The quiet, cosy days between Christmas and New Year are the perfect chance to slow down — and spend a little extra quality time with your dog.
But this “in-between week” can also bring changes in routine, richer food, colder weather, and busier homes, all of which can affect your dog’s wellbeing.

Here are five simple, gentle things you can do to keep your dog happy, calm and healthy during this restful week.

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🧣 1. Take a Long, Lazy Winter Walk

December walks don’t need to be fast or fancy.
A slow, steady winter stroll helps:

• Burn off festive excitement
• Support digestion after richer food
• Reduce stress
• Boost mental wellbeing (for you and your dog)

Choose quieter routes, let your dog sniff more, and enjoy the slower pace together.

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🌲 2. Explore a New Local Trail or Footpath

If your routine has been the same for weeks, a gentle change of scenery can do wonders.

New routes offer:

• Fresh smells
• New textures and surfaces
• Natural enrichment
• A reset for bored or restless dogs

It doesn’t have to be far — even a street or green space you don’t usually visit can feel like an adventure to your dog.

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🎬 3. Have a Cosy Movie Night With Blankets

This week is built for blankets, films and slow evenings.
Dogs pick up on our calm energy — and curling up together can help them settle after the excitement of Christmas Day.

Try:

• Dimming the lights
• Adding extra blankets or a warm bed
• Keeping noise low and predictable
• Offering a chew or enrichment toy to help them relax

It’s simple, but it makes a huge difference.

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🧠 4. Try a Gentle “Brain Workout”

Mental enrichment is one of the easiest ways to keep dogs relaxed without over-exerting them — ideal for cold, dark December days.

You could try:

• A few minutes of fun training
• A simple scent game (hide treats around the room)
• A snuffle mat
• A puzzle toy
• Practising one easy skill (sit, touch, down)

Short, positive sessions help burn mental energy and settle the nervous system.

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🍠 5. Make a Simple Dog-Safe Festive Snack

If your dog has been eyeing up the leftovers, you can offer something safe and simple instead.

Good options include:

• A spoon of plain mashed sweet potato
• A few blueberries
• A bit of cooked carrot or green beans
• A small piece of plain turkey (no skin or bones)

These gentle snacks can support digestion during a week when rich human food is everywhere.

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💚 A Gentle Week for You and Your Dog

This quiet stretch between Christmas and New Year is a chance to slow down, reconnect, and reset before January begins.
A little extra time, a warm blanket, a calm walk or two — it all adds up to a smoother, happier, more settled week for your dog.

Whether you’re staying home, visiting family, or doing very little (the dream!), these small rituals help your dog feel safe, calm and close.