CHRISTMAS IS COMING!!
Managing Christmas for Dogs
Christmas can be a wonderful time, but for our dogs it can also be busy, noisy, and overwhelming. Changes in routine, extra visitors, exciting smells, and lots of new objects can all increase arousal levels. A little planning can go a long way in helping your dog feel safe and settled over the festive period.
Create Safe Spaces
Every dog should have at least one quiet, safe space they can retreat to when the house feels too busy. This might be a crate, a bed in a quiet room, or a familiar corner away from the main action.
Safe spaces are especially important when your dog has a chew or is enjoying a long-lasting enrichment activity. These should be calm, interruption-free zones, away from footfall and busy areas, where your dog can relax without being disturbed.
Make sure everyone in the household understands that when a dog chooses their safe space, they should be left alone, especially if they’re sleeping. Rest is essential for emotional regulation, and disturbed sleep can increase stress.
Expect Higher Arousal Levels
With visitors, excitement, and a change in routine, it’s normal for dogs to feel more stimulated at Christmas. You may see more jumping, restlessness, or difficulty settling.
Balance excitement with calm. Offer predictable routines where possible, calm walks rather than overly busy ones, and enrichment that encourages relaxation rather than hype. Licking, sniffing, and chewing activities are ideal for helping dogs decompress.
Calm Walks and Enrichment
Not every walk needs to be long or adventurous. Quiet, sniffy walks in familiar areas can help lower arousal and provide mental stimulation without adding stress.
Inside the home, enrichment in your dog’s safe space can help create calm. Licky mats, stuffed Kongs, snuffle mats, and safe chews are all great tools for supporting relaxation during busy periods.
Food Safety at Christmas
Christmas food can be dangerous for dogs, and no one wants an emergency vet visit over the holidays. Be especially careful with:
Chocolate
Mince pies
Christmas pudding and cake
Cooked bones
Fatty foods, stuffing, and leftovers
Keep food out of reach, manage counters carefully, and remind guests not to share food with your dog.
Manage Mealtimes and Counter Surfing
Human mealtimes can be particularly challenging for dogs, especially with tempting smells around. Set your dog up for success by giving them something appropriate to do in a separate space, such as a chew or enrichment toy.
Using gates, pens, or safe spaces can prevent counter surfing and reduce frustration while everyone eats in peace.
Toys, Noise, and Festive Hazards
Children’s new toys can be irresistible to dogs but may pose a choking or chewing risk. Encourage tidying toys away when they’re not in use and supervise closely.
Loud noises such as Christmas crackers, parties, and fireworks can be frightening for some dogs. Allow your dog access to their safe space, close curtains, play gentle background noise, and avoid forcing them to be part of celebrations.
Introducing a New Christmas Puppy
Bringing a puppy home at Christmas can be magical, but it needs careful thought. Puppies need time, patience, and consistency, not constant handling or excitement.
Keep routines simple, limit visitors initially, protect sleep time, and focus on gentle bonding rather than training or social pressure. A calm start helps build confidence and resilience long term.
A Calm Christmas for Everyone
Christmas doesn’t have to be stressful for dogs. By planning ahead, managing the environment, and respecting your dog’s need for rest and space, you can help them feel safe and supported throughout the festive season.
A calm dog is a happier dog, and that makes Christmas better for everyone.
