Lifestyle
Dog Christmas and New Year Hazards in Australia: Keep Your Dog Safe This Summer
The festive foods, decorations, heat and fireworks that send Aussie dogs to the vet, and how to plan for them.
8 min read
In short
- Chocolate, grapes and sultanas, macadamias, onion and cooked bones are the festive foods to keep well out of reach.
- An Australian Christmas is hot, so shade, water and a cool spot matter as much as the tree does.
- New Year's fireworks and summer storms frighten many dogs, so plan a safe indoor space before the night.
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Christmas in Australia means barbecues, prawns, pavlova and a hot, noisy house full of visitors. For dogs it is a buffet of temptations and a few genuine dangers. Vet clinics are often busiest right after the holidays, and many cases are completely avoidable.
A little planning before the family arrives keeps your dog safe and lets everyone relax.
Festive foods to keep away from your dog
Chocolate, especially dark and cooking chocolate, is toxic to dogs. Grapes, sultanas, raisins and currants, which hide in Christmas cake and mince pies, can cause kidney failure in some dogs. Macadamia nuts, common in Australian treats, can cause weakness, tremors and vomiting. Onion and garlic, found in stuffing and gravy, are also harmful.
Cooked bones, such as ham and turkey bones, can splinter and cause choking or gut injuries. Fatty leftovers like ham fat or crackling can trigger pancreatitis. Also watch for xylitol, an artificial sweetener found in some sugar-free lollies, gum and baked goods, which is very dangerous to dogs. Our full list is in foods dogs cannot eat.
Decorations and presents
Tinsel, ribbon and string can cause blockages if swallowed. Glass baubles can break and cut paws or mouths. Chewing electrical cords is a risk for puppies. Some festive plants, such as lilies, poinsettia and holly, can irritate or poison pets. Keep the tree stable so it cannot be pulled over, and keep gifts with chocolate or food off the floor.
Christmas heat
Many Australian Christmases land on 35 degree days. Never leave your dog in a parked car, provide shade and fresh water, and walk early or late. Heat stress can be serious, so read our guide to keeping dogs cool in an Australian summer.
Fireworks, storms and busy houses
New Year's Eve fireworks and summer storms frighten many dogs. Signs include pacing, panting, trembling, hiding or trying to escape. Make sure your microchip details are up to date and your dog is inside, with a collar and ID tag, before dark.
Set up a calm space
- 1
Pick a quiet room
Choose an inside room away from windows, with their bed, water and a few familiar items.
- 2
Mask the noise
Close curtains and windows, and play calm music or the TV at a gentle volume.
- 3
Offer a distraction
Give a long-lasting chew or a stuffed toy to keep them busy.
- 4
Stay calm yourself
Dogs read your mood. Act normally and reward relaxed behaviour.
- 5
Talk to your vet early
If your dog is severely distressed, ask your vet about options well before the night.
A few products can help take the edge off. A snug-fitting wrap, a pheromone collar and a stuffable chew toy are common tools. They work better for some dogs than others, so try them well before the big night.
Thundershirt Dog Calming and Anxiety Jacket
A snug wrap designed to calm dogs during stressful events like storms and fireworks. Fit it correctly and let your dog get used to it beforehand.
- Calming and anxiety jacket
- Sizes available for different dogs
- Try it before the stressful night
Adaptil Calm Collar
A collar that releases dog-appeasing pheromones, designed to help with stress and anxiety. Choose the size to suit your dog.
- Calming dog pheromones
- Aimed at stress and anxiety
- Worn like a normal collar
KONG Classic Dog Toy (Medium)
A durable red rubber toy that you can stuff with kibble or treats and freeze, giving your dog something to focus on while visitors or fireworks come and go.
- Natural red rubber
- Stuffable with treats
- Dishwasher safe
Christmas dog safety checklist
- Keep chocolate, sultanas, macadamias and onion out of reach
- Bin all bones and food scraps in a lidded bin
- Tell guests not to feed your dog
- Secure the tree and tidy tinsel and ribbon
- Set up a quiet room before visitors arrive
- Check microchip details and ID tag
- Provide shade and fresh water all day
- Save your local and after-hours emergency vet numbers
Common questions
Can dogs eat Christmas ham?
A small plain piece is unlikely to hurt a healthy dog, but ham is salty and fatty, which can upset the stomach or trigger pancreatitis. Never give cooked bones.
Are Christmas trees safe for dogs?
Real and artificial trees can be hazards if pulled over, chewed or if water is drunk. Secure the tree, cover the base and keep ornaments out of reach.
How do I calm my dog during New Year fireworks?
Keep your dog inside in a quiet room with familiar items, mask the noise, give a chew toy and stay calm. For severe fear, speak to your vet beforehand.
What should I do if my dog eats chocolate?
Call a vet or emergency clinic immediately. Tell them the type and amount of chocolate and your dog's weight.