Warning for pet owners - Elf on the Shelf hijinks put pets at risk

The Elf on the Shelf craze shows no sign of slowing, with over 731,000 videos on TikTok with the #ElfOnTheShelf hashtag and more than 9.4 million searches in December 2024 alone for the festive favourite. 

However, as displays become more elaborate, these picture-perfect setups could pose dangers for pets, from toxic materials to tiny accessories that could cause choking or intestinal blockages.

Why you should avoid food-related Elf on the Shelf displays

While Elf on the Shelf ideas are nearly endless, food-themed setups are some of the most popular. From elves building gingerbread houses to fishing for marshmallows in hot chocolate, these sweet scenes can easily tempt even the most disciplined and well-behaved pets.

Kara Gammell
Personal Finance & Insurance Expert

Be mindful of pets when setting up your Elf

Elf on the Shelf setups might seem harmless, but they can actually be risky for pets. Chocolate-related pranks, in particular, or setups including toxic treats like nuts, sweets containing artificial sweeteners or raisins pose serious risks of poisoning.

Pets, especially dogs, explore the world with their mouths, so it’s all too easy for them to eat something they shouldn’t.

Last year, there was a viral trend of leaving cooked bones arranged in an elf shape to pretend a pet had eaten the elf¹, but this kind of set-up could cause a serious emergency for your pet.

Despite the common myth that bones are good for dogs, cooked bones actually offer little nutrition and can easily splinter, causing painful mouth injuries, broken teeth, pancreatitis, or dangerous obstructions in the oesophagus, trachea, or intestines².

Other display materials that can pose risks

Popular Elf on the Shelf displays often include the use of cotton wool, cling film, plastic bags, and battery-powered devices – all of which can be hazardous to pets.

Parents are getting more creative with their setups, but this creativity can come with hidden dangers. Items containing batteries, such as remote controls or children’s toys, present a serious danger if ingested.

Eating a battery is extremely high-risk, and it’s crucial to contact a vet or a pet poison helpline immediately if this happens.

What to do if your pet eats something they shouldn’t

Research by the Royal Kennel Club found that dogs are53% more likely to be treated for eating something they shouldn't in December compares to the rest of the year³.

If your pet ingests a toxic substance or an indigestible item, a vet visit is essential. This includes items like antifreeze, household cleaning products, batteries, small toys, and even our favourite snacks, such as chocolate and grapes.

Instead of waiting for symptoms to appear, contact a vet straight away. Quick action can prevent minor issues from turning into serious gastrointestinal complications, which may result in x-rays, scans, medication, and potential surgery.

How much can treatment cost?

Treatment costs depend on your vet, whether it’s an out-of-hours appointment, and how serious the problem is. 

Treating foreign bodies in the gut or oesophagus can cost thousands of pounds, especially if hospitalisation, surgery, or treatment for complications is required. 

Kara Gammell
Personal Finance & Insurance Expert

Avoid the stress of emergency vet costs

When pets are sick or injured, getting them the care they need comes first, but the worry of the bill can be financially daunting. This is why pet insurance is so important.

You never know the kind of emergency your pet will get into – even when you take every precaution. Pet insurance helps to ensure you’re covered financially, so your focus at the vet can remain on your pet’s health, not how you’ll manage the cost.

<sup>Sources
1. TikTok
2. Animal Emergency Services
3. The Royal Kennel Club</sup>