PupkeeperCaution
Christmas decorations and dogs: what to do
Caution. Tinsel, ribbon, ornaments and light cords can choke dogs, block the gut or burn the mouth; chewed live cords are an emergency.
If your dog ate or touched this, call your vet or a pet poison line now
United States
Poison lines in other countries: United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Belgium, France, JM, PR, Singapore, Switzerland, TT, VI
Christmas decorations and dogs: key facts
- Verdict
- Caution · Call your vet or a poison line
- What it can do
- Vomiting, loss of appetite, choking or trouble breathing, pale gums and burns in the mouth from chewed cords.
- What to do now
- Call your vet or a pet poison line now. All steps
- Sources
- PDSA, VCA Animal Hospitals, Pet Poison Helpline. Reviewed 9 October 2026.
What to do now
- Call your vet or a pet poison line now.
- Go to an emergency vet if your dog chewed a live cord or is struggling to breathe.
- Keep ornaments, tinsel and ribbon out of reach and secure the tree.
Don't
- Don't hang edible decorations within your dog's reach.
Symptoms to watch for
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Choking or trouble breathing
- Pale gums
- Burns in the mouth from chewed cords
Why
Ribbon and tinsel can cause a gut blockage, ornaments can lodge in the throat, and some tinsel contains zinc. Chewing light cords can cause burns and electric shock.
Sources
- PDSA: Dangerous Christmas Decorations
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Holiday Safety Tips for Dog Owners
- Pet Poison Helpline: Tinsel
Guide reviewed 9 October 2026. Page updated 7 November 2026.
General information from the sources above, not a diagnosis. When in doubt, call your vet.