For many of us, Christmas is a season of joy, twinkling lights, bustling visitors and the comforting crackle of wrapping paper. But while humans soak up the festivities, experts warn that our dogs may be silently struggling.
Behaviour specialists are increasingly reporting an annual spike in canine stress at Christmas, triggered by disrupted routines, noisy celebrations and an overload of unfamiliar sights and smells. What looks magical to us can feel overwhelming to our four-legged companions.
Andrew Hale, canine behaviour expert and emotional well-being consultant at Pet Remedy, the natural calming brand used by vets, rescue centres and pet professionals across the UK, says the warning signs often go unnoticed.
“Christmas turns a dog’s world upside down,” Hale explains. “Their environment suddenly changes, people come and go, routines disappear, and for sensitive dogs this can be incredibly unsettling. We need to view the season through their eyes and support their emotional wellbeing, not expect them to simply ‘cope’ because it’s Christmas.”
He added: “Christmas should be enjoyable for the whole family, dogs included. Small changes to how we plan the festivities can transform the season from stressful to safe, and help our pets feel secure even when the house is bursting with activity.”
Below, Andrew shares the five essential steps every dog owner should take to keep their pets calm and content over the festive period.
Five ways to protect your dog’s emotional wellbeing this Christmas
1. Create a Safe, Quiet Retreat
Visitors, music and clinking glasses may sound harmless, but for some dogs it’s sensory overload. Set up a cosy, familiar space where they can retreat at any time, ideally a bedroom or a quiet corner with their bed, blankets and favourite toys.
2. Keep Routine as Normal as Possible
Dogs thrive on predictability. While days may be disrupted with parties and late nights, try to stick to regular walking, feeding and rest times. Stability can significantly reduce anxiety.
3. Watch Out for Christmas Hazards
Crackers, fireworks, party poppers and even rustling gift wrap can spook nervous pets. If your dog startles easily, warn guests and keep loud festivities to designated areas away from them.
4. Give Them Choices. Don’t Force Interactions
Not every dog enjoys being fussed over by excited children or well-meaning relatives. Hale says:
“Dogs feel safest when they have the ability to choose. If they move away from a situation, let them. Respecting a dog’s boundaries is the greatest gift we can give them during busy periods.”
5. Use Calming Support if Needed
For some dogs, natural calming products can make a world of difference. Pet Remedy, for example, uses a clinically proven blend of valerian, vetiver, sweet basil and clary sage essential oils to help soothe stressed pets. Available as a plug-in diffusers, sprays and wipes, it’s widely used by professionals who care for anxious, rescue and sensitive animals.
Find out more at www.petremedy.co.uk
