How to involve your dog in Christmas

From wintry walks and festive treats to Christmas stockings for dogs, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the holiday season with your pet.

---

Christmas is a fun-filled time of year. With all the food, revelry and decorations, it's easy to see why we get so excited about it – and you should be able to include your four-legged friends in the festivities, too.

Here, we explore how to safely involve your dog in Christmas celebrations.

Wintry walks

While Christmas gives us an excuse to lie on the sofa watching films, dogs still need regular exercise. In fact, taking your dog to the park is a great incentive to get some fresh air and walk off all that turkey.

Winter walks also help to involve your dog in the pleasure of Christmas, while ensuring you both get the chance to stretch your legs and feel healthier. For an experience everyone can enjoy, why not persuade the whole family to go on a long walk on Christmas or Boxing Day? Your dog will love having so many people to play with and everyone will benefit from being outside.

Dog-friendly outings

If you’re going to a festive market over the holiday season – or if you’re heading out to admire the Christmas lights – check if the location is dog-friendly and take your pet along. You can even make it a doggy play date, inviting other friends and their dogs along, too.

If you’re thinking of going away on holiday over Christmas, you may consider taking your pet along to join in the family fun. If arranging a holiday with your dog, check before booking that your accommodation is pet-friendly, and plan ahead to build in plenty of rest stops on the journey. Remember to pack everything you and your dog might need on the trip – including their favourite toys!

A dog’s dinner

One of the best parts of Christmas is the food – especially a proper roast dinner with all the trimmings.

If you want to include your dog in the Christmas feast, offer them some turkey-themed treats or a dog-friendly Christmas dinner – both of which can be bought from a supermarket or pet shop. Alternatively, you could prepare a dog Christmas dinner for your pet, or make your own festive doggy treats.

Never feed your own Christmas dinner or treats to your pet, as some foods can be harmful or even toxic to dogs. Examples include cooked bones, chocolate, mince pies, gravy, stuffing, cake, nuts and sweets.

If you believe your dog has eaten something unsuitable, always contact your vet for help. If you have a Petplan dog insurance policy, simply log into your My Petplan account and go to My Support to access our Pet Expert Chat for 24/7 advice.

Presents for pets

Unwrapping Christmas presents can be hectic, especially if you have lots of young children in the house. To prevent your dog from feeling left out, you could give them a special Christmas gift of their own.

Christmas gifts for dogs could include a new toy or a sparkly Christmas collar. If you really want to treat them, a new dog bed or interactive training toy would likely be well-received. If you want to treat your pet on a budget, you can also make your own dog Christmas gifts.

Think about festive-themed treats to indulge your pet – though make sure these are factored into their daily food intake so they don’t gain weight. You can even get your pup their very own advent calendar or dog Christmas stocking, both filled with delicious festive treats.

Festive family photoshoots

Christmas is a popular time to share pictures of the whole family with friends and loved ones – and this can include pets.

While it’s fine to include your dog in the photo if they’re comfortable, don’t be tempted to put your pet in a costume. If a dog is restricted by clothing, it can be difficult for them to communicate feelings of stress and anxiety – and it can be frightening.

Festive films

Relaxing on the sofa with a Christmas film is the perfect way to wind down over the holidays. And that’s just what your dog will want to do with you after the hectic comings and goings of Christmas Day. They may be confused by new faces and changes to their usual routine, so take time to give your dog plenty of love and attention.

A safe space

If the house is unusually crowded – such as when family or friends come to visit – your dog might need a bit of space to relax.

Make sure they have access to a quiet part of the house where they can retreat if the noise or busyness gets to be too much for them – especially if you have a puppy or an older dog. Provide them with a safe space that has their bed, toys, and food and water bowls within easy reach. Just be sure to pop in and check on them regularly, so you know when they need to go out to use the toilet.

Christmas games

If the weather is bad and you can’t get out, create festive playtime at home with indoor activities for your dog.

You could play pass the parcel with some tasty treats hidden inside, or have an indoor treasure hunt. You could even set up an obstacle course with cushions and empty gift boxes to keep your furry family member entertained.