Dog-Friendly Christmas: 10 Tips for a Stress–Free and Happy Christmas

The best Christmas gift you can give your dog this year is recognising what they need. Whether it’s a quiet space to retreat to, toys that match their interests, or simply giving them time to unwind, it’s crucial to provide an environment that prioritises their happiness and safety. Dogs at Christmas are often faced with unfamiliar surroundings, so ensuring they feel comfortable is key.

Caroline has decades of experience working with dogs, specialising in behaviour that stems from anxiety, overstimulation and misunderstanding their needs and behaviours —common issues during busy times like the festive season. Her focus is always on what dogs need to feel safe and content in their world, and Christmas with your dog is no exception.

Let’s dive into how you can create a safe and happy Christmas with your dog this holiday season.

For many of us, Christmas is all about family, friends, decorations, and endless amounts of food and drink. But for some dogs, the festivities can often feel overwhelming. Imagine having super-sensitive hearing and an extraordinary sense of smell, and suddenly, there are new, loud sounds, unfamiliar people, and tempting food smells everywhere.

Many dogs thrive on routine, so changes like rearranged furniture, constant doorbells, or a bustling household can create stress. It’s not just the noise and excitement that can affect them, but the unfamiliarity of it all. Recognising these potential triggers is critical to ensuring your dog remains calm and happy.

It’s essential to stay attuned to your dog’s behaviour during the festive period, as anxiety can manifest in various ways:

• Excessive panting or drooling
• Pacing or restlessness
• Excessive hair loss
• Hiding or seeking isolation
• Increased vocalisation (barking, whining)
• Loss of appetite or refusal to eat
• Destructive behaviour (chewing furniture, scratching doors)
• Licking or biting themselves excessively

If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to take action and help your dog feel more comfortable.

Here are 10 simple but effective tips to ensure a dog-friendly and stress-free Christmas for dogs:

1. Secure the Christmas tree

Stabilise the tree: Make sure it’s anchored securely so it won’t tip over if your dog bumps into it.

Create a barrier: Use a baby gate or other barrier to keep dogs from getting too close to the tree.

2. Use dog-safe decorations

Avoid tinsel: Tinsel can be irresistible to dogs but can cause serious digestive issues if swallowed.

No edible ornaments: Don’t hang food-based ornaments like chocolate coins—your dog might be tempted to chew them.

Protect electric cords: Hide or cover electrical cords to prevent chewing accidents.

Avoid glass ornaments: These can break easily and cause injuries. Keep fragile decorations higher up or out of reach.

3. Beware of toxic plants

Avoid toxic plants: Plants like poinsettias, holly, mistletoe, and lilies can be harmful if ingested. Opt for artificial versions or keep them out of reach.

4. Dog-friendly gifts

Wrapped presents: Keep gifts with food (like chocolates or cookies) away from where your dog can access them. Remember, some human foods are toxic for dogs!

Choose durable dog toys: If you’re gifting toys, ensure they’re safe and appropriate for your dog’s size to avoid choking hazards. Dog Christmas gifts should be fun but safe.

Monitor present unwrapping: Some dogs may find the noise and excitement overwhelming. Keep the door open so they can retreat to their safe space if needed.

5. Food safety precautions

Table scraps: Foods like chocolate, onions, and raisins can be harmful to dogs. Ensure guests know not to feed them table scraps. For a comprehensive list of foods that are unsafe for dogs, check out our A-Z What Can My Dog Eat? guide—your go-to resource for keeping your dog safe.

Secure rubbish bins: Make sure bins are sealed and out of reach, as dogs might rummage for leftovers.

6. Maintain a routine

Stick to their schedule: Keep your dog’s feeding, walking, and play routine as normal as possible to minimise stress.

Safe space: Provide a quiet, comfortable room where your dog can retreat if the noise or excitement becomes too much. If your dog jumps up with new visitors to your home, preempt this by ensuring they are placed in their safe room before you open the door to visitors. Ask visitors not to engage with your dog until you say it’s ok (when your dog has become peaceful in their presence), and then you let them out to join the party. If your dog jumps up, guide them down gently, making no big deal. Repeat and retreat if needed.

Home alone: If your dog will be spending more time alone during the festive season due to social events or work commitments, it’s crucial to ensure they have everything they need to stay happy and comfortable. For dogs that struggle with being left alone, my guide on separation anxiety offers helpful tips to keep them calm and content while you’re away.

7. Handling barking and deliveries

Acknowledge barking: When your dog barks at the door, acknowledge their effort calmly. Step between them and the door, look out and guide them away calmly. This way, you’re showing them that you appreciate their call to action and that they can now ‘stand down’ and relax.

Limit their view: Try to block access to the front door or window to reduce the urge to be on guard.

8. Be mindful of loud noises

Poppers and crackers: These sudden bangs and booms can be startling for some dogs, making them feel unsafe. I know they make me jump. The difference is I’m able to understand there’s no threat. A dog, on the other hand, is likely to feel under fire. Dogs live very much in the now, and threats seem real even if we see that they are not.

Ensure your dog has an exit route or a quiet space to retreat to if startled.

Fireworks: The loud noise and vibrations from fireworks can be incredibly distressing for many dogs. If you or your neighbours plan to celebrate with fireworks, ensure your dog has a safe space to retreat. For more detailed advice on helping a dog anxious around fireworks, check out my blog for practical tips and guidance.

9. Manage excited children

Supervise interactions: Your children may be well-versed in how to treat their dog—by not running towards them, not disturbing them during mealtimes, not walking around with food in hand, and knowing where to stroke, etc. But in moments of excitement, all this can fly out the window.

Always supervise interactions and consider giving your dog a break in a safe room if things get too chaotic, where they can enjoy a well-earned rest.

If your dog struggles with being alone, it’s so beneficial for them to learn. In my guide, Overcoming Separation Anxiety, you’ll find helpful tips on how to build your dog’s confidence when spending time alone.

10. Make your dog a Christmas meal

Special meal: Treat your dog to a Christmas feast made with safe, dog-friendly ingredients. For a quick and easy option, ProDog’s festive raw dog food meal, Three Kings Feast, offers a delicious, nutritionally balanced meal with a festive twist. Just defrost, pop the lid, and serve— a complete, dog-friendly Christmas meal in one tub!

Christmas treats: If you love getting creative in the kitchen, why not whip up some dog-friendly Christmas recipes? Or, for a hassle-free option, treat them to our festive bundle of healthy dog treats—they’ll go wild for it! It’s the perfect way to make sure they feel included in the holiday fun.

Discover ProDog’s Festive Raw Dog Food

Treat your dog to a hassle-free special Christmas meal created especially for them

Your dog’s ultimate Christmas gift is your understanding of what they truly need. Some dogs love being in the thick of the action, while others might prefer a quiet spot away from the festivities.

Do dogs get excited for Christmas? Dogs have no idea of what Christmas is, and ‘excitement’ isn’t the state of mind I’d suggest aiming for to make the holidays a happy time for them. Remember, what we see as over-excitement in our dogs is rooted in fear and stress.

Creating the right environment for ‘them’ and recognising what lights them up and what stresses them out is key to helping them have a happy, safe holiday. If your dog thrives on one-on-one time, carve out moments where you can go for a peaceful walk together, away from the noise. If they enjoy playing with dog toys, choose durable ones they can safely enjoy. Ultimately, allow them to do what makes them happy rather than forcing them into situations they find stressful.

A safe and happy Christmas for your dog

By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your dog has a stress-free and enjoyable Christmas. Whether creating a safe space for them, maintaining their routine, or being mindful of the decorations and food hazards, your dog’s well-being should be a top priority during the festive season. Remember, the best gift for your dog at Christmas is a home environment where they feel safe, loved, and understood.

Enjoy the festive period!