A Perfectly Canine Christmas – Tips for Making Christmas Special for the Whole Family

Christmas is the most magical time of the year, and for many of us, that magic wouldn’t be complete without our four-legged friends. Our dogs are part of the family, and they deserve to share in the joy and festivities of the season. 

From decorating to gift-giving, these are our top tips for creating a dog-friendly Christmas that the whole family will enjoy.

Create a Dog-Friendly Christmas Environment

Transforming your home into a festive wonderland is one of the highlights of the season, but it’s important to keep your dog in mind when decorating.

Pet-proof your decorations

• Choose shatterproof baubles and avoid tinsel, which can be dangerous to our pets if ingested.

• Place ornaments higher up on the tree to keep fragile or potentially dangerous items out of reach.

• Avoid using edible decorations like popcorn garlands or chocolate ornaments—temptation can be too much for curious noses!

Set up a cosy spot
With the hustle and bustle of the season, your dog might need a quiet retreat to escape to when the holidays get busy.

Create a snug corner with their favourite dog bed, away from loud gatherings and excited children. You could even add some festive touches with a Christmas-themed cushion or new cosy winter blanket to make it extra special.

Let guests know in advance not to feed them scraps and to respect their space.

Secure the tree
Dogs and especially puppies, might see the Christmas tree as their new playground. Secure it to the wall or use a heavy, stable base to prevent accidents.

Plan a festive Christmas feast for your dog

Food is a big part of the Christmas celebration, and your dog doesn’t have to miss out. To avoid them nabbing something they shouldn’t from the Christmas table, you could pre-emptively create them a festive meal of their own. 

It is important to avoid foods that are toxic to dogs (like chocolate, onions, and grapes), but there are plenty of safe options for a special Christmas dinner.

Prepare a canine-friendly feast:

• Cook some plain turkey or chicken with no seasoning as the main treat.

• Add a side of steamed vegetables like carrots or green beans for a touch of health.

• Top it off with a dollop of mashed sweet potato or a sprinkle of dog-friendly gravy.

Spend an afternoon baking homemade dog biscuits in festive shapes like bones, stars, or trees. Use safe ingredients like oats, peanut butter (check that it’s xylitol-free), and pumpkin puree. These treats can also double as thoughtful gifts for other dog owners in your life.

For more present ideas, take a look at our Christmas gift guide 2024.

While it’s tempting to share table scraps, many human foods can upset your dog’s stomach or pose serious risks. Keep leftover bones, rich gravies, and sugary desserts well out of reach of your pets.

Fun festive games for you and dog

Christmas is full of activities and traditions, and there are plenty of ways to involve your dog.

Embrace winter walks
There’s something magical about a frosty morning walk on Christmas Day. Bundle up and take your dog for an adventure in the crisp winter air. You could even pick a scenic route with festive decorations or snowy landscapes.

Play fun, festive games

• Hide and seek with treats: Use a new Christmas toy or festive snacks to play a game of hide and seek around the house.

• Doggy scavenger hunt: Create a mini treasure hunt with wrapped treats hidden around the living room.

Stick to their routine

Amid the festivities, try to maintain your dog’s regular routine for feeding, walks, training and playtime. This consistency will help them feel less stressed.

Watch for hazards

• Keep chocolates, mince pies, and other dangerous foods well out of reach.

• Watch out for small toys or decorations that could be swallowed.

Capture the memories

Dogs are part of our family, and Christmas offers the perfect opportunity to capture special moments with them.

• Take photos of your dog opening their presents or snoozing by the fire.

• Create a festive scrapbook or photo album to remember the day.

• Share the joy with friends and family by posting updates on social media—because who doesn’t love a cute Christmas dog picture? Don’t forget to tag @ralphandcosocial so we can see!
  

Christmas is all about love, family, and joy, and that includes our canine companions. By planning a dog-friendly celebration, you can create a magical holiday experience that your pup will enjoy just as much as the rest of the family. From thoughtful gifts to festive traditions and delicious (dog-safe!) treats, there are countless ways to make this Christmas one to remember for you and your dog.

So, as you hang the stockings and wrap the presents, don’t forget the wagging tails and cold noses that make the season bright. Here’s to a perfect Christmas for the whole family!