Life at home
Are Christmas lights safe around dogs?
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
Christmas lights themselves are generally safe, but the cables pose a genuine chewing and electrocution risk for a dog inclined to nibble them, and any exposed bulb, particularly an older style that heats up, can cause a burn if touched or chewed. Secure cables out of reach and choose LED lights, which run considerably cooler than older incandescent styles.
Assessing the actual risks involved
The main concern with festive lighting is not the lights themselves but the cables, which a chewing dog, particularly a teething puppy, can damage enough to cause a genuine electrical injury, occasionally severe. Older style incandescent bulbs also generate real heat and can cause a burn on contact, a risk that modern LED lighting largely removes given how much cooler LEDs run.
Securing cables properly
Run cables along walls, behind furniture, or through cable covers rather than leaving them loose across floor areas a dog walks or lies near, and unplug festive lighting whenever you are not in the room to supervise, particularly overnight or during the day if your dog has unsupervised access to the room.
Choosing dog friendlier lighting
LED lights run cool enough that accidental contact rarely causes a burn, unlike some older incandescent strings, and are worth prioritizing for any area your dog frequents, like a tree or a low mantelpiece display. Battery operated string lights, where cables are shorter and no mains connection is involved, offer an additional layer of safety for lower, more accessible spots.
What to do if chewing happens
If you find chewed cable insulation or suspect your dog has bitten into a live cable, unplug the lights immediately at the source before touching your dog, then check for any visible injury to the mouth. Burns to the mouth, drooling, or reluctance to eat after a suspected cable bite warrant an urgent vet check.
Key takeaways
- The main risk from festive lighting is chewed cables, not the lights or bulbs themselves.
- Unplugging lights when unsupervised removes the electrical risk from an unwatched dog entirely.
- LED lights run considerably cooler than older incandescent bulbs, reducing burn risk on contact.
- A suspected cable bite warrants unplugging immediately and checking your dog's mouth for injury.