Managing Occasions: Christmas

The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and indulgence—but for our dogs, it can also bring stress, anxiety, and hidden dangers. From sparkling decorations to tempting festive foods, Christmas presents unique risks for pets.

The team at RFFDMSUK has created this comprehensive guide to help pet parents navigate the season safely and ensure their furry companions have a happy, stress-free holiday.

Festive Decorations – A Hidden Hazard

Tinsel, Baubles & Christmas Trees

While decorations bring magic to our homes, they can also pose serious risks to dogs.

• Tinsel looks like a shiny rope and may be mistaken for a toy—but if swallowed, it can cause intestinal blockages.

• Baubles may resemble a ball for fetch, but broken shards can lead to injuries.

• Christmas trees may provoke fear or curiosity in pets—introduce them gradually and supervise interactions.

🚫 If your dog consumes any decorations, contact your vet immediately.

Candles & Scented Items

🔥 Candles can be easily knocked over by excited tails—always place them out of reach.💨 Scented candles & air fresheners can affect dogs’ behavior and even cause reactions, so use with caution.

Dressing Up – What’s Safe?

The RFFDMSUK team understands that some pet owners love dressing up their dogs for Christmas photos. While this is your personal choice, your dog's comfort and safety come first.

✔ If dressing up, ensure:

✅ Clothing isn’t restrictive or uncomfortable

✅ Your dog is desensitized to wearing outfits over time

✅ You monitor for signs of pain, distress, or discomfort

🐶 If your dog dislikes dressing up, respect their preference!

Managing Anxiety During Christmas Festivities

💡 Is your dog used to being alone at night? Will their routine change?

If you're planning to go out and leave your dog home alone, consider ways to ease their stress:

✔ Provide a safe space where they feel secure

✔ Play calming music to minimize environmental noise

✔ Conduct test runs before big gatherings

🚫 RFFDMSUK does not recommend leaving chews or enrichment toys alone with pets due to choking risks. Instead, ensure your dog is exercised, fed, toileted, and settled before you leave.

Christmas Food – Know What’s Toxic

The festive feast is central to Christmas, but many popular foods can be harmful—or even deadly—to dogs.

Toxic Christmas Foods:

🚫 Chocolate (contains toxic theobromine)

🚫 Pigs in Blankets, Stuffing & Gravy (high salt & fat content)

🚫 Cooked Bones (can splinter & cause internal damage)

🚫 Raisins, Sultanas, Pastries, Cakes & Sweets (some ingredients can cause toxicity)

⚠ If your dog consumes any toxic food, contact your vet immediately!

Fear & Stress – How to Help Your Dog

Christmas is exciting for humans, but it can be overwhelming for dogs.

Potential Stress Triggers:

🔊 Loud voices, running children, constant visitors

🎆 Fireworks & noisy celebrations

🎭 Strange costumes & unfamiliar sounds

💡 If your dog struggles with festive anxiety, consider natural calming solutions such as:

✔ Dorwest Herbs

✔ Proflax Supplements

✔ Nutravet Calming Products

✔ Consulting a holistic or conventional vet for tailored support

Creating a Safe Retreat for Your Dog

Regardless of whether you're entertaining or home alone, your dog needs a space to retreat when overwhelmed.

✅ What Makes a Good Safe Space?

✔ A crate, a cozy room, or under a desk

✔ Clearly marked off-limits to guests

✔ Large enough for standing & turning comfortably

✔ Access to water at all times

✔ Soft bedding & optional cover to reduce outside noise

🎄 Making your dog’s safe space accessible ensures they always have a peaceful escape from festive chaos.

Final Thoughts

Christmas should be fun, safe, and stress-free for everyone—including your pets.

With proper planning, mindful food choices, and a secure environment, dogs can enjoy the magic of Christmas alongside their families.

🎁 The best present? A safe and happy dog!

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