Keeping Dogs Safe at Christmas: A Calm, Practical Guide for Hampshire Dog Owners

Christmas is meant to be joyful — twinkly lights, good food, family gatherings and long winter walks. For our dogs, though, it can be a confusing (and sometimes risky) time of year.

Routines change, houses fill up, food appears everywhere, and the usual rules suddenly go out of the window.

A little forward planning goes a long way. Here’s a sensible, dog-centred guide to keeping dogs safe, settled and comfortable over the festive season.

1. Festive Foods: What’s Dangerous for Dogs?

Christmas food is one of the biggest hazards, especially in busy kitchens where things get dropped or offered “just this once”. Nobody wants a hugely expensive trip to the emergency vet over Christmas (and worse still, a very poorly dog!).

Foods to keep well out of reach include:

• Chocolate (especially dark chocolate)

• Mince pies, Christmas pudding, fruit cake (raisins, sultanas, currants)

• Cooked bones (particularly turkey and chicken)

• Onions, garlic and leeks

• Alcohol

• Fatty leftovers and gravy

  
  

Bin bags are a particular risk at Christmas — they smell incredible to dogs. Use a lidded bin or keep rubbish in a closed utility room or garage if you can.

If you’re worried your dog has eaten something they shouldn’t, contact your vet straight away. In Hampshire, it’s worth knowing your nearest out-of-hours clinic before Christmas Day.

2. Decorations, Trees & Tinsel

Dogs don’t see decorations as “special” — they see them as chewable, throwable or climbable.

Watch out for:

• Tinsel and ribbon (can cause serious intestinal blockages)

• Baubles and glass ornaments

• Fairy lights and trailing wires

• Pine needles from real trees (irritating if eaten)

If you have a dog who’s young, curious or easily over-stimulated, consider using a small barrier around the tree or decorating higher up than usual. It’s not being boring — it’s being sensible.

3. Guests, Noise & Overwhelm

Even dog-friendly homes can become overwhelming at Christmas.

Extra people, unfamiliar voices, children, music, doorbells and hugs can be a lot — especially for sensitive dogs.

A few simple things that really help:

• Set up a quiet retreat (another room, crate, or gated area)

• Let your dog opt out of interactions

• Avoid forced greetings or cuddles

• Give guests clear guidance: ignore first, let the dog choose

A calm dog is a safer dog — for everyone.

4. Walks, Cold Weather & Dark Evenings

Christmas walks are lovely, but winter conditions bring their own risks.

Keep an eye on:

• Slippery pavements and muddy fields

• Icy towpaths and forest paths

• Fireworks still lingering around New Year

• Reduced daylight — reflective or light-up collars help

If you’re visiting new places over Christmas, keep dogs on leads near roads or livestock, even if they’re usually reliable.

5. Routines Matter (Even at Christmas)

Dogs thrive on predictability. While Christmas inevitably disrupts routines, try to keep key anchors in place:

• Walks at roughly the same time

• Meals as normal

• Regular rest and downtime

If you know your dog finds change difficult, build in calming activities — gentle enrichment, sniffing, licking, or simply time away from the hubbub.

6. Travelling or Visiting Family?

If you’re taking your dog with you:

• Bring familiar bedding, chews and food. Particularly when they are in an unfamiliar setting, keeping their food and treats as normal will help keep their tummy happy. A snufflemat or lickimat is also a great idea to give them a way to decompress from all the unusual hustle and bustle.

• If your dog is sensitive eg dislikes being petted by strangers, it is your responsibility to keep him safe and you must advocate for him. Tell people what is okay - it is absolutely fine to say, "He's a hands off dog".

• Check garden fencing and gates on arrival

• Keep doors managed — dogs slipping out during arrivals is common at Christmas

If your dog is staying with a sitter, kennel or family member, leave clear written instructions and emergency contact details.

A Final Thought

A “good” Christmas for dogs isn’t about new toys or festive treats — it’s about feeling safe, understood and able to relax. A bit of planning now can prevent accidents, stress and emergency vet visits later.

From myself and Mango

at Mutterly Hampshire, we wish you and your dogs a calm, cosy and happy Christmas.