For humans, Christmas is a time of excess, noise and enforced merriment. For dogs, it can feel more like an ambush.

Behaviourists warn that the festive period sees a sharp rise in dog bites, not because dogs suddenly become “naughty”, but because we expect far too much of them at the most overwhelming time of year. New people, screaming children, novelty jumpers, strange food smells, constant doorbells and fireworks or party noise can push even the calmest family dog to breaking point.

“A dog bite doesn’t come out of nowhere,” says Jo Middleton, director of Canine Principles, a UK-based organisation specialising in behaviour, welfare and education. “It’s a dog’s absolute last resort. By the time a dog uses its teeth, it has already tried everything else to say ‘I’ve had enough’ and those signals have usually been missed or ignored.”

The biggest mistake owners make is assuming their dog is part of the celebration.

“We talk about dogs ‘joining in the fun’, but dogs don’t know it’s Christmas,” Jo said. “All they know is that their safe, predictable home has suddenly been invaded by bright lights, loud noises, unfamiliar people and unpredictable behaviour.”

Children are a particular pressure point. Excited kids running, shouting, hugging or grabbing, especially when hyped up on sugar and novelty, can be deeply stressful for dogs.

“Dogs don’t cope well with erratic movement or high-pitched noise,” said Jo. “Add costumes, antlers or Christmas jumpers that restrict movement or vision, and you’re increasing the risk. A growl, lip lift or freeze is not bad behaviour, it’s communication.”

Christmas food is another hidden trigger. Rich smells, dropped scraps and unfamiliar items can cause both physical discomfort and behavioural tension. Dogs may guard food, feel nauseous or become overstimulated by smells they don’t understand.

Then there’s the doorbell. Couriers, guests, neighbours and well-wishers can mean a constant stream of perceived intrusions. “Every knock is potentially a threat,” said Jo. “If a dog is repeatedly exposed without time to decompress, their stress hormones stay elevated. Eventually, something tips them over the edge.”

Add loud music, parties, crackers or fireworks, and you have the perfect storm.

Jo is clear that aggression is rarely the root issue. “Dogs bite because they feel trapped, overwhelmed or unsafe,” she says. “Christmas is full of scenarios where dogs lose choice and control. Being forced to interact, posed for photos, passed between guests or prevented from retreating is incredibly stressful.”

Crucially, many bites happen within families, often involving children, and often from dogs with no previous history of aggression.

The solution is not punishment, but management and empathy. “Every dog needs a safe space where they will not be disturbed,” says Jo. “A quiet room, crate or gated area with familiar bedding, water and toys. This is not exclusion, it’s protection.”

Owners should actively advocate for their dog, telling guests and children not to approach, hug or touch unless invited. Christmas jumpers and novelty outfits should be optional, brief and never forced.

It can also help to support dogs emotionally during periods of change. Pet Remedy’s calming plug-ins, which use a low-concentration valerian-based blend, are widely used to help dogs feel more settled during unfamiliar or stressful situations such as busy households, visitors and routine disruption. 

They are not a substitute for good management, but can be a useful additional support.

Jo urges owners to watch for early warning signs, including yawning, lip licking, turning away, freezing, whale eye, pacing or hiding.

“These are polite signals,” she says. “If we respect them, we prevent bites. If we ignore them, the dog has no option left.

“If we stop expecting dogs to perform, entertain or tolerate everything, and instead allow them to opt out, Christmas becomes safer for everyone,” Jo added. “A relaxed dog is a safe dog.”