Who doesn’t love a Christmas market? It’s the perfect excuse to get together with loved ones and enjoy the festive fun. No one should miss out, and that includes our furry friends.
Dog-friendly Christmas markets are growing in popularity across the UK, and you may be considering taking your pup with you during the festive period.
Check out our top tips to make visiting the Christmas markets fun with your furry friend.
Plan your trip
While there are many events that are advertised as ‘dog-friendly Christmas markets’, it’s best to do your own research beforehand. We recommend looking at the layout of the market to ensure there’s enough space for your dog, and this will help you plan which parts you want to visit beforehand.
Prepare your dog
Christmas markets contain festive fun, but the bright lights, crowds, and loud noises can be overstimulating for your dog. Prepare your furry friend by taking them on different walks, which gradually build up to louder and more crowded places. If your furry friend is used to quiet walks, jumping straight to a Christmas market might scare them.
It's also worth getting your dog used to sounds they might hear at the Christmas market. There are playlists online containing tracks to help desensitise dogs to certain sounds, such as crowds cheering, fireworks, and children crying or playing. Play these gradually to get your dog ready for the market.
Have the right equipment
Before you leave your house, make sure that you’ve got everything your dog will need, such as:
- A suitable lead: one that isn’t too long so that you can keep your furry friend close.
- Poop bags: to pick up after your dog and keep the town clean.
- Travel water bowl or bottle: to keep your dog hydrated.
- Dog treats: to reward your furry friend for good behaviour and to distract them if needed.
Discover these items in the PDSA Pet Store.
It’s also worth preparing a doggy first aid kit for minor injuries, such as if your dog stands in something harmful.
Make sure your dog is comfortable
You need to consider your dog's needs and whether taking them to a Christmas market is the right call. Naturally, you’ll want your furry family member to be part of the festive fun, but that might not be what’s best for them.
If your dog has any medical conditions, behavioural issues or is nervous, talk to your vet. They will advise on whether taking your furry friend to a market is safe.
If you decide to take your dog to the market, give them frequent breaks so that they can go to the toilet and get away from the hustle and bustle. You should also monitor the weather forecast to make sure that it’s suitable for your dog. If it’s too cold or wet, be prepared to leave or reschedule your visit.
Pay attention to dangers and hazards
Keep a close eye on your dog while you are at the market to make sure that they don’t eat or drink anything they shouldn’t, such as:
- Chocolate
- Raisins (mince pies, Christmas cake)
- Alcohol (mulled wine)
- Onions or garlic (common ingredient in stuffing)
- Xylitol (a sweetener also known as birch sugar)
- Caffeine
For the full list of toxic and hazardous foods for your dog, read our full guide here.
We recommend your dog stays away from human foods at the market and instead bring your own dog-friendly snacks and keep them hydrated with water.
It’s also worth looking out for other potential hazards on the floor, such as grit, which can irritate paws, or antifreeze, which is highly toxic to dogs and cats. Make sure you wash their paws when you get back home, so they don’t accidentally lick anything nasty.
Final considerations for a festive day out
For many dogs, a Christmas market is simply too stressful and dangerous. So it might be best to leave your furry friend at home.
If you do go to a dog-friendly Christmas market, we recommend:
- Visiting at a quieter time (such as weekend mornings or early in the afternoon on weekdays).
- Ensuring your dog is microchipped.
- Keeping your dog on a short lead.
- Giving your dogs breaks as needed for toileting.
- Bring plenty of dog treats and water and don’t forget the poo bags!
- Wash their paws after the visit.
- Be prepared to leave if your dog is stressed.
By keeping these tips in mind, you can make sure your dog's Christmas market experience is merry and bright.
If you decide to stay in with your dog, why not treat them to a homemade Christmas dinner recipe?