We love the holidays. There’s food, family, laughter, and traditions that make the season special. But here’s something we sometimes forget: while we’re enjoying the festivities, our dogs might be quietly thinking, “What on earth is going on around here?”

Routines Get Messy

Dogs love predictability. Breakfast at the usual time, walks on schedule, cozy evenings in their favorite spot—that’s their happy place. The holidays can throw all of that out the window. Suddenly, the doorbell’s ringing nonstop, people are staying up late, and your dog’s dinner might be hours later than usual. To them, it feels like their world is upside down.

Crowds, Noise, and… a Tree in the Living Room?

Imagine being a dog and seeing your humans bring a whole tree indoors, cover it with lights, and then act like that’s completely normal. Add in loud music, clinking glasses, and a house full of strangers. For some dogs, that’s thrilling. For others, it’s overwhelming or even scary.

And those guests? Some might not know the rules. Kids may want to hug or chase the dog. Adults may sneak them table scraps. Your dog is left trying to figure out what’s safe, what’s not, and where they can go to breathe.

The Food Temptations

We all know holiday tables are loaded with rich, delicious food. Dogs know it too. Problem is, much of it isn’t safe for them. Chocolate, grapes, alcohol, and even turkey bones can cause serious harm. Your dog doesn’t know that; they just smell heaven coming from the kitchen.

What You Can Do for Your Dog

The good news is, a few small steps can make the holidays easier for your pup:

Keep routines steady whenever possible. Meals and walks on time are a gift of comfort.
Give them a safe retreat. A quiet room for your dog with their bed and toys can be a lifesaver when things get hectic.
Watch the food. Tempting as it is, keep the holiday goodies out of reach.
Advocate for them. Not all dogs like hugs, costumes, or crowds. It’s okay to say, “Let’s give the dog a break.”

The Best Gift of All

At the heart of it, the holidays are about love and connection. For our dogs, love looks like consistency, safety, and understanding. They don’t care about gifts under the tree. Our dogs just want to know we’ve got their back, even when the house is buzzing with activity.

So this holiday season, while you’re spreading cheer, take a moment to notice how your dog is doing. Sometimes, the greatest gift you can give them is a little peace and quiet.