Christmas means visitors, new smells, wrapping paper and a kitchen full of food dogs shouldn't eat. A few simple plans keep your dog calm, busy and out of trouble, and make the day easier for you too.
Before the visitors arrive
- Give a good sniff walk in the morning. A dog that has had a chance to explore is more likely to settle later.
- Set up a quiet retreat away from the action: a bed, water and a chew in a room or crate where they won't be disturbed. Ask visitors, especially children, to leave the dog alone there.
- Prepare frozen stuffed toys the night before, so you have something calming ready to hand out.
Calm enrichment for a busy day
| When | Idea |
|---|---|
| As guests arrive | A frozen stuffed toy in their retreat |
| During lunch | A lick mat or long-lasting chew, away from the table |
| Afternoon lull | A treasure hunt or scatter feeding in the yard |
| Present opening | A cardboard box of their own with treats wrapped in paper (no tape, ribbon or plastic) |
| Evening | A quiet sniff walk once the house calms down |
Christmas foods to keep away from dogs
- Christmas pudding, fruit mince pies and fruit cake: grapes, raisins and sultanas are toxic to dogs.
- Chocolate, including chocolate decorations on the tree.
- Ham, pork crackling and fatty leftovers, which can trigger pancreatitis.
- Cooked bones from the turkey or roast, which can splinter.
- Onion and garlic, including in stuffing and gravy.
- Macadamia nuts, alcohol and anything sweetened with xylitol.
- Corn cobs, skewers and string from roasts, which can cause blockages.
Plants and decorations
Lilies, holly, mistletoe and poinsettias can be toxic to pets, so keep them out of reach. Tinsel, ribbon and string can cause blockages if swallowed, and glass baubles and light cords are best kept above nose height.
Dog-safe festive treats
- A plain, frozen stuffed toy made from their normal food, topped with a little plain turkey (no skin, bones or seasoning).
- A lick mat with plain pumpkin or yoghurt and a few blueberries.
- A wrapped "present" of treats in plain paper for them to unwrap, with supervision.
Gift ideas for dogs
- A snuffle mat or lick mat.
- A durable rubber food toy for frozen recipes.
- A flirt pole for high-energy dogs.
- A food puzzle toy at the right difficulty.
- A week of enrichment written for them, from Henry.
Sources and further reading
Nikola lives with Henry, a Hungarian Vizsla, and wrote his weekly enrichment plan by hand for months before turning it into this app. Not a vet or a qualified behaviourist: the guides draw on everyday experience with a high-drive gundog and on published guidance from animal welfare organisations, which is linked where it is used.
Frequently asked questions
Can dogs eat Christmas ham?+
It's best not to. Ham is very fatty and salty and can cause stomach upsets and pancreatitis.
What do I do if my dog eats Christmas pudding?+
Call your vet or an emergency vet straight away. Grapes, raisins and sultanas can cause kidney damage, and quick treatment matters.
How do I keep my dog calm with visitors?+
Give them a good sniff walk first, set up a quiet retreat, and give long-lasting calm activities like frozen stuffed toys and lick mats there. If your dog is fearful or reactive with visitors, talk to a qualified behaviour professional.
Are Christmas trees dangerous for dogs?+
Chewed tinsel, ribbon, baubles and light cords can all be dangerous. Keep decorations out of reach and supervise around the tree.
