Dog trainer urges all pet owners to remove Christmas item from homes

The festive period ushers in celebration and cheer, yet it can present unforeseen hazards for our four-legged friends. Dog trainer Amanda, who runs Dog Training With Amanda on Instagram, recently highlighted this concern with an essential warning for pet owners.

Focusing on the Christmas period, she offered crucial professional guidance that owners should heed throughout the holidays. Whilst it’s an enchanting time when homes are adorned with beautiful decorations, certain items can actually present significant risks to animals if not properly managed.

There are key considerations to bear in mind to safeguard your canine companion as the festive spirit takes hold. Surprisingly, even ingredients from your Christmas feast can create issues for your dog.

Amanda explained: “Your Christmas tree is magical, but your dog doesn’t know it’s not a playground. Christmas trees are gorgeous, but they come with a few hidden dog hazards that most owners don’t think about until something goes wrong.

“Puppies especially look at a decorated tree like it’s a brand-new enrichment activity delivered straight from the North Pole. A few simple tweaks make a huge difference.”

She added: “Keep breakable ornaments higher up, block access for the first couple of days so the novelty wears off, avoid chocolate decorations completely and supervise closely until the tree becomes ‘boring’.

“You don’t need to battle or constantly say ‘leave it’. You just need smart management and a little patience. A safe dog is a relaxed dog, and a relaxed dog makes for a much calmer Christmas.”

Put simply, any chocolate decorations on the tree must be removed. Whether it’s chocolate baubles adorning your tree, an Advent calendar hanging on the wall or a generous bowl of treats set out for guests during the festive period, chocolate must never be accessible to dogs so remove it or keep it tucked away.

The reason why is simple. Chocolate contains theobromine, a chemical that’s toxic to canines. The higher the cocoa content, the more dangerous it becomes.

Dogs must never eat chocolate and, should they manage to consume any, immediate veterinary advice is essential. The severity of the risk depends on the dog’s size, the variety of chocolate ingested and the quantity consumed.

The festive season brings numerous other potential hazards for dogs as well. This is due to the sheer volume of items placed throughout homes that could cause them harm.

What could harm your dog this Christmas?

It’s worth noting that several household items during the festive period could prove dangerous to dogs. Numerous Christmas foods are toxic to pets, including chocolate, raisins, onions, alcohol and rich meats.

Festive decorations such as tinsel, baubles, lights and salt dough ornaments can cause blockages or injuries to dogs, so vigilance is key. Additionally, many traditional Christmas plants like holly, mistletoe and ivy are toxic to dogs.

Changes in routine or an influx of visitors could also potentially stress your pet. It’s crucial to be mindful of these factors to avoid any emergencies.

If you have any concerns about your dog’s health over the festive period, it’s advisable to seek professional advice from a vet. If your dog exhibits signs of illness, immediate consultation with a veterinary professional is essential.