Christmas is a time of magic and wonder for our little ones, but it can bring lots of risks for our floofers. From festive foods to decorations, many holiday activities mean potential hazards to dogs. Being aware of these dangers helps keep your dog safe during the celebrations.
Taking simple precautions allows you to enjoy Christmas with your dog while avoiding accidents. Let’s ensure your dog has a happy and healthy holiday season along with you and your friends and family.
1. Secure the decorations
Christmas decorations can be very tempting for dogs. Dogs do not know the difference between new toys and treats, and your Christmas tree baubles and tree chocolates. Keep them all out of reach to prevent accidents. Hang everything high on the tree where your dog can’t get them.
Use sturdy hooks to attach decorations firmly. This stops them from falling and breaking if your dog bumps the tree. Avoid glass ornaments or anything that could shatter and harm your pet..
Tinsel and garlands pose choking risks. Skip these or place them well above your dog’s reach. If you use lights, tape down any loose cords to stop your dog chewing them and switch them off at the plug when you are not around to supervise.
Keep your Christmas tree safe by anchoring it to the wall or ceiling. This prevents it toppling if your dog gets too excited around it.
Put presents under the tree just before opening them. Curious dogs might try to unwrap gifts early, potentially eating something harmful. Store wrapped gifts out of reach until it’s time for Father Christmas to bring them and then do not let your dog in the room alone with them.
2. Provide a cosy dog bed
A comfortable bed is essential at any time for your dog, but especially during the festive season. It is often cold and drafty and some dogs suffer from acute caudal myopathy, and need to be keep warm. Choose a bed that’s big enough for your pet to stretch out fully.
Look for a bed with soft, warm materials like fleece or memory foam. This will help your dog stay cosy on chilly winter nights.
Place the bed in a quiet corner away from busy areas. Your dog needs a peaceful spot to rest away from the holiday hustle and bustle.
Add a few blankets to make it extra snug. Dogs love to burrow and create nests, so give them options to nestle in.
If your dog has joint issues or arthritis, consider an orthopaedic bed. These provide extra support for frailer pets.
Keep the bed clean by washing it regularly. This ensures a hygienic space for your dog to relax.
If you’re travelling for Christmas, bring your dog’s normal bed along. A familiar smelling sleeping spot can help them to settle in new environments.
Remember, a well-rested dog is a happy dog. A cosy bed will help your pet feel secure and content throughout the holiday season.
3. Pet-friendly advent calendar
You can include your dog in the Christmas countdown with a pet-friendly advent calendar. These special calendars are filled with tasty treats for your beastie buddy.
Many brands offer dog advent calendars with a variety of treats behind each door. Some even feature different textures and flavours to keep your pet interested throughout December.
When choosing a calendar, look for one with natural ingredients. Avoid those horrid rawhide monstrosities in bright colours with artificial additives and chemicals galore. Some calendars offer oven-baked treats suitable for dogs over 4 months old.
Remember to adjust your dog’s regular meals to account for extra treats. You don’t want to overfeed your pet during the festive season.
Always supervise your dog when giving them treats from the calendar and put the calendar out of reach when they have had their daily treat.
4. Maintain routines
Christmas can be an exciting time, but it’s important to keep your dog’s routine as normal as possible. Stick to regular feeding times and amounts, even with all the holiday treats around.
We do not generally advise getting into too many routines with a dog, as the dog can become quite stressed when these routines are not adhered to. However a dog who is already in routines will need you to stick to them more than ever when everything else is a little bit different.
Try to walk your dog at the usual times each day. Regular exercise helps reduce stress and keeps your pet happy. Try to take your dog yourself instead of asking anyone else to do it – your dog will appreciate some time out with you, away from the madness.
Don’t forget about toilets. Make sure your dog has plenty of opportunities to pee and poo, especially if there’s lots of activity indoors. Excitement can make them need to go more often than usual – as can all the snacks and treats they might be consuming.
Keep bedtime a bit normal. Set up a quiet space where your pet can rest away from noise and excitement if you are away from home. If you are at home, then make sure nobody pesters the dog in their bed.
If you’re travelling for Christmas, bring your dog’s bed, toys, food and food bowls. These familiar items will help your pet feel more at home in a new environment.
Remember that changes to your daily routines can be overwhelming for your dog. By maintaining as much of their normal schedule as possible, you’ll help your pet to feel calm and content throughout the Christmas break.
5. Christmas-themed dog toys
Christmas-themed dog toys can bring festive cheer to your pup’s playtime. You can find a variety of holiday-inspired toys that are both fun and safe for your dog.
Plush toys with squeakers are popular choices. Look for Santa, reindeer, or snowman shapes that your dog can cuddle and chew. Be sure to check for wear and tear and do not allow your dog to eat any stuffing.
Interactive toys can keep your dog entertained during busy holiday times. A Christmas puzzle toy with hidden treats can provide both mental stimulation and fun.
Remember to supervise your dog with new toys and remove any that get damaged.
6. Dog-friendly gatherings
Christmas is a time for socialising, and you can include your dog in the gatherings. When planning a get-together, make sure it’s safe and enjoyable for both humans and canines.
Before the event, arrange a meet-and-greet session with the other dogs who will attend. This helps ensure they get along well during the main event. You can hire a field to give them time to run around together and get to know each other. An on-lead walk a few times before being stuck in a house together will give them the chance to make friends and for you to assess if the other dogs will be suitable playmates for your own dog. Nobody wants to be breaking up dog fights at Christmas so making friends first is vital.
Create a designated quiet space for dogs who need a break. This area should have comfortable bedding, water, and some toys as long as none of the dogs are a resource guarding risk. Check out our video on resource guarding here if that is an issue for you!
Keep an eye on the noise levels. Christmas crackers and table fireworks can be frightening for dogs. Consider using these away from the pets only.
Inform your guests about any house rules regarding the dogs, such as which areas of the house are off-limits. This will reduce frustration later on when the dogs are jumping all over your fancy new sofas.
7. Invest in high-vis gear
Winter evenings can be dark and foggy, making it hard to see your dog during walks. To keep your pet safe, buy some high-visibility gear and lights for them to wear.
Reflective collars and leads are great options. They shine when headlights of cars go past, making your dog really easy for drivers to spot.
You might also want to get a reflective jacket for your dog. These come in bright colours with reflective strips, keeping your pet warm and visible.
Look for light-up collars or tags. These glow in the dark or have small LED lights, making your dog visible even without car lights.
Remember to wear high-visibility gear, and avoid wearing dark colours on dark nights yourself too. This helps both you and your dog stay safe on winter walks.
8. Safe treats
Christmas is a time for munching nice things, but not all human foods are safe for dogs. You need to be super careful about what your dog eats over the Christmas period.
Chocolate is a big no-no for dogs. It contains theobromine, which can be poisonous to dogs. Even small amounts can cause serious health problems. Dark chocolate is especially dangerous and if your dog eats some, you should call your vet for advice.
Stick to dog-friendly treats instead. Look for special Christmas dog treats that are made with safe ingredients. Many pet shops offer festive-themed biscuits and chews that are both tasty and safe. Just avoid the rawhide and instead stick to yummy biscuits, and natural meaty treats.
You can also make homemade treats. Christmas dog treat recipes often use ingredients like pumpkin, turkey, or cranberries. These can be a healthy and fun way to include your dog in the holiday celebrations.
Always give treats in moderation. Too many can lead to weight gain or upset tummies. Always have fresh water available for your dog.
9. Create a quiet spot
Christmas can be overwhelming and exhausting for your dog. Give them a calm space to relax away from the festive chaos.
Choose a quiet corner or room of your home for your dog’s safe space. Set up a comfy bed or crate where they can relax. Add their favourite toys and blankets and use Pet Remedy after teaching your dog the Fun Not Fear® Pyjama method.
Teach your family and guests to respect your dog’s quiet place. When your pet goes there, it means they need a break. Don’t disturb them. No kids running around and creating a noisy havoc. Pop in there yourself for some quiet time if you need to, too 
Consider using a crate with the door open as a safe haven, if your dog usually uses a crate. Cover it to create a nice dark little den. Place their familiar bedding inside for comfort.
Maintain your dog’s routine as much as possible. Take them for regular walks to help them stay calm and happy during the festivities.
10. Choose long lasting chew toys
At Christmas, your dog may be more excited than usual. Giving them durable chew toys can help keep them occupied and safe. Chewing, licking, sniffing can all help to lower the heart rate when your dog is feeling a bit overwhelmed and can help them to calm down and destress.
Look for toys made from sturdy materials like rubber or nylon. These can withstand your dog’s strong jaw and last longer than softer options. We like Kongs, as you can stuff them with nice things and they last even longer if you freeze them!
Avoid toys with small parts that could break off and become choking hazards. Always check toys regularly for signs of wear and tear.
Choose the right size toy for your dog. Too small, and it could cause choking if swallowed. Too large, and your dog might struggle to play with it properly or be unable to carry it around.
Vet-approved chew toys are a good option. They’re designed with safety in mind and can help maintain your dog’s dental health. You can generally find a range of tough suede and rubber toys in the vet’s reception area.
By providing durable chew toys, you’ll help keep your dog happy and reduce the chances of them chewing things they shouldn’t, around your home during the festive season.
Creating A Safe Environment
Making your home dog-friendly at Christmas is key to keeping them happy and secure. Remove hazards and choose decorations that won’t put your floofer at risk.
Pet-Proofing Your Home
Start by keeping wires and cords out of reach. Bundle them up and tuck them away to prevent chewing accidents. Secure your Christmas tree to stop it toppling if your dog bumps into it.
Place breakable ornaments high up, out of paw’s reach. Be careful with candles – keep them on high surfaces and never leave them unattended.
Create a quiet space for your dog away from the festivities. This gives them a safe retreat if things get too noisy or overwhelming.
Store all wrapping supplies out of the way, in boxes or sealed bags when not in use. Ribbons, tape, and small decorations can be choking hazards if swallowed. Scissors are particularly terrifying to see flying through the house hanging out of your dog’s mouth.
Safe Decorations For Pets
Choose pet-safe plants. Avoid toxic holly, mistletoe, and poinsettias, opt for artificial versions instead.
Beware of Christmas food toxic to dogs. Keep chocolates, mince pies, and other treats out of reach. Be extra cautious with artificial sweeteners like xylitol, which are extremely dangerous for dogs.
Use battery-operated LED candles instead of real flames. They provide a festive twinkle without the all the fire risk of open flame candles.
Avoid tinsel and edible decorations on your tree. These can be tempting for curious dogs to eat, causing horrible intestinal blockages.
Maintaining A Calm Atmosphere
Creating a peaceful environment for your dog during the festive season helps reduce stress and keeps your pet happy.
Managing Holiday Stress
The Christmas period can be a lot of hustle and bustle, especially in a normally quiet home. Noise from visitors, decorations, and changes in routine can cause anxiety and be scary to a dog who doesn’t understand what is happening. To help your dog stay calm, introduce decorations gradually. Allow them to get used to new smells and sights slowly.
When guests arrive, let your dog greet them at their own pace, if they wish to at all. Ask visitors to be calm around your dog and avoid sudden movements or loud noises.
Keep an eye on your dog for signs of stress, give them regular breaks, spend time with them in calm places and make sure they don’t eat anything they shouldn’t. Follow these simple tips and you shall have a very Merry Christmas with your floofer.
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