Keeping Your Dog Safe & Calm During the Christmas Season
Christmas is a magical time for families — but it can be overwhelming for our dogs. From loud noises and unfamiliar visitors to tempting foods and decorations, the festive period introduces a whole new world of excitement and potential hazards.
At CotswoldK9, we believe that a safe, relaxed dog means a happier Christmas for everyone. Here’s how to make the season enjoyable and stress-free for your furry companion.
🎁 1. Create a Calm Christmas Sanctuary
Dogs often need a quiet retreat away from the hustle and bustle.
Set up a cosy space with:
- Their bed or crate
- Favourite toys
- Soft background noise
Let guests know this is your dog’s “safe zone” and should be left undisturbed.
🌲 2. Keep Decorations Dog-Safe
Christmas décor is exciting for dogs — sometimes too exciting.
Take care with:
- Baubles: Glass ones can shatter; opt for shatterproof where possible.
- Tinsel & ribbons: These can cause serious internal issues if swallowed.
- Fairy lights: Keep wires out of reach of chewers.
- Trees: Secure your tree so it can’t topple if a tail or curious nose gets too close.
🍗 3. Avoid Dangerous Christmas Foods
Some of our favourite Christmas treats are toxic to dogs.
Keep these firmly out of reach:
- Chocolate
- Mince pies & Christmas pudding (raisins/currants are dangerous)
- Stuffing (onions & garlic are toxic)
- Alcohol
- Leftover bones
Stick to dog-safe festive treats or CotswoldK9-approved chews.
🧒 4. Manage Visitors & Excitement
More people means more noise — and sometimes more stress.
Tips:
- Meet for a calm walk beforehand to help get energy out on neutral territory.
- Give your dog time to greet guests calmly.
- Ask visitors not to feed them scraps.
- Use baby gates if needed to create space.
- If your dog gets overwhelmed, retreat to their safe zone.
🔊 5. Reduce Noise Anxiety
Crackers, party poppers, and loud celebrations can startle dogs.
You can help by:
- Closing curtains
- Playing calming music
- Offering enrichment toys for distraction
- Use safe space, don’t let off loud noises close to the dogs.
❄️ 6. Keep Your Routine Wherever Possible
Dogs thrive on consistency.
Try to maintain:
- Usual feeding times
- Regular walks
- Play sessions
A stable routine helps them feel grounded amid the festive chaos.
❤️ A Calm Dog Makes for a Happy Christmas
With the excitement of Christmas, dogs can struggle with their space being taken.
Body language to look out for
- whale eye
- turning of their heads to avoid being touched
- stiff body
- rapid trial, ridged tail, tail tucked
- excessive lip licking
- excessive yawning
- moving away
With a little planning and awareness, Christmas can be just as enjoyable for your dog as it is for the rest of your family. From safe treats to thoughtful spaces, these simple steps ensure your four-legged friend feels included — and protected — throughout the celebrations.
If you’d like personalised advice or recommendations, the team at CotswoldK9 is always here to help.
