Christmas season is full of sunshine, food, family, and festivity but for our pets, it can also bring risks that many owners don’t realise. From heat stress to sneaky ham scraps to sugary lollies left on coffee tables, the holidays can be a challenging time for both dogs and cats.
This guide explains the big risks pet parents should watch for over Christmas and New Year, why certain foods are unsafe, how to keep pets comfortable in the summer heat, and simple enrichment ideas (including frozen treats!) to help the silly season stay safe. You’ll also see how Happy Paws Pet Food helps you keep nutrition consistent even during the busiest weeks of the year.
Why Christmas Food Can Be a Problem for Pets
Aussies love a Christmas feast; seafood, roasts, puddings, ham, pavlova, but pets don’t know the difference between a safe snack and something that could send them to the emergency vet. Here are the most common Christmas foods that cause trouble:
Ham (and why vets warn against it)
Ham is extremely high in fat and salt and can cause:
- Pancreatitis, a painful and sometimes life-threatening inflammation of the pancreas
- Vomiting and diarrhoea
- Excessive thirst and dehydration due to salt
- Long-term issues for dogs with sensitive stomachs or existing conditions
Ham bones (and why they’re risky)
Ham bones, especially cooked or smoked Christmas ham bones are notorious for:
- Splintering and causing internal punctures
- Obstructions, especially from rolled or spiral bones
- Broken teeth
- High salt residue, which can upset the gut
Even raw feeders who give bones regularly should avoid ham bones altogether. The density, curing process, and salt content make them unsafe.
Lollies, candy canes, and sweet treats
Many Christmas sweets contain:
- Xylitol, which can cause seizures and liver failure
- High sugar, leading to vomiting, diarrhoea, and hyperactivity
- Chocolate, which is toxic to dogs and cats
- Raisins and sultanas, found in puddings and fruit mince pies (highly toxic to kidneys)
Pets often grab lollies from low tables, kids’ stockings, and gift bags so placement matters as much as the food itself.
Leftover fatty trimmings and gravy
These often cause:
- Gastric upset
- Pancreatitis
- Food-borne illness if left out too long
If you wouldn’t reheat it for a person, don’t give it to a pet.
Heat Risks During an Aussie Christmas
While the Northern Hemisphere is making snowmen, we’re melting in 35–40°C heat and our pets feel it even more intensely. Heat stress is one of the top reasons Australian dogs visit emergency vets in December and January. Watch for:
- Excessive panting
- Drooling
- Red gums
- Wobbliness
- Vomiting
Immediate shade, cool water, and veterinary care can save a life.
Practical ways to keep pets cool
- Provide shaded areas outdoors, umbrellas, pergolas, cooling mats
- Avoid exercise in the middle of the day
- Keep walks early morning or late evening
- Add extra water bowls around the house
- Use cooling coats or wet towels for dogs that overheat easily
- Bring your pets indoors during heatwaves
Fun and Safe Summer Treat Ideas
Christmas doesn’t need to be “no fun” for pets, you can still spoil them without risking their health. Here are some safe, cooling treat ideas your pet will absolutely love.
1. Frozen BARF bites
Simply take small blobs of Happy Paws Pet Food Ultimate BARF, spoon them into silicone moulds, and freeze.
Great for:
- Slowing down digestion
- Mental enrichment
- Hot days
2. Ice block enrichment bowls
Fill a bowl or slow-feeder with:
- Water or bone broth
- A few pieces of raw food
- Blueberries, dog-safe veggies, or a smear of peanut butter (xylitol-free only)
Freeze for a few hours and serve as a supervised summer treat.
3. Frozen lick mats
Spread BARF, goat’s milk yoghurt, or blended fruit/veggie mix on a silicone lick mat and freeze.
Perfect for anxious dogs, crate time, or visitors arriving.
4. DIY “pupsicles”
Blend:
- Watermelon (seedless)
- Coconut water (plain)
- A spoon of BARF or a favourite topper
Pour into ice cube trays and freeze.
Holiday Hazards You Might Not Expect
Visitors and open doors: Dogs can bolt unexpectedly when guests arrive. Microchips and collars are essential at Christmas.
Ribbons, wrapping paper, and toys: Cats especially love chewing tinsel, string, and ribbon — but these can cause dangerous intestinal blockages.
Christmas plants: Lilies, holly, and poinsettias can irritate or poison pets. Keep out of reach or avoid them entirely.
BBQs and seafood scraps: Skewers, prawn shells, and cooked bones commonly cause choking or GI issues.
How to Keep Your Pet’s Routine Steady During the Busy Season
With late nights, parties, travel, and school holidays, December can throw feeding routines out the window.
A few tips help keep pets grounded:
- Feed at consistent times
- Stick with familiar foods rather than holiday leftovers
- Prepare your portions ahead of time
- Make sure pets get safe spaces to rest, away from visitors
If you’re travelling, organise pet-sitters early and prepare meals in advance.
How Happy Paws Pet Food Helps Over the Christmas Period
Keeping your dog’s diet consistent and balanced is even more important when everything else is chaotic.
Here’s how Happy Paws Pet Food makes Christmas feeding stress-free:
Human-grade sourcing: We choose premium ingredients that meet strict food standards, a safer option when holiday leftovers are everywhere.
Refrigerated, temperature-controlled delivery: Your order arrives frozen, even in summer heatwaves across QLD, NSW, and ACT.
Complete and balanced Ultimate BARF recipes: Our meals take the guesswork out of nutrition when you’re too busy for DIY prep.
Portion-friendly trays and rolls: Easy to defrost, freeze into enrichment treats, or pack into travel coolers.
Auto Delivery for the holidays: No need for emergency pet food runs between family gatherings. Subscribers receive 5% off, can skip or reschedule, and stay stocked even during the festive rush.
Safe Enrichment Ideas for Christmas Day
If you want your dog occupied while the family opens presents:
- Give a frozen BARF lick mat
- Offer a supervised raw meaty bone (vet-appropriate for your dog)
- Use puzzle toys filled with BARF
- Set up a cool resting zone indoors with treats hidden around the room
Mental stimulation burns more energy than most walks — ideal when it’s scorching outside.
Your Christmas Pet Safety Checklist
A safe Christmas for pets is simple when you know what to avoid and how to plan ahead.
Most problems come from:
- Heat stress
- Ham and fatty foods
- Christmas sweets
- Cooked bones
- Overexcited visitors and open doors
You can keep your pet safe by:
- Sticking to complete and balanced meals
- Avoiding dangerous human foods
- Offering cooling enrichment
- Keeping routines steady
- Preparing for heatwaves
Happy Paws Pet Food makes this even easier with human-grade ingredients, balanced BARF meals, reliable refrigerated delivery, and simple portions that turn into perfect frozen treats.
With the right steps, your best friend can enjoy the festive season comfortably, safely, and with plenty of delicious (and vet-approved!) fun.