Christmas is a magical time of year… but not always for our dogs. With visitors coming and going, exciting smells, dropped food and shiny decorations everywhere, the festive season brings a surprising number of risks for our four-legged friends. In fact, a survey by The British Veterinary Association said that 77.3% of vets surveyed said they had treated cases of toxic ingestion in dogs caused by sultanas or raisins over the past 12 months – a key component of our favourite mince pies!

To help keep your home (and garden!) safe this Christmas, Poop Patrol has put together a simple guide to the most common holiday hazards and how to avoid them.

Hazard 1: Christmas Foods to Keep Away From Dogs

Chocolate

Found in advent calendars, tree decorations, selection boxes and gifts. Chocolate contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs.

Raisins, Sultanas & Grapes

A small amount can cause serious illness. These appear in mince pies, Christmas pudding and fruit cake.

Onions, Garlic & Leeks

Often used in stuffing, gravy and leftover roast dinners. These can damage red blood cells.

Alcohol

Spilled drinks and unattended glasses can cause sickness, wobbliness and collapse.

Cooked Bones

Turkey or chicken bones splinter easily and can cause choking or internal injuries.

Xylitol (Artificial Sweetener)

Found in some sugar-free snacks and peanut butters.

Macadamia Nuts

Sometimes in nut bowls or festive snack trays.

Tip: Show guests where to leave plates and warn children not to feed the dog “treats”.

Hazard 2: Christmas Decorations

Baubles & Ornaments

Shiny, dangling and irresistible to dogs. Glass baubles can shatter, and plastic ones can be swallowed.

Tinsel & Ribbons

These can cause blockages if eaten — especially by curious puppies.

Christmas Trees

• Tree needles can irritate the stomach.

• Tree water may contain fertiliser or bacteria.

• Low-hanging decorations can be pulled off easily.

Fairy Lights & Electric Cables

Chewing cables can cause electric shocks. Try to keep wires hidden or raised.

Hazard 3: Candles & Scents

Candles, wax melts and diffusers can burn noses or cause skin irritation if knocked over or spilled. Keep them high up and away from wagging tails.

Hazard 4: Winter Garden Dangers

Cold weather doesn’t remove outdoor risks — in fact, it can make them worse.

Hidden mess and bacteria

Dog waste lasts longer in cold weather and is harder to spot under frost or leaves. This increases bacterial risks for dogs and visiting children.

Rubbish & Leftover Food

Festival leftovers thrown into outdoor bins can tempt dogs into dangerous scavenging.

Sharp or broken objects

Winter storms can blow decorations or rubbish into gardens.

This is where Poop Patrol helps: a clean, checked garden reduces winter risks and makes your outdoor space safer for Christmas visitors.

What to Do if Your Dog Eats Something Unsafe

If you think your dog has eaten something harmful:

• Call your vet immediately

• If out of hours, contact an emergency clinic

• Keep any packaging or evidence

• Don’t wait for symptoms

Fast treatment makes the biggest difference.

If you’re hosting friends or family this Christmas, a tidy garden helps everything feel calmer, safer and ready for little ones (and visiting dogs).

Poop Patrol covers Clacton, Colchester, Frinton, Harwich, Walton, Dedham and the wider Essex area.

If you’d like to book a one-off Christmas clean or arrange regular visits, please use our contact form below and we’ll get you sorted.