Christmas is a wonderful time, but it can also be very busy and overwhelming for dogs, especially those who may have only recently settled into their new home. Extra visitors, excited children, new smells, decorations and changes to routine can all be a lot for our four-legged friends to take in.
A few simple ways to help your dog feel safe and secure this Christmas:
Stick to their routine
Where possible, keep walks, feeding times and bedtimes the same. Familiar routines help dogs feel calm and reassured, even when everything else feels different.
Give them a safe space
If your dog feels nervous or unsure around visitors, make sure they have a quiet area they can retreat to where they won’t be disturbed. Let guests know this is your dog’s “safe zone”.
Give them space (especially with new toys and treats)
New toys and tasty treats can be exciting, but some dogs may prefer to enjoy them on their own. Allow your dog space when they’re chewing or exploring something new and encourage visitors and children to give them space too. This helps prevent overwhelm and keeps everyone safe.
Manage excitement levels
Christmas can be over-stimulating. Encourage calm greetings, supervise interactions with children, and don’t be afraid to limit visitors if your dog finds busy environments stressful.
Puppy-proof your home
Dogs are naturally curious, and puppies especially love to explore the world with their mouths. With extra gifts, wrapping paper and decorations around at Christmas, it’s important to keep floors and low surfaces clear. Items such as ribbons, tinsel, small toys, batteries and bits of packaging can easily be picked up and chewed, which may cause harm if swallowed.
Festive food – what to watch out for
Some Christmas treats can be dangerous for dogs, including:
Cooked bones (especially turkey bones – they can splinter)
Mince pies, Christmas pudding and cake (raisins/sultanas)
Chocolate
Alcohol
Onions, garlic and stuffing
Safer alternatives include:
Plain cooked meat (no seasoning or bones)
Dog-safe treats
Plain vegetables such as carrots, green beans, broccoli, parsnips or sprouts (cooked or raw, without butter or seasoning)
As a general guide, treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily food intake, with the rest coming from their normal diet.
Flowers, decorations & small items
Be mindful of festive hazards such as:
Toxic plants (including poinsettias, mistletoe and holly)
Tinsel, baubles, ribbons and wrapping
Small decorations that could be swallowed
Keeping these items out of reach can help avoid emergency trips to the vets.
Most importantly, remember that it’s absolutely okay to advocate for your dog, to speak up for their needs, set boundaries with visitors and give them space when they need it. Helping your dog feel safe in their own home makes Christmas more enjoyable for everyone.
Wishing you and your dog a safe, calm and happy Christmas.
If you need help or support our teams will be working the following hours over the festive season:
Christmas Eve – 8:30-4
Christmas Day – CLOSED
Boxing Day – CLOSED
27th – 30th – 8:30 – 4:30
New Years Eve – 8:30-4
New Years Day – CLOSED
Birmingham Centre – 0121 643 5211
Wolverhampton Centre – 01902 790 618
