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Some people find dog Christmas silly. I like it. And why? Because I enjoy making my furry family members happy – and I’m happy when they’re happy. Quite apart from that, it’s a lovely opportunity to consciously say thank you to them (once again, or even more than usual). Are you in?

Christmas with a Dog – A Challenge for Four-Legged Friends

Christmas with a dog can be exhausting – for dogs and owners alike. First there’s the pre-Christmas stress with shopping, gift hunting, cleaning, planning, and cooking. Then there may be long journeys and visits (and visitors). By Christmas Eve or the holidays at the latest, your dog not only has to cope with your hectic pace, but also with roasts, cookies, and the Christmas tree – and with the fact that none of it is for them.

You can soften the excitement surrounding this supposedly contemplative time of year with a little preparation and a dog-friendly plan. And in doing so, you’ll be doing yourself a favor too.

Burn Off Energy and Feed Well First, Then Rest

The whole family is coming over, or you’re heading out to visit others? A dog bouncing around helps no one. For four-legged friends to be not just calm, but truly relaxed, they need two simple things:

1. The opportunity to move enough and relieve themselves.
2. A feeling of fullness.

So take a long, calm walk with few stimuli – one that’s good for your nerves too. Feed your dog well afterward and/or treat them to a larger chew for Christmas. Coping with stress becomes much easier after that.

In the article Christmas Alone with Your Dog? So What! you’ll learn how to keep yourself and your furry companion occupied during the holidays if you have neither visitors nor excitement.

Give Your Dog Presents at Dog Christmas

A new toy, an extra-large chew bone, a scratch pad, or a snuffle mat—if all the other family members get a gift, it’s only fair that your dog receives a small present too.

A nice side effect: Having their own gift makes it easier for your dog to keep their nose out of everyone else’s business.

Extra cuddle time, longer walks, special food, or an additional play session also bring joy and can help your dog associate the excitement around the Christmas tree with positive experiences.

Create Balance

For many dogs and owners, Christmas means a major deviation from their usual routine. Whether your dog has to stay home alone longer, wait in the car, or cope with lots of visitors – it’s usually far from a normal day-to-day routine.

So make sure your four-legged friend gets an individual balance afterward. That might mean things become quieter at home and you avoid further excitement. Or it might mean the exact opposite, and you plan outings to relax and burn off energy.

Be Consciously Grateful and Happy – Dog Christmas Doesn’t Come Often

Anyone who has ever had to say goodbye to a dog knows this: dogs’ lives are too short. After the farewell, most loving dog owners would give a lot to walk their favorite dog route just one more time. To cuddle or play once more. To laugh once again at the silly things their four-legged friend gets up to.

So: Even if you find dog Christmas silly, be grateful for your dog and give them a gift.

You’ll make your dog happy. And gratitude, in turn, will make you happier and more relaxed.