Christmas dangers for dogs
A clear guide to Christmas hazards for dogs, from julefrokost foods to decorations and festive plants, with simple tips to keep your dog safe all season.
December brings candles, company and a julefrokost table full of things dogs find tempting. Most risks are easy to prevent once you know what to look out for, so here is a simple guide to keeping dogs safe during the season.
Safe tastes from a Danish Christmas meal
A traditional Danish Christmas meal, the julefrokost, often includes dishes that smell irresistible to dogs. If your dog is healthy and not allergic, a very small amount of plain food can be offered:
- plain roast pork or duck without skin, crackling or bones
- plain cooked salmon
- plain potatoes or sweet potato
- cooked vegetables like unsweetened red cabbage, carrots, peas or green beans
Everything should be unseasoned. Keep portions tiny, and introduce new foods slowly to avoid stomach upsets.
Foods to avoid on a julefrokost table
A typical julefrokost includes several items that can be harmful to dogs.
Pickled herring and other cured fish
High in salt, sometimes served with onion or spices that are unsafe.
Smoked salmon
Very salty and often too rich for dogs.
Fried fish fillets with remoulade
The batter, seasoning and sauces are not dog-friendly.
Roast pork crackling (flæskesvær)
A choking risk and extremely fatty.
Gravy (brun sovs)
Often contains onion and is high in salt.
Frikadeller, leverpostej and other seasoned meats
Usually contain onion, garlic or spices, which are unsafe for dogs.
Caramelised potatoes (brunede kartofler)
High in sugar and fat.
Risalamande and cherry sauce
Contains sugar and dairy. Cherry stones are dangerous if swallowed.
Alcohol (beer, snaps, aquavit)
Even small amounts can cause serious illness.
Anything with raisins or dried fruit
Found in some desserts and baked goods and highly toxic to dogs.
If your dog eats something questionable, call a vet straight away.
Christmas trees and decorations
Most fir and spruce trees are not very toxic, but the oils and falling needles can irritate your dog's mouth or stomach.
To keep things safe:
- hang fragile decorations higher up
- avoid edible ornaments
- keep fairy-light cables out of reach
- store wrapped food gifts away from the tree
- supervise dogs who like to chew or explore
Plants to watch around the home
Common festive plants that can make dogs ill include:
- poinsettia
- holly
- mistletoe
- ivy
- potpourri
Making December safer
Most risks are easy to manage with small adjustments. Keep tempting foods out of reach, tidy the tree area and supervise when needed. With a bit of awareness, your dog can enjoy a calm and safe Christmas right alongside the rest of the household.