How to Tell If Your Dog is Enjoying Christmas Day

Many of us think of Christmas as the best time of the year, eagerly preparing decorations and planning festivities well in advance. However, just like people, dogs can find the holiday season either delightful or stressful, depending on their personality and sensitivity to changes.

Some dogs thrive on the excitement, basking in the festive atmosphere and the extra attention from family and friends. Others, however, may feel overwhelmed by the disruption to their usual routine, unfamiliar visitors, noises, and decorations, which can cause anxiety or stress. Understanding and reading your dog’s behaviour during this busy time is vital to ensure they have a happy and safe Christmas.

Veterinary experts in the UK emphasise that recognising stress signals early, maintaining as much of your dog’s ordinary routine as possible, and providing a calm, safe retreat are key to helping your dog cope well at Christmas. Your emotional state and calm demeanour also greatly influence your dog’s response to festive excitement.

Recognising When Your Dog Goes to Hide

If your dog feels uneasy, anxious or overwhelmed, they are likely to retreat to a quiet, secure corner or their crate if they have one. This is your dog’s way of self-soothing and taking a break from sensory overload. It is important to respect this choice, avoid forcing interaction, and allow them to return when ready. Providing a comfortable area with familiar toys or bedding helps your dog feel secure amid Christmas bustle.

Signs of Overstimulation and Acting Out

Excitement is natural, but overstimulation can lead to behaviour changes such as incessant barking, jumping up, destructiveness, or ignoring commands. These signs may indicate your dog is nearing their threshold. Similar to a child’s tantrum when overtired, your dog needs a time-out to calm down. Monitor your dog and step in with a quiet timeout area before behaviour escalates to protect their wellbeing and maintain household harmony.

Increased Clinginess or Seeking Reassurance

Changes to the usual routine and the ebb and flow of guests can make some dogs seek more contact and reassurance from their owners. While it’s natural to support your dog, it’s best to comfort without inadvertently increasing their anxiety. Consistency in feeding, walks, and playtimes reassures your dog that life continues as normal, helping reduce their stress.

Grumpiness or Snapping as a Clear Sign of Discomfort

If your dog becomes grumpy, growls, or snaps, it’s a direct signal they are unhappy or distressed. This behaviour is a clear request for space and less stimulation. Provide them with a quiet, undisturbed area to relax, and make sure other family members respect this. Avoid forcing interactions or overcrowding, and stick to their normal needs and routines.

Dealing with Unruly Behaviour During Christmas

Sometimes dogs exhibit bursts of unusual, unruly behaviour such as tearing around the house. While some moments can be playful, persistent unruliness might reflect overstimulation or confusion about rules in the festival excitement. Enforce usual training and rules consistently, and provide a quiet retreat to help your dog settle before rejoining activities. Ensuring your dog gets plenty of exercise and mental stimulation daily can prevent such outbursts.

Promoting a Calm and Joyful Christmas for Your Dog

To help your dog enjoy Christmas safely and happily, maintain their daily routine as closely as possible despite busy household changes. Prepare a safe haven where your dog can escape stimulation. Gradually introduce decorations and visitors to give them time to acclimatise. Remember that your calm leadership helps your dog remain relaxed, so keep your tone and actions gentle and reassuring.

Exercise your dog regularly to expend energy and promote well-balanced behaviour. Avoid feeding your dog rich human Christmas food which can be harmful and upset their tummy. Instead, treat them with dog-safe toys and treats best suited for their needs.

By watching for the above signs and responding with empathy and care, you can ensure your beloved pet has a truly festive Christmas experience filled with enjoyment and comfort.