A Pet-Safe Christmas: 7 Festive Myths About Dogs and Cats Busted

In this guide

Myths about Christmas food  ·  Myths about festive plants  ·  Myths about decorations and the tree  ·  Myth: If they seem fine, they’re fine  ·  Myth: Pets are safest indoors, so ID doesn’t matter at Christmas

Myths about Christmas food

Myth: A little bit of chocolate won’t hurt

Fact: Chocolate contains theobromine, which dogs and cats cannot process well. Dark and baking chocolate are the most dangerous, but milk chocolate can still cause problems, especially for smaller pets. Selection boxes under the tree and chocolate decorations hanging from branches are easy targets for an inquisitive nose, so keep them well out of reach.

Myth: Mince pies and Christmas pudding are fine in tiny amounts

Fact: Grapes, raisins, sultanas and currants can be toxic to dogs, and there is no known safe amount. That means mince pies, Christmas cake, stollen and pudding should never be shared. Many festive treats also contain alcohol, which is harmful to pets.

Myth: Leftover Christmas dinner is the perfect treat

Fact: Onions, garlic, leeks and chives are toxic to both dogs and cats, and they hide in stuffing, gravy and pigs in blankets. Cooked bones can splinter, and very fatty scraps can upset tummies and may trigger more serious problems. If you would like your pet to feel included, a little plain, boneless turkey with no skin or seasoning is a kinder choice. Also watch for xylitol, a sweetener found in some sugar-free sweets and gum, which is dangerous for dogs.

Festive and practical: a reflective Christmas collar with your dog’s name and number engraved on the buckle.

Myths about festive plants

Myth: Poinsettias are deadly to pets

Fact: Poinsettias have a scarier reputation than they deserve. Their sap can irritate the mouth and stomach and cause drooling or sickness, so it is still sensible to keep them out of reach, but they are generally considered mildly toxic rather than deadly.

Myth: All festive flowers are equally risky

Fact: Lilies are the plant cat owners really need to worry about. Every part of the lily, including the pollen and even the water in the vase, can cause serious kidney damage in cats. If you have a cat, it is safest to keep lilies out of your home entirely and to gently mention this to anyone bringing flowers.

Holly and mistletoe can also cause stomach upsets if berries or leaves are chewed, so hang them high or choose artificial versions.

Myths about decorations and the tree

Myth: Cats know not to eat tinsel

Fact: To a playful cat, tinsel, ribbon and curling gift string look like the best toy ever. If swallowed, these long strands can become tangled in the gut and may need surgery. Keep them off lower branches and tidy wrapping away promptly on Christmas morning.

Myth: The tree is just decoration to a pet

Fact: Real tree needles can irritate mouths and paws, and tree water may contain additives, so cover the base. Secure the tree so it cannot topple if climbed, keep glass baubles higher up, and tuck fairy-light cables away from teething puppies. Homemade salt dough ornaments look lovely but contain a lot of salt, which can be harmful if eaten.

Pet-safe Christmas: myths versus facts at a glance

Myth: If they seem fine, they’re fine

Fact: Signs of poisoning do not always appear straight away. Some toxins take hours or even days to show their effects, by which point treatment can be more difficult. If you know or suspect your pet has eaten something they shouldn’t, call your vet immediately, even if they appear perfectly happy.

• Make a note of what was eaten, roughly how much and when.
• Keep any packaging to show your vet.
• Do not try to make your pet sick unless a vet tells you to.
• Check your vet’s out-of-hours arrangements before Christmas Day, so the number is ready if you need it.

Myth: Pets are safest indoors, so ID doesn’t matter at Christmas

Fact: Christmas brings visitors, deliveries and doors opening and closing all day. It only takes one excited moment for a dog to slip out after a guest, or a nervous cat to bolt from the noise. Microchipping is a legal requirement for dogs, and in England for cats too, and dogs in public should wear a collar showing their owner’s name and address. Clear, visible ID helps whoever finds your pet get them home quickly.

A festive collar can do both jobs beautifully. Our personalised Christmas red reflective dog collar has your dog’s name and number engraved on the buckle, with reflective detail for dark winter walks. For something extra special, the personalised tartan Christmas collar with optional bow tie is made for festive photos. You can browse the full range of Christmas pet collar designs or our everyday personalised collars.

Personalisation is free, and delivery is free in the UK and worldwide. Personalised items are made and dispatched within 7 days and then take 7–9 days to arrive, so for Christmas delivery in the UK please order by 3 December. Do double-check the spelling and phone number before ordering, as we engrave exactly what you type.

Frequently asked questions

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