Holiday Puppy Safety Tips Goldendoodle Owners Should Know

by | Dec 9, 2025 | Goldendoodle Puppies, Health | 0 comments

Solid red curly Goldendoodle sitting in a Christmas box with white Christmas lights, located in Seattle, Washington.

The holiday season is full of excitement — twinkling lights, family gatherings, gift wrapping, delicious food… and if you’re welcoming a Goldendoodle puppy into the mix, even more joy.

But with all that excitement comes a few things every new puppy parent should be aware of. December is filled with sights, smells, and decorations that are totally new to your puppy — and some can be risky if you don’t plan ahead.

Here are the most important holiday puppy safety tips every Goldendoodle owner should know to keep your home merry, bright, and safe this season.

1. Christmas Trees: Beautiful, But Tempting

Between dangling ornaments, pine needles, and water additives, Christmas trees can be a puppy’s playground — or a hazard.

Keep your Goldendoodle safe by:

  • Securing the tree so it can’t tip

  • Avoiding tinsel (serious ingestion risk)

  • Placing fragile or sentimental ornaments higher

  • Covering the tree stand so your puppy can’t drink the water

  • Vacuuming fallen needles regularly (they can upset puppy tummies)

Puppies are curious — and Christmas trees are basically giant puppy magnets.

2. Skip the Toxic Holiday Plants

Some classic holiday plants are not puppy friendly.

Avoid or keep out of reach:

  • Holly

  • Mistletoe

  • Poinsettias (mild irritation)

  • Lilies (extremely toxic to cats & avoid for dogs too)

Safe alternatives:

  • Artificial plants

  • Puppy-safe greenery

  • Pet-friendly wreaths and garlands

Your decorations can still be gorgeous — and Goldendoodle safe.

3. Electrical Cords & Lights

Puppies love to chew. And holiday lights? They look like chew toys.

Keep wires safe by:

  • Using cord protectors

  • Taping cords down

  • Blocking access with gates or furniture

  • Unplugging decorations when not in use

If your Goldendoodle is teething, add extra chew toys to redirect them.

4. Holiday Food: Cute Begging Face… Big Risks

Goldendoodles are smart — they learn quickly that people drop food during the holidays. But many seasonal favorites are unsafe.

Never give your puppy:

  • Chocolate

  • Grapes or raisins

  • Sugar-free treats with xylitol

  • Alcohol

  • Turkey bones

  • Rich, fatty foods

  • Onions or garlic

Instead, offer safe puppy-approved treats:

  • Plain cooked chicken

  • Puppy training treats

  • Frozen blueberries

  • Small pieces of carrot or apple (no seeds)

Let guests know ahead of time not to sneak table scraps — it happens more often than you think!

5. Wrapping Paper, Ribbons & Small Toys

Wrapping paper is fun… until a puppy swallows it. Small toys, batteries, and ribbon can also be dangerous if chewed or ingested.

Keep your Goldendoodle safe by:

  • Cleaning up wrapping supplies quickly

  • Keeping kids’ new toys out of reach

  • Storing batteries safely

  • Tossing ribbons and bows after gifts are opened

Think of this as “toddler-proofing,” but fluffier.

6. Set Up a Calm Puppy Zone

Holiday gatherings can be overwhelming for young puppies — especially loud ones.

A designated puppy space can include:

  • A crate or playpen

  • A cozy bed or blanket

  • Chew toys

  • A water bowl

  • Soft music or white noise

This gives your Goldendoodle a safe place to decompress, nap, and avoid overstimulation.

7. Fireplaces, Candles & Wax Warmers

Puppies don’t understand heat, flames, or open fires.

Stay safe by:

  • Using fireplace screens

  • Keeping candles out of reach

  • Choosing electric or battery-operated candles

  • Avoiding scented wax warmers near puppies with sensitive noses

A little prevention goes a long way.

8. Doors, Guests & Outdoor Temperatures

With guests coming and going, doors open a lot — and Goldendoodle puppies are fast.

Tips:

  • Watch doors during gatherings

  • Use baby gates to block exits

  • Keep your puppy leashed when greeting guests

  • Limit outdoor time in freezing temperatures

Remember: Goldendoodle puppies still need protection from cold weather, even with fluffy coats.

The Heart of Holiday Puppy Safety

A Goldendoodle puppy brings more joy to the holiday season than almost anything else — but the holidays bring new sights, smells, and potential hazards your puppy has never seen before.

With a little preparation and awareness, your family can enjoy every magical moment safely.

And trust us — watching your Goldendoodle experience their first snow, first Christmas tree, and first cozy winter snuggle?
It’s unforgettable.

If you’re bringing home a holiday Goldendoodle puppy this year and want help preparing, we’re always here to guide you every step of the way.