Overview
- Seasonal advice highlights that changes in routine, visitors, noise and rich food smells can overwhelm some dogs on Christmas Day.
- Stress indicators include shaking or pacing, avoiding guests, hiding behind furniture, and lip licking or yawning outside of tiredness.
- Comfort signals include loose, relaxed movement, steady breathing, gentle tail wagging and seeking contact with familiar people.
- Recommended steps include providing a quiet retreat, keeping normal walk and feeding times, introducing guests gradually and securing kitchen areas.
- Guidance from Butternut Box vet nurse Lucy Howells notes dogs often mirror owners’ excitement or stress, so calm household management helps.