‘Tis that time of year when normality, whatever that looks like, is turned on its head. For some it’s a time of great merriment, for others one of loneliness. But what about dogs: do they like Christmas? Like so many things with dogs, it depends.
Your dog may be well socialized and adapt to change without a problem. If that’s the case, he may well become excited at people showing up at your house and delight at the excessive amount of belly rubs he gets. There may also be the opportunity for him to “acquire” treats from people who don’t know any better. Who can resist those big brown eyes? Doesn’t he offer his paw so well! Being master opportunists, dogs will likely score highly in this area.
Be aware! However friendly your dog is, keep a keen eye on how he interacts with people he has not met before, particularly young children who may not have been exposed to dogs before or don’t know how to behave safely around dogs. A fun time could change rapidly if your dog becomes over excited and results in the child being knocked over or your dog attempts to grab something out of the child’s hand. The dog will inevitably lose out and be removed from the scene. So much for a fun Christmas when your dog finds himself locked away with no-one to play with.
The other end of the spectrum is the dog that is skittish around people and much prefers its own company or only that of its owner. For this type of dog, Christmas can be a nightmare. All sorts of people milling around the house, making more noise than the dog is used to and continually wanting to pet the dog. Poor dog just wants to crawl away and be quiet in its own space.
Whatever type of dog you have, there will be a time during the day when your dog is going to want to nap, so please allow him the space and peace to do so. Not only is this a normal thing for a dog of any age to want to do, bear in mind that a tired dog can become an irritable dog which may lead down a negative path if not managed appropriately.
Another typical feature of Christmas is the amount and richness of the food eaten. Not all Christmas fare is good for dogs so keep your dog away from the food. As a result of the amount of food consumed by us humans and the extra people in the house, inevitably the temperature in the house will rise. Always ensure that your dog has access to cool, clean drinking water. As we’ve discussed in previous articles, dogs pant for a variety of reasons: being thirsty, being stressed and being hot are just three reasons. Be aware of your dog’s situation at all times.
Finally, you may be planning to visit friends or relatives over the Christmas period and be away from the house for a longer time than is normal. Please ensure your dog has all his needs covered off before you leave and try not to stay away for an excessive time. One of the biggest treats for a dog is to have the company of his “pack”. Don’t make it a lonely Christmas for your dog: you are all he has!
So, do dogs like Christmas? You decide.
Finn and I wish you all a very, merry Christmas!
