Holiday Safety Tips for Anxious and Reactive Dogs: How to Make December Calm Instead of Chaotic

Ruth Hegarty
1 day ago
3 min read

December tends to flip the switch from quiet fall to sparkle + chaos overnight. And while the season can feel magical to us, our anxious and reactive dogs often experience it very differently. New smells, flashing lights, cluttered walkways, travel, random decorations popping up out of nowhere and shifting routines result in sensory overload for your dog.

If your dog is sensitive, easily startled, or still growing confidence around everyday changes, the holiday season can feel like one big obstacle course. The good news? A little planning makes a huge difference. Let’s walk through simple ways to keep your dog safe, grounded, and comfortable all month long.

Why Holiday Decorations Can Be Stressful for Sensitive Dogs

Even dogs who’ve made big progress this year can struggle when the environment suddenly changes. Holiday décor often brings:

Large, unfamiliar objects appearing out of nowhere
Flashing or reflective lights
Extra cords and fragile items
New smells from greenery, candles, or seasonal scents
More “don’t touch that” moments than usual

Reactive and anxious dogs are wired to notice even the smallest change in their environment. When decorations suddenly pop up everywhere, the tension can build long before we realize it.

Holiday Prep Safety Checklist

Before you open the first storage bin, these simple steps set the stage for a calmer start to the season.

1. Create a Safe Decorating-Day Plan

Plan ahead so your dog isn’t caught in the middle of the chaos. Set them up with enrichment, a stuffed Kong, or a quiet room before you start pulling out boxes. Keeping the noise and clutter predictable helps prevent unnecessary stress.

2. Place Decorations with Dogs in Mind

Keep tempting or fragile items out of your dog’s reach. Aim for ornaments and cords above nose-level, especially if you have a curious sniffer or a high-energy dog who zooms through the living room.

3. Avoid Strong Seasonal Scents

Potpourri, scented candles, plug-ins, and essential oils can be irritating — and in some cases toxic — to dogs. If your pup is sensitive or scent-averse, skip these entirely.

Holiday Anxiety Soothers to Start Right Now

Supporting your dog early in the season helps everything else go more smoothly. Small, steady habits do more good than big “emergency fixes” (aka: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure).

Try adding:

Predictable Routines

Stick to your usual rhythm as much as possible — same wake time, same walk window, same bedtime. Predictability builds security.

A Holiday Calm Kit

Gather things that help your dog settle: lick mats, chews, snuffle toys, soft music, cozy blankets, or a dimly lit corner of the room.

Gentle Introductions to New Décor

Let your dog explore from a comfortable distance. Reinforce any calm curiosity and keep sessions short.

Daily Decompression Walks

Pick quieter routes to balance out holiday overstimulation at home. Even 10–15 minutes of calm outdoor sniffing can reset their nervous system.

A Calmer Holiday Starts with What You Do Today

Supporting a sensitive dog during the holidays doesn’t have to be complicated. A little planning, a few thoughtful choices, and a commitment to predictable routines can make the season feel peaceful instead of overwhelming — for both of you.

If you want more personalized help navigating reactivity through the holiday season, you know where to find me. I’m always here to help you and your dog move through the world with confidence and connection.