The holidays leave behind more than good memories. In early January, many homes still have leftover food in the fridge, cookie tins on the counter, decorations waiting to be boxed up and gift packaging piled by the trash. For a curious dog, that is a lot of temptation. A careful post-holiday cleanup is a good way to start the year safely.
Leftovers that can be risky
Many holiday foods are rich, fatty or seasoned, and some contain ingredients that are toxic to dogs. Items to keep out of reach include:
- Chocolate and cocoa, including baked goods and candy
- Grapes, raisins and currants, often found in fruitcake, stuffing and baked goods
- Onions, garlic, leeks and chives, common in gravies, stuffing and casseroles
- Foods sweetened with xylitol, which can appear in some sugar-free treats, gum and baked goods
- Macadamia nuts and other nuts
- Cooked bones, which can splinter
- Fatty trimmings, skin and gravy, which can upset the stomach and have been linked to pancreatitis
- Alcohol and unbaked yeast dough
When in doubt, do not share. If your dog gets into something on this list, call your veterinarian or an animal poison control service right away.
Trash and packaging
The kitchen trash after a holiday meal is full of things that smell wonderful and can be dangerous: meat strings and netting, foil, plastic wrap, corn cobs and bones. Use a trash can with a secure lid, or keep it behind a closed door, and take bags out promptly. Gift packaging brings ribbon, string, tape and small plastic pieces that can cause problems if swallowed. Gather these up as you go.
Decorations coming down
Taking decorations down can be as hazardous as putting them up, because small items end up on the floor. Watch for:
- Ornament hooks and broken ornament pieces
- Tinsel and garland, which can be risky if swallowed
- Light strands and extension cords
- Fallen pine needles from real trees
- Holiday plants such as holly and mistletoe, which can cause illness
Vacuum carefully after taking the tree down, and pack boxes in a room your dog cannot access.
New gifts and gadgets
New toys, chews and electronics arrive with the holidays. Check that new dog toys are the right size for your dog and supervise at first. Keep button batteries, which are found in many small gadgets and remotes, well out of reach, since they can be very harmful if swallowed. Human gifts like scented products, essential oils and new medications should be stored safely, too.
Back to routine
Holidays can disrupt a dog’s feeding, walking and sleeping schedule. January is a good time to return to regular meals and walks and to set aside the extra treats that crept in. If your dog shows vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, a painful belly or any unusual behavior after the holidays, contact your veterinarian. A tidy house is a safer house, and your dog will settle more easily into the new year.
