Chaos

Christmas often means more visitors, louder homes, and changes to routine — all of which can be confusing for dogs. Here are a few ways to help them cope:

• Keep their routine as consistent as possible — same walk times, same feeding schedule.
• Set up a calm space (like a quiet room or crate) where they can retreat if things get too noisy.
• Use calming aids such as Pet Remedy diffusers or sprays to take the edge off (We have a cheeky discount code for you 🙂 ).
• Reward calm behaviour when guests arrive — it helps reinforce that visitors aren’t scary.
• Avoid forcing festive outfits — some dogs tolerate them, others feel stressed or restricted.

Remember: a relaxed dog is a happy dog, and the best gift you can give them is understanding and patience.

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❄️ A Few Festive Walk Tips

Winter walks can be magical — crisp air, frosty fields, and that special Christmas sparkle. Just keep a few things in mind:

• Watch out for grit and salt on pavements, which can irritate paw pads. Wipe paws after walks.
• Avoid frozen ponds or lakes — they’re never as solid as they look.
• Keep dogs visible with reflective coats/harness or LED collars during darker evenings.
• Keep a towel handy to dry off wet fur and prevent chills when you get home.

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🎄 A Final Word from Doggy Dawdles

At Doggy Dawdles, we know dogs are part of the family — and Christmas simply wouldn’t be the same without them. With a little care, the holidays can be full of safe treats, cosy naps, and joyful moments together.

Whether you’re baking cookies, decorating the tree, or curling up by the fire, remember: your dog doesn’t need a perfect Christmas — just your love, your time, and maybe a squeaky new toy.

🎁 Psst… Don’t forget!
We’ve got a limited stock of dog toys waiting to go to loving homes — message us on Facebook to grab yours before they’re gone:

From all of us (and all the wagging tails) at Doggy Dawdles —
Merry Christmas, and thank you for letting us be part of your dog’s story this year! 🐾💛

This blog is part of a blog circle check out bugzyzdogs essential tips for pet owners.