🎄🐾 Festive Paws: How to Keep Your Dog Safe and Happy This Christmas
‘Tis the season… for temptation
Christmas really is the most wonderful time of the year, full of food, family and festive chaos. But while we’re tucking into mince pies and mulled wine, our dogs are navigating a minefield of strange smells, tempting snacks, and sparkly hazards.
Here at Ollie’s Adventure Walks, we’ve seen it all - from Labradors sneaking pigs in blankets to curious pups trying to unwrap presents early. And while most festive mishaps end with a laugh, some can lead to upset tummies or worse.
So, we’ve rounded up our best tips (and a few gentle reminders) to help you keep your dog safe, comfortable, and happy throughout the holiday season.
The Christmas dinner danger zone
Let’s start in the kitchen. Because that’s where most festive trouble begins!
According to the Kennel Club, many traditional Christmas treats are actually toxic for dogs. Here’s what to watch for:
🚫 Chocolate – even a small amount can cause vomiting or worse.
🚫 Christmas pudding, cake and mince pies – raisins, currants and sultanas are all dangerous.
🚫 Onions, leeks and garlic – found in stuffing and gravy.
🚫 Bones and fatty meats – cooked bones can splinter, and rich foods can trigger pancreatitis.
🚫 Alcohol – no festive tipples for Fido, however persuasive their puppy eyes.
If you want your dog to join in the celebration, save them a small portion of plain cooked turkey and some unseasoned vegetables — or better still, keep a stash of dog-friendly Christmas treats on hand.
Decorations, trees and twinkly temptations
For dogs, a Christmas tree is basically a giant curiosity zone. There are dangling toys (baubles), crunchy branches, and an irresistible piney smell - what’s not to love?
Unfortunately, quite a lot!
The Vets Now Christmas safety guide warns that tinsel, fairy lights and ornaments can cause stomach blockages if chewed or swallowed, while tree needles can irritate paws and gums. And don’t forget the tree water, it can contain preservatives or fertilisers harmful to dogs.
Our advice:
🌲 Secure your tree (especially if you have an enthusiastic tail-wagger).
🎁 Keep lights and wires out of reach.
🍫 Don’t hang chocolate decorations, it’s not worth the risk!
And if you’re popping out for last-minute shopping or heading to a Christmas market, make sure your dog’s somewhere safe and calm, not left alone near temptation.
Guests, gatherings and over-excited pups
For many dogs, Christmas means a house full of people, noise and new smells. While some thrive on the attention, others can find the chaos overwhelming.
We always suggest setting up a quiet space, a comfy bed or crate in a separate room, where your dog can retreat when things get too busy. Remind children and guests not to disturb them there.
The Dogs Trust also recommend keeping dogs’ routines as normal as possible. Regular mealtimes, walk times, and rest breaks make a big difference to how settled they feel.
If you know you’ve got a particularly hectic few days coming up, lots of visitors, travel, or little downtime, our doggie day care can be a lifesaver. Dogs spend the day playing, socialising and relaxing in good company while you get everything done. And if you’re going away, our home boarding offers a calm, licensed, home-from-home environment where dogs are treated like family.
Christmas walkies: fresh air, calm minds
Even with a packed schedule, daily walks are still essential for dogs’ wellbeing, not just physically, but mentally too. A short countryside stroll helps them unwind, burn off energy, and process the excitement of all that festive noise.
We love a crisp Christmas morning walk through the fields around Hastings, the crunch of frost underfoot and the soft mist rising over the fields, the sound of distant church bells, and the sight of happy dogs bounding through frosty grass. It’s the perfect way to start (or recover from!) a big day of festivities.
If your calendar’s overflowing and you can’t squeeze in as many walks as usual, we can help. Our Adventure Walks run all year round,ensuring your dog gets the fresh air, stimulation, and companionship they need while you enjoy your celebrations guilt-free.
Common Christmas emergencies (and how to avoid them)
🎁 Choking hazards: Keep small toys, wrapping paper, ribbons and batteries out of reach.
🔥 Open flames: Candles and wagging tails are a risky mix,opt for flameless ones instead.
🕯️ Stress: Fireworks, visitors, or loud music can unsettle even calm dogs. Try calming aids or gentle background music.
🍷 Overindulgence: Watch for sudden vomiting, diarrhoea or lethargy after sneaky snacks, call your vet if you’re worried.
As Pets4Homes reminds us, prevention is far easier (and cheaper!) than emergency vet visits over Christmas.
A calm Christmas for every kind of dog
For us at Ollie’s Adventure Walks, Christmas isn’t just about glitter and gifts, it’s about love, comfort, and connection. Whether that means a muddy Boxing Day walk, a quiet nap by the fire, or a few safe treats shared between friends, it’s the simple moments that matter most.
So, from all of us (two- and four-legged alike), here’s to a safe, happy, tail-wagging Christmas — and if you need a hand keeping your dog active or cared for over the festive season, we’re here with plenty of warmth, walks and waggy cuddles.
Finding the fun in the frost
Winter walks don’t have to be about endurance. With the right gear, they’re a chance to experience the countryside at its most beautiful; mist rising over the fields, the crunch of frost underfoot, the quiet calm of nature taking a breath.
When everyone’s dressed right, the cold fades into the background, and all that’s left is the joy of movement, freedom, and fresh air.
That’s why we treat gear not as a chore, but as part of the ritual, the little preparation that turns a walk into an adventure. Because whether it’s rain, frost or golden winter sunshine, our dogs don’t care about the weather, they just care that we’re out there with them.
Related reads:
👉 Safe walks: How cold is too cold to walk your dog?
👉 Festive season: Dog home boarding at Christmas
👉 Winter walk gear: Coats, Boots and Visibility – Winter walk gear your dog actually needs
When it’s too cold to walk, we’ll make sure your dog still gets the exercise and care they need — safely and happily. 📅 Book your winter walk, home barding or daycare today.
Call Ollie on 07979 491808 / Louise on 07882 655416 to discuss your requirements., or email us on hello@olliesadventurewalks.com