Across Ireland, Christmas is one of the busiest and most disruptive times of year for dogs. From a professional dog training and behaviour perspective, it is also one of the most common periods for preventable accidents, stress-related behaviours, and emergency veterinary visits. The festive season brings excitement, visitors, changes in routine, new smells, new foods, and increased noise levels. While people enjoy the celebrations, dogs often experience confusion, overstimulation, and pressure. With awareness and simple planning, Christmas can be calm, safe, and enjoyable for dogs in Irish homes.
Managing Christmas Food Hazards
Many traditional Christmas foods are dangerous for dogs. Chocolate, mince pies, raisins, grapes, onions, alcohol, cooked bones, and rich fatty foods can all lead to serious illness. In busy households, food is often left within reach, or visitors offer “just a small treat.” This remains one of the most common causes of emergency vet visits during the festive period in Ireland. Keep all food out of reach, clearly ask visitors not to feed your dog without permission, and provide your dog with a safe alternative such as a stuffed Kong or an appropriate chew.
Creating a Calm Space in the Home
Christmas can be overwhelming for dogs due to extra people, excited children, raised voices, flashing lights, and constant movement. Every dog should have access to a calm, quiet space where they can rest undisturbed. This may be a crate, spare room, or quiet corner with their bed. Guests, especially children, should be clearly told that when a dog chooses to rest, they must be left alone. Allowing a dog to disengage is not avoidance; it is essential for emotional regulation.
Being Mindful of Decorations and Wrapping
Dogs, particularly puppies and younger dogs, investigate their environment with their mouths. Baubles, tinsel, batteries, fairy lights, cables, ribbons, and wrapping paper can quickly become choking or swallowing hazards. Decorations should be placed higher up where possible, Christmas trees should be secured, and dogs should never be left unsupervised around wrapped presents or packaging. Decoration-related incidents are one of the most overlooked seasonal risks in Irish homes.
Sticking to Routine Where Possible
Dogs thrive on consistency. Late nights, visitors, altered walk times, missed training, and disrupted rest quickly lead to over-arousal, jumping up, barking, and unsettled behaviour. Maintaining elements of your dog’s normal routine, including walks, feeding times, rest periods, and structure, helps keep them calm and balanced during the festive period. Routine provides security, especially during times of change.
Supervising Interactions
Not all dogs enjoy the hustle and bustle of Christmas gatherings. Some tolerate it quietly, while others become anxious or overwhelmed. Interactions with visitors and other dogs should always be supervised. Owners should advocate for their dog’s comfort, allow them to opt out of interaction, and provide regular breaks. Dogs should never be forced into contact if they appear unsure or stressed. Respecting boundaries prevents incidents and builds trust.
Watching Doorways and Exits
With people coming and going, doors are often left open, significantly increasing the risk of dogs escaping. This is a common issue during the festive season across Ireland. Using baby gates, keeping leads near entrances, or placing dogs safely in another room when guests arrive can prevent accidents and distress. Simple doorway management makes a significant difference.
Winter Walk Safety in Ireland
Cold weather, icy paths, road grit, broken glass, and early darkness all pose seasonal risks. Dogs should be kept visible, unsafe surfaces avoided, and walks adjusted when conditions are poor. After walks, paws should be wiped to prevent irritation or ingestion of harmful substances commonly used on Irish roads during winter.
Planning Ahead for Fireworks and Noise
New Year’s Eve and festive celebrations can be extremely stressful for noise-sensitive dogs. Planning ahead is essential. This may include sound-proofing where possible, calming routines, soothing music, enrichment activities, and structured management. If a dog experiences severe noise anxiety, veterinary advice should be sought well in advance rather than waiting until the event itself.
A Safe Christmas Is a Calm Christmas
With mindful planning, Christmas can be a positive and enriching experience for dogs. Protecting their safety, supporting their emotional wellbeing, and giving them space to decompress when needed helps maintain a calm household. Dogs do not care about presents or parties. They care about feeling safe, secure, and close to the people they trust. Wishing you and your dogs across Ireland a safe, peaceful, and happy Christmas.
The Canine Report
By Philip Alain