Christmas Day in Australia is full of excitement - family, food, visitors, kids, heat, and a whole lot of chaos. For dogs, this can be fun… or incredibly overwhelming. To help you create a smooth, safe and stress-free day for your pup, here is the ultimate dog-friendly Christmas Day plan, designed especially for Melbourne families.
Morning: Start Calm & Set the Routine
✔️ Early Morning Walk
Begin the day with a relaxing walk before the temperature climbs. This helps:
- burn off energy
- reduce anxiety
- set them up for a calmer day
Choose shady routes or grassed areas, and avoid hot footpaths.
✔️ Breakfast Enrichment
Make breakfast festive and mentally stimulating:
- a Christmas-themed lick mat
- a frozen Kong with turkey, pumpkin or yoghurt
- a slow feeder with your pup’s usual raw meal
This keeps them busy while you prep for the day.
Mid-Morning: Manage Guests & Excitement
Christmas visitors can be overwhelming, especially for puppies or anxious dogs.
✔️ Create a “Safe Zone”
Set up a quiet spot with:
- their bed or crate
- fresh water
- chews or enrichment toys
- a calming soundtrack or white noise
Let guests know this space is off-limits.
✔️ Greetings on Lead
If you have excitable pups, keep first greetings on lead to prevent jumping, nipping or overwhelming guests.
Lunch: Keep Christmas Food Safe
Lunch is where most dogs get into trouble.
✔️ Safe Foods You Can Share
Give your dog their own plate with dog-friendly foods such as:
- plain turkey or chicken (no skin, no seasoning)
- plain veggies like carrot, green beans or broccoli
- watermelon or strawberries for dessert
Pop into Doghouse for festive dog treats or a Christmas dog cake to make it extra special.
❌ Foods to Avoid
Keep dogs away from:
- ham or pork crackling
- stuffing
- sultanas / grapes (fruit cakes, puddings)
- chocolate
- onion & garlic
- macadamia nuts
- alcohol
Make sure plates are cleared and rubbish bags tied securely.
Afternoon: Heat Management & Quiet Time
Christmas afternoons in Melbourne can be scorching.
✔️ Cool-Down Activities
Try:
- frozen broth cubes
- a paddling pool
- shaded rest outside
- indoor play with a fan or AC on
✔️ Enforced Nap Time
Dogs need downtime too. Encourage a rest so they don’t become overtired from the excitement.
Evening: Wind Down & Reset
✔️ Short, Calm Stroll
A gentle walk helps settle any leftover energy and gives your pup a break from the chaos.
✔️ Routine Bedtime
Try to keep their bedtime normal to help prevent post-Christmas overstimulation.
Final Tip: Plan Ahead
A relaxed dog = a relaxed Christmas.
Prepare enrichment, set boundaries, and give your dog their own festive fun so everyone enjoys the day.