How to keep your dog at the heart of festive celebrations.

By Melanie Sainsbury, Veterinary Expert at Natures Menu

Christmas is a time of joy, family and togetherness, and for many of us, that includes our beloved dogs. But between the excitement, rich foods, fun and games, it can be easy to overlook what our four-legged friends really need to feel included and comfortable during the festivities.

What your dog needs at Christmas

Christmas Day can be full of new smells, guests and noise – all of which can be equally exciting and overwhelming for dogs. Their idea of seasonal relaxation isn’t the same as ours, so it’s essential to show them some extra TLC.

To show your dog some festive love:

Create balance
Novelty can be stimulating for dogs, but maintaining a reliable routine is important to make them feel secure and comfortable.
At Christmas, show them plenty of love and affection, maintain their usual walk and play schedule, and stick to other key elements of their normal routine – as well as including them in present-opening and festive traditions where they show interest and it’s safe to do so.

Presents
Everyone wants to buy their dogs a Christmas present (or several!), and why shouldn't you? Unwrapping items in dog-friendly paper can be really exciting for dogs and can help to keep them entertained. Always remember your dog does not understand the difference between their presents and other peoples - they will probably want to open everyone's presents for them and not all gifts will be dog friendly! If unwrapping gifts is something you enjoy watching your dog do, make sure all presents are kept well out of reach to avoid confusion when your dog is left unattended.

Respect their space
Christmas often brings extra people (and even pets) into the house as friends and family join the festivities. Even if your dog is well socialised and loves the company, it can be overwhelming to have new people, extra noise and pups in their space.
Make sure your dog has a safe, quiet space to retreat to if it all becomes too much. Keeping a familiar bed or blanket nearby can help them feel secure, especially if you’re spending Christmas away from home.

Also, try to make sure children don’t overly pester your dog, especially if they are not used to having them around. Even the most patient of dogs can snap if they feel stressed or overly tired, so make sure the kids are well occupied with their new presents!
Sometimes it can be advisable to attach a lead to your dog to help them stay safe. Having a lead on your dog’s harness can be an easy way to keep them close whilst everyone is eating or opening gifts. It can also be a great way to keep them in view to make sure they remain comfortable in the environment and gives you a clear indication of when they may want a break.

Spoil them safely
While it’s tempting to lavish your dog with extra treats over the Christmas period, it’s important to do so in moderation and with their natural nutrition in mind to support good digestion and wellbeing. Natures Menu’s new festive Freeze Dried gift range brings a touch of Christmas magic, filled with tail-wagging flavours and high-quality, nutritious ingredients to help owners treat their dogs in confidence. Remember to always keep fresh water available and consider alternating edible treats with toys to offer a variety of rewards.

Why not consider wrapping up some treat rewarding toys preloaded with their favourite snacks? Snuffle balls, snuffle mats and treat balls can all be wrapped up, ready to present to your dog on Christmas day and could be a great way to keep them entertained whilst everyone tucks into their Christmas lunch. If you are considering giving extra healthy treats on the big day, make sure you reduce the breakfast portion to make sure they don’t eat too much in one day and make themselves ill.

Avoid festive hazards
With so much delicious food around at Christmas, it’s worth remembering that many festive human indulgences aren’t safe for dogs. Avoid easy access to Christmas cake, Christmas pudding, mince pies, hot chocolate, mulled wine, roast dinner ingredients like garlic, onion, leeks, shallots, chives, or anything containing chocolate, raisins or alcohol – all of which can be harmful.

Stick to dog-safe treats so they can join in the celebrations safely. Also, Christmas decorations often present as ‘foreign bodies’ around the festive period in veterinary practice where an inquisitive dog has consumed a hanging Father Christmas or some tinsel off the tree. Bear in mind that if you have a real tree indoors, pine needles can pose a risk of sticking in paws and water in the stand can also be toxic if drunk.
If you have a noise sensitive dog, it’s worth removing any ‘snaps’ from Christmas crackers before they are pulled to help prevent unnecessary stress.

Read your dog
By this, we don’t mean a bedtime story (although, a festive fairytale always goes down well at bedtime!). Ensure you learn to recognise your dog’s normal behaviours and if you notice anything unusual, act accordingly. Dogs may not want to retreat away from themselves for fear of missing out on something exciting but licking of the lips, showing the whites of their eyes or panting can demonstrate signs of stress, meaning it’s probably best you remove your dog from the situation for some time-out. Unusual behaviour can also mean signs of discomfort such as stomach upset or eating something they shouldn’t have. If you’re in doubt, always call your vet for advice.

Why Christmas is the perfect time to mix things up
While you’re preparing your festive feast, involve your dog with a meal that’s just as exciting for them. Dogs love new flavours and textures, so experimenting with mixed feeding – combining dry, wet, raw or freeze-dried food – can make their dinner feel extra special. It’s a great way to add festive variety and excitement without compromising on nutrition.
Mixing premium options with more affordable food types can also make taking care of your pet’s nutrition more budget-friendly. By combining standard complete dry dog food with a premium freeze dried topper, for example, you can offer your dog a nutritional and flavour boost, without cutting into your Christmas gift budget.

Have a Freeze Dried Christmas
Freeze dried food is an especially good option for beginner mixed feeding: it’s available in a variety of flavours and is easily crumbled into wet, raw or dry food options for easy mixing. Natures Menu’s range of Freeze Dried dog foods includes nuggets and treats to meal toppers, now available in Christmas Crackers, Kennels and Stocking Mixes. The range offers complete and complementary foods that can be combined to vary their diet. Plus, it meets nutritional needs while making mealtimes extra special.
Because freeze dried food doesn’t need freezer space or defrosting, it’s especially convenient at Christmas time, when the fridge and freezer are likely full to bursting (or when you’re travelling to see family).

Ultimately, the best Christmas moments are those shared together. With a bit of planning, you can make sure your dog enjoys the festivities just as much as you do – safely, happily, and healthily.

With over 40 years in the business, Natures Menu is Europe’s leading expert in raw and natural pet food. Developed with a team of professional vets and pet food experts, and produced to the highest standards, its delicious selection of raw Freeze Dried dog food is made with quality meat and fish, blended vegetables, fruits and healthy carbohydrates, and offers complete and complementary options. The brand prides itself on using British suppliers. To find your local stockist of natural raw dog food, visit www.naturesmenu.co.uk/stores.

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