🎄 How to Keep Your Dog Calm During the Festive Season: A Complete Guide for Dog Owners
Share
The festive season is full of excitement — visitors, decorations, late nights, rich food, and lots of activity. But while we might love the buzz, many dogs can find December stressful, overwhelming, and unpredictable.
If your dog struggles with anxiety, reactivity, noise sensitivity, or changes to routine, this guide will help you support them through Christmas and into the New Year.
This article covers why dogs get stressed at Christmas and easy ways to keep them calm, relaxed and happy, no matter how busy the season gets.
🐶 Why Dogs Get Stressed at Christmas
Even confident dogs can feel unsettled during December. Common triggers include:
- Visitors and busy households
- Changes to routine (late nights, travel, fewer walks)
- Excitable children and unfamiliar people
- Loud noises, music, or Christmas crackers
- New decorations, smells and environments
- Extra food around (and the risk of stealing treats)
- Owner stress — dogs pick up on our emotions easily
Understanding these triggers can help you set your dog up for success.
🛋️ 1. Create a Safe, Calm Space
One of the best things you can do is set up a quiet “den” for your dog — somewhere they can retreat when things get too much.
✨ Tips for a calm corner:
- Choose a low-traffic area
- Add blankets, their bed, and something that smells like you
- Keep lighting soft and gentle
- Make sure children know this is a no-disturb zone
A predictable, quiet space is incredibly reassuring for anxious or sensitive dogs.
🎧 2. Use Background Noise to Reduce Stress
Background sounds help soften sudden noises like Christmas crackers or loud conversations.
Good options include:
- TV or radio
- White noise
- Calm playlists
- Gentle classical music
This is also a great strategy for dogs who struggle with New Year’s Eve fireworks.
🐾 3. Keep Walks Calm and Consistent
Dogs thrive on routine, and it’s easy for walk times to slip during the festive rush. Try to keep walks:
- At consistent times
- Calm and steady
- Away from busy areas where possible
Early evening walks are ideal to avoid fireworks or crackers later in the day.
🎁 4. Manage Visitors And Excitable Moments
Visitors can be overwhelming — even when your dog loves people.
Here’s how to keep things smooth:
- Ask guests to greet your dog calmly
- Let your dog choose if they want to interact
- Give them breaks throughout the day
- Supervise children and ensure respectful handling
A few boundaries make a huge difference to your dog’s comfort and confidence.
🧠 5. Offer Mental Enrichment to Reduce Anxiety
When dogs are mentally stimulated, they’re naturally calmer.
Try:
- Scent games
- Snuffle mats
- Simple hide-and-seek
- Short training sessions
- Puzzle toys or food enrichment
Just 5–10 minutes can reduce hyperactivity and pre-event jitters.
🍗 6. Stick to Their Usual Diet (With a Few Safe Treats)
December is full of tempting food — but diet changes can affect behaviour, sleep, and digestion.
To keep things balanced:
- Stick to their normal meals
- Offer dog-safe festive treats in moderation
- Avoid giving leftovers or rich foods
- Keep harmful foods out of reach (chocolate, raisins, stuffing, etc.)
A stable tummy = a calmer dog.
👨👩👧👦 7. Travel Smart and Give Rest Breaks
If you’re visiting family:
- Pack familiar bedding
- Bring toys, chews, and a calming routine
- Keep feeding times the same
- Give your dog time to decompress after travel
New environments are exciting but tiring — especially for nervous dogs.
🌟 8. Watch for Signs of Stress Early
Catching signs early helps you act before your dog becomes overwhelmed.
Common signs include:
- Pacing
- Lip licking
- Yawning
- Shaking off
- Hiding
- Excessive panting
- Barking or being clingy
If you spot these, give your dog some space, a quiet room, or a calming activity.
🎄 Supporting Your Dog Through a Busy December
With the right preparations, most dogs can feel comfortable and relaxed throughout the festive season.
Small changes — calm corners, consistent routines, gentle enrichment, thoughtful visitor management — make a huge impact on your dog’s wellbeing.
December is busy for us… but with a little support, it can still feel safe and predictable for them.
Shop Natural Calming Support: https://proflax.co.uk/collections/calming