The most wonderful time of the year 🎄 enjoy a pet-friendly Christmas 🐶
Nov 17, 2025
🎄 A Pet-Friendly Christmas: Tips for a Safe and Joyful Festive Season 🎁
The fairy lights are twinkling, the tree’s up, and the mince pies are on the go… but while we’re tucking into festive cheer, it’s easy to forget that Christmas can bring some hidden hazards for our furry companions. From tempting chocolates under the tree to loud New Year’s fireworks, the holidays can be a bit overwhelming.
So, we’ve pulled together some tips to help you make this Christmas as calm, safe and joy-filled as possible, for both you and your four-legged best mate. Let’s wrap up the year with waggy tails and festive feels.
🧑🎄 Keep it calm and cosy
Christmas can get a bit much – noisy guests, crinkly wrapping paper, and new smells galore. While it’s fun for us, some pets can find it a bit stressful.
Create a calm zone: Set up a quiet, cosy spot where your pet can retreat if they need a break. Think blankets, their favourite toy and a bowl of water.
Stick to routines: As much as possible, try to keep walk and mealtimes consistent. Familiarity helps ease any festive fuss.
🍫 Steer clear of festive hazards
It’s the season of sharing but some treats are definitely not for sharing with your pet.
Chocolate: Dangerous for dogs, even in small amounts. Keep it (and chocolate coins!) well out of reach.
Christmas pud & mince pies: These often contain raisins and sultanas, both are toxic for dogs.
Bones from the roast: Cooked bones can splinter and cause harm. Stick to pet-safe chews instead.
Avoid toxic foods: many festive foods can be toxic, grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, anything with alcohol, xylitol, or fatty meat trimmings. Always check for hidden toxic ingredients in pre-made festive foods.
If you’re ever unsure, check with your vet before offering festive titbits.
🏡 Introduce visitors sensitively
Let your dog meet new people or less family members at their own pace
Don't force your dog to get involved with the celebrations and notice if they're feeling overwhelmed, this is exactly what their calm, quiet, safe space is for
Reassure them if they seek comfort from you
Ask your guests to respect the dog and the fact that this is their home
🎄 Protect from decorations
Keep an eye on your dog around the tree and keep decorations and wrapping paper out of reach
Be mindful of fragile ornaments, tinsel, and electric lights that could get caught and pulled over
❄️ Wonderful winter walks
A crisp winter stroll? Perfect. Just make sure it’s safe and comfy for your dog too.
Shorter daylight hours mean visibility is key, pop on a reflective lead or light-up collar.
Wrap up warm: Some dogs (especially short-haired or older ones) appreciate an extra layer for their walkies when it’s chilly.
Mind the salt: Grit and salt on pavements can irritate paws. Give them a rinse after walks if needed.
🎆 New Year, new noises
Fireworks around New Year can be frightening for pets. Keep them indoors during displays and try these tips:
Close curtains and play calm background music or telly to mask the noise.
Act normal: If you’re relaxed, they’re more likely to be too.
Stay close: If they’re seeking comfort, your calm presence can help more than anything else.
💡 Bonus: Gifts that give back
Treats under the tree don’t need to break the bank. Why not use your earned Biscuits to grab a little something from the Rewards Store? From toys to treats, it’s a lovely way to celebrate your year of healthy habits together.
Final Woof
Whether you’re staying in or off on a wintry adventure, Christmas is about enjoying the simple things: love, laughter, and muddy pawprints in the hallway. By keeping your dog’s wellbeing in mind, you’ll make sure they feel just as included in the fun, and that’s what we’re all about at Biscuit: healthier days, stronger bonds.
Here’s to a safe and joyful Christmas full of tail wags, tummy rubs and plenty of Biscuits 🐾
