Christmas is a time of joy and love, two words which also describe what our dogs bring to our lives on a daily basis. So, it’s only right that we find ways to include them in our holiday fun. Whether it’s a festive family photo-shoot or wrapping a special something for them under the tree for the big day, there are plenty of ways to make them feel like they’re part of the festivities. This article covers 10 ideas for including dogs of all shapes, sizes, and breeds in Christmas traditions and celebrations.
1. Create a doggy stocking
As you hang up your family’s stockings and begin filling them with small gifts and goodies, consider doing the same for your canine companion. There are plenty of special items you could include in their stocking, such as treats, chews, and new toys, all of which are sure to make them happy and boost their mental stimulation over the Christmas period.
Just make sure to keep it out of reach until Christmas Day, or for more mischievous pooches, wait until Christmas Eve to fill it with their presents. For an extra special touch, you could personalise your dog’s stocking with their name, initial, or something else that represents them, such as paw prints.
2. Include them in family photos
If your family enjoys taking festive photos, make sure to include your dog. After all, they are valued family members who deserve the chance to pose for the camera with loved ones. Speaking of posing, getting them to look in the direction of the camera can be tricky, so some families prefer to include their dogs in candid shots. However, if you had more of a portrait-type image in mind, you can use their favourite treats or toys as incentives to sit down and look in the right direction.
For an extra special festive touch, you could include props like Santa hats, Christmas jumpers, or antler headbands. While your dog won’t understand that they’re in a family photo, they will know they’re getting to spend quality time with their favourite people rather than being left out, and that’s what truly matters. Plus, you’ll get a heartwarming picture that showcases the whole family, four-legged members included.
3. Make a dog-friendly Christmas dinner
As you prepare and tuck into your decadent Christmas dinner, consider making a dog-friendly version for your pooch. They will undoubtedly be enticed by the smells and jealous of your spread, so offering them a special meal on the big day is a great way to make them feel happy and included. Just be sure to avoid any harmful foods for dogs, such as onions and garlic.
Instead, opt for dog-safe veggies, potatoes, and unseasoned protein like turkey or beef, topped off with a drizzle of dog-safe gravy for the perfect canine Christmas feast. Alternatively, if you have a hectic schedule with no time to make an extra canine meal, there are various pre-made turkey dinners for dogs you can purchase instead. While this wouldn’t necessarily be a suitable daily diet, one extra special meal on the most festive day of the year made with healthy ingredients is perfectly safe and will make your dog incredibly happy.
4. Decorate with pet-friendly options
Decorating your home is one of the best ways to get into the Christmas spirit. With a dog in the house, it’s best to do this with pet-friendly options. These include items like shatterproof ornaments, wide ribbons, and festive plants that aren’t harmful or toxic to dogs. You may also want to opt for an artificial tree to avoid the risk of your dog ingesting fallen pine needles, which can cause digestive upset and irritation.
For your more precious Christmas decorations, especially fragile ones, be sure to display them far out of reach of your dog. This helps avoid any potential injuries for your dog while also protecting your decorations from harm. Additionally, when placing ornaments on the tree, try to avoid hanging too many on the bottom layer where your dog can easily access them. Having a dog doesn’t mean you can’t decorate for Christmas, it just takes some extra consideration to ensure their safety and avoid destruction in your home.
5. Plan a festive walk
Whether it’s before or after the excitement of the traditional Christmas morning gift exchange, try to include a festive walk in your Christmas Day activities. This helps your dog get plenty of exercise and enjoy some outdoor time before spending a cosy day at home with family. Not only will they enjoy this activity, it will also help tire them out, allowing you to enjoy a more peaceful day once you return home.
To make the walk festive, your family could all wear Christmas jumpers, with one for your dog as well. This adds to the Christmas cheer while also keeping them warm on what will likely be a chilly outing. You could also bring along Christmas-themed toys for them to play with. In addition to your dog’s enjoyment, a Christmas morning walk gives everyone else a chance to work up a healthy appetite for the delicious festive feast that awaits later in the day.

6. DIY Christmas treats
While we of course recommend offering your dog the various healthy, natural treats from our range, making some DIY options for an extra festive twist is a great way to celebrate with your dog. For example, you could make treats that include their favourite ingredients, such as dog-safe peanut butter and coconut oil. These can be baked biscuits or no-bake options depending on what you have time for (and how much oven space you have to spare).
Making your own festive treats rather than buying ones with artificial colours and other additives helps ensure they’re as healthy as they are delicious. While all of our treats are 100% natural, that’s not the case for all brands and pet supply shops, so taking back control with homemade goodies helps ensure their quality. It also mixes up their usual treat routine, making the Christmas season feel even more special.
7. Play festive games
The Christmas season can be hectic, but our dogs still need attention and mental stimulation. This can come in many forms, including festive games that engage your dog’s brain and natural instincts. For example, you could design a game that gives your dog a chance to use their sharp sense of smell to find a reward, but with a festive twist.
One option could be to hide your festive treats from the section above around the house in spots like unused gift boxes and old stockings. This scavenger hunt gives your dog plenty to focus on and extra tasty homemade rewards to enjoy. This is just one of many festive games you could play with your pooch, with the best option depending on the types of playtime activities they tend to enjoy. Then, when it’s time for some downtime, your dog will be more than happy to relax. If they still need some extra simulation, offering them a chew should be all you need to do to enjoy some peace and quiet.
8. Watch a Christmas movie together
Another way to enjoy the holiday season with your furry friend is by cosying up for a festive movie night. Create a magical evening with a list of family-friendly Christmas movies featuring dogs, such as A Dog Named Christmas, The 12 Dogs of Christmas, or Santa Paws. While not all dogs pay attention to the TV, some enjoy watching other animals when they pop up on screen, making these flicks perfect for your pooch.
Set the scene with warm blankets, twinkling lights, and your pup’s favourite natural treats to make it a night to remember. Watching these heartwarming tales together is the perfect way to bond and get into the holiday spirit, making your dog feel like a true part of the family festivities.
9. Wrap your dog’s gifts
Make your dog’s Christmas extra special by wrapping their gift just for them! Many dogs love the excitement of tearing through wrapping paper, especially when the present inside is a delicious smelling treat, chew, or even a festive chomper box. That being said, they’ll also be excited by non-smelly presents, like a brand new toy with a fresh squeaker to sink their teeth into.
To ensure their safety, use non-toxic, dog-safe wrapping materials, such as plain brown paper or fabric wraps, avoiding ribbons or small decorations that could be swallowed. The joy on their face as they uncover their surprises will be a gift in itself and a wonderful way to include them in the big day.
10. Support a doggy charity together
If you’re looking for ways to spread the holiday spirit, supporting a doggy charity with your pup is a great option to explore. In addition to any monetary or material donation you make, your dog can join in by donating unused toys or treats they no longer need. It’s a heartwarming way to bond while making a difference in the lives of less fortunate dogs.
You can also encourage your family to donate to local shelters or organizations that help dogs in need, whether through monetary contributions, blankets, or food supplies. This option helps remind everyone of the true meaning of the season—kindness and generosity.
Final thoughts
Christmas is a time to celebrate with family, and at Chomp & Chew, we firmly believe dogs are part of the family. So, taking the time to incorporate some of these ideas into your festivities this year will mean the world to them, because everyone deserves to feel special and loved – furry or otherwise. Merry Christmas to you and your pups!