Few things are as magical as Christmas decorations. The warm lights, pops of green and blue, and the hope of snowfall make everything feel so whimsical. However, if you own a dog, you need to take a little extra care to make sure your holiday décor is safe for your four-legged friends. Many common decorations and Christmas items have hidden dangers that many don’t know about until it’s too late. For Christmas this year, keep your pets safe, your wallet happy, and your decorations festive by avoiding or limiting access to these items:  
  •       Salt dough ornaments A classic homemade ornament for dog owners is the salt dough paw print. These inexpensive DIY ornaments are popular due to the ease of creation, but the high salt content of the dough can be toxic to dogs if consumed. Because of their appetizing appearance and smell, many dogs consume salt dough ornaments every year resulting in salt toxicity that can make your dog quite sick or even lead to kidney failure. It’s best to avoid these altogether and opt for a safer option like dog-safe ink and press ornament kits.
 
  •       Tinsel Dogs and cats alike are drawn to this shiny, stringy Christmas tree accessory. At first glance, it seems harmless and to be fair, it has a very low toxicity rate in animals. However, tinsel, if ingested, can cause choking, intestinal blockages, and even slice through the intestinal tract. Some dogs may pass it without issue, but it most certainly requires a trip to the vet if eaten to be sure everything is okay.
 
  •       Breakable glass ornaments Most dog owners know this one by now, but it’s worth reiterating. Glass or non-shatterproof bulbs and décor always pose a threat to our animals. They can break and cause cuts to paws, or if they’re consumed, they can cause lacerations in the mouth, throat, and gut. If you suspect your dog has ingested a breakable ornament, get in touch with your vet immediately to mitigate injury and hopefully avoid costly surgery.
 
  •       Batteries Any battery-operated item can become a serious problem if your dog is rather curious. Big-time chewers could find themselves with chemical burns if they puncture a battery or even develop heavy metal poisoning. Ingesting batteries is just as dangerous with the potential to leak chemicals into the gut or cause electrical currents that damage surrounding tissue. While some dogs may pass batteries without issue, others may need surgical intervention. In any case, getting in to see your vet will be of utmost importance.