How to keep your dog safe and happy this Christmas
Expert advice on festive foods, busy households, and keeping pets calm
Christmas is an exciting time of year, but it can also pose challenges for dog owners with an abundance of festive foods, decorations, and visitors.
Abigail Tate, rehoming manager at Dogs Trust Salisbury, is sharing tips to help ensure our furry friends stay safe and happy during the holidays.
Dangerous festive foods to avoid
Many festive foods can be harmful to dogs. Grapes, raisins, sultanas, and chocolate are all particularly toxic to your pet, so it's important to keep Christmas pudding and similar treats well out of reach.
Abi told us what our four-legged friends can eat safely: "Some safer alternatives for your dog could be sort of small portions of plain chicken or Turkey, removing the skin and the bones.
"Cooked veg such as carrots, peas, sprouts and potatoes, all safe, and of course your Christmas themed dog treats are all suited to your dog as well."
If you suspect your dog has eaten something they shouldn't, we're told to contact our local vets immediately.
Many vet services offer out-of-hours assistance during the festive period, so it's worth noting emergency contact details in advance.
Managing a house full of visitors
Dogs can become overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of busy households, especially during festive gatherings. To help keep pets calm, Abi recommends creating a safe, cosy space where your dog can retreat if things get too much.
"Your home is going to be considered your dog's happy place," she said. "Our top tips would be to make sure the dog has a safe, cosy space to retreat to when they're feeling overwhelmed. If all the festivities become a bit too much.
"Sticking to a routine as much as possible, especially when it becomes to walk and mealtimes, will provide a bit of stability for your dog."
Abi also emphasises the importance of understanding your dog’s body language to recognise signs of stress or worry and respond appropriately.
Christmas excitement, new toys, and energetic children can impact how dogs react. Abigail suggests ensuring dogs have access to a quiet, comfortable space where they can relax, potentially with calming music and some enrichment activities such as puzzle toys.
Parents should help visiting children understand the importance of giving dogs space and respecting their boundaries, ensuring the festive celebrations are enjoyable for everyone.
H2 - Including your dog in Christmas fun
While it’s lovely to involve your dog in the festivities, care should be taken with presents under the tree. If your dog might attempt to open gifts, keep them out of reach until it’s time to unwrap them.
Supervised enrichment activities, such as placing unwrapped treats in a snuffle box or using old towels and newspaper for a scavenger-style game, are safer alternatives for your pet to enjoy.
Abigail advises avoiding tape, ribbon, bows, tags, and other small decorations, as these can pose a choking hazard or be accidentally swallowed. Keeping your dog safe keeps Christmas joyful for everyone.