Minimising stress for your dog at Christmas

Research shows that 40% of owners notice a change in their dog’s mood during the Christmas period, including appearing stressed by unusual people, noises and changes to their routine. For many dogs, Christmas can be a stressful time, especially if the household changes significantly.

• Get your dog into a routine that you will be able to keep to during the Christmas period for food, exercise, toilet and play time.

• Change things gradually when decorating or moving things around in your home – try to keep changes minimal to minimise the impact on your dog

• Make sure your dog has a safe space that they can go to if they need some time on their own. If this is a crate, always leave it open.

• Monitor the temperature in your house. Some rooms can get very warm with cooking and socialising and anxious dogs can be more prone to overheating.

• Make sure your guests know how to behave around your dogs and keep introductions slow. Ask your guests not to pursue your dog to try to say hello before your dog is feeling confident with them.

• Some Christmas food can be very harmful to dogs including chocolate, Christmas cake and mince pies (as these contain raisins), stuffing that contains onion and garlic and some nuts. If you suspect your dog has eaten something he shouldn't have, always consult your vet, even if no effects are evident.