🎄 C.H.R.I.S.T.M.A.S. 
 Your Dog’s Christmas Care Checklist!

How to keep your dog happy, calm and cosy during the festive season.

The tree is up, the music is on, the kitchen smells unreal… and your dog is wondering why their house suddenly turned into Santa’s workshop! December is magical, but it can also be busy, overwhelming, and full of new sights and smells that dogs aren’t always prepared for.

So I created the C.H.R.I.S.T.M.A.S. Dog Care Checklist
a simple, festive-friendly guide to help your dog feel safe, supported, and snuggly all month long!

Whether it’s your dog’s tenth or your puppy’s first Christmas, or your new rescue dog learning what a cosy home feels like, this guide keeps every dog feeling safe and comforted!

Let’s make this season joyful for every member of the family, paws included. 💛🐾

🎄 C — Comfort 

Christmas can be loud, busy, and full of new smells, guests, and routines. Make sure your dog feels genuinely comfortable throughout the day by:

• Placing their bed somewhere close to you while you’re eating or opening gifts, so they can be part of things without feeling overwhelmed.

• Giving them freedom to move around the house not shut away or crated.

• Letting them choose where they’re happiest (sofa, bed, under the table supervising snacks… every dog has a preference).

• Keeping familiar smells and textures nearby like their blanket, jumper, or a favourite toy, these help them settle when everything else feels a bit different.

🎄 H — Hydration & Nutrition 

With heating on and routines changing, dogs can get dehydrated quicker than usual. Keep their bowl fresh and full throughout the day.
Stick to their normal food, avoid sudden diet changes, and watch out for festive hazards including:

• mince pies

• Christmas pudding

• chocolate

• grapes & raisins

• turkey bones

• rich leftovers

Safe snacks = a happy tummy and a peaceful Christmas.

🎄 R — Routine 

Dogs thrive on predictability.
Try to keep:

• walk times

• meal times

• toilet breaks
as close to normal as possible.
Even small consistencies give them a huge sense of stability during chaotic days.

🎄 I — Introductions (on Their Own Terms) 

Visitors, family, children, doorbells… it’s a lot.
Let your dog choose:

• when to greet people

• who they feel comfortable with

• whether they’d rather watch from afar

• when they need space

No forced cuddles. No pressure. Just calm, respectful hellos.

🎄 S — Supervision 

December is full of tempting, chaotic things:

• wrapping paper

• tinsel

• candles

• ribbons

• dropped Christmas snacks

• excited children

• baubles 

Always be sure to be on it with supervising your bestie.

🎄 T — Travel Planning 

Travelling for Christmas? Visiting family? Staying away overnight?
A little preparation keeps everything smoother for your dog.

Pack a small “dog travel kit”:

• familiar blanket or jumper

• favourite toy 

• treats

• water + bowl

• poop bags

• jackets or suits

• any medication

• a cooling/warming pad depending on your dog’s needs

If arriving somewhere new, show them their bed or safe spot first so they know where to settle. Be sure to plan your journey ahead of time.

🎄 M — Mental Enrichment 

Christmas morning gets busy fast! Wrapping paper everywhere, gifts being opened, food being prepped, arguing over the grinch dogs name… and it’s easy for dogs to get restless or feel a bit left out.

Give them something fun and calming to do while you're busy by offering:

• A LickiMat or chew to keep them happily occupied during present-opening

• A snuffle mat or scatter feed to give them a little “job” while everyone’s distracted

• A favourite toy or safe Christmas treat so they feel included in the excitement

• A sniffy walk before guests arrive to help lower their energy and anxiety

• A calm activity ready for later when the house gets chaotic

A little enrichment goes a long way, it keeps them content, reduces overwhelm, and helps them feel part of the festivities without competing for attention.

🎄 A — Assurance & Support 

Christmas can be overwhelming even for confident dogs. Offer reassurance through:

• calm tone of voice

• gentle touch

• staying consistent

• letting them stay close to you

• giving them the choice to step away

You are their safe person. Your presence matters more than anything.

🎄 S — Safe Space 

One of my favorite things to do for my girl is create a peaceful retreat where she can take a break. Setting up a week or few days in advance allows her to get used to it prior to guests arrival.
This might be:

• a spare room

• an open crate 

• a cosy corner

• a warm bed with a blanket

Let visitors know this space is “dog only.” 
Breaks prevent overstimulation, especially during big family gatherings!

💛 A cosy Christmas is a calm Christmas

When we slow down and take our dog’s needs into account, everything feels  more joyful!
Whether they’re snoozing in their Poochie Suit, sniffing the wrapping paper, or supervising the turkey from a safe distance… your dog deserves a Christmas that feels safe, predictable, and full of comfort.

Wishing you & your pup(s) the Merriest Christmas!

Brooke & Chicken
Poochie Keen
xo



Looking for more christmas ideas?
🎄Check out our 20 Christmas Activities for Dogs: Make This Festive Season Paws-itively Magical

Or, if you're local!
🎄 Festive Dog Events in the Cotswolds 2025