How to Manage Digestive Upsets in Dogs Over Christmas.
Introduction: Why Christmas Is Peak Season for Digestive Upsets in Dogs
Every year, veterinary clinics see a predictable spike in cases of vomiting, diarrhoea, pancreatitis, colitis, and dietary indiscretion in dogs during December and early January. Christmas is a perfect storm for canine digestive upset — not because dog owners are careless, but because routine, diet, and environment all change at once.
Extra treats. Table scraps. New chews. Visiting relatives. Disrupted feeding schedules. Reduced exercise. Heightened stress. Late nights. Richer foods.
Individually, many of these changes are tolerable. Together, they can overwhelm even a previously “robust” digestive system.
The good news?
Most festive tummy upsets are preventable, and many mild cases can be managed sensibly at home — provided owners know what to do and what not to do.
This article explains:
Why dogs get digestive upsets at Christmas
The most common festive GI triggers
Why fasting and sudden diet switches can backfire
Evidence-based ways to manage mild digestive upset
Red flags that mean a vet visit is essential
How to protect vulnerable dogs (pancreatitis, IBD, seniors, puppies)
Understanding the Dog Digestive System (and Why It Hates Sudden Change)
Dogs are often marketed as having “iron stomachs,” but physiologically this simply isn’t true.
A dog’s digestive system relies on:
A stable gut microbiome
Consistent enzyme secretion
Predictable fat, protein, and fibre intake
Regular feeding times
When food type, quantity, fat level, or feeding pattern changes abruptly, the gut doesn’t have time to adapt. This can lead to:
Osmotic diarrhoea (undigested nutrients pulling water into the colon)
Increased gut motility
Gas, bloating, discomfort
Vomiting or loose stools
Christmas often introduces multiple abrupt changes at once, which is why digestive upset is so common during this period.
Common Causes of Digestive Upsets in Dogs Over Christmas
1. Sudden Increase in Fat Intake
Fat is the number one festive trigger for gastrointestinal upset — and pancreatitis.
Foods like:
Turkey skin
Gravy
Pigs in blankets
Sausages
Cheese
Pastry
Stuffing
are far higher in fat than most dogs’ normal diets. Even small amounts can overwhelm the pancreas, particularly in:
Small breeds
Senior dogs
Neutered dogs
Dogs with a history of pancreatitis
Overweight dogs
Fat slows gastric emptying and stimulates pancreatic enzyme release. In susceptible dogs, this can lead to acute pancreatitis, a serious and potentially life-threatening condition.
2. “Little Bits” From Lots of People
One of the most underestimated Christmas risks is treat stacking.
Each person thinks:
“It’s only a tiny bit.”
But when:
Grandma gives turkey
Dad gives cheese
The kids share roast potatoes
Guests slip treats under the table
Your dog can easily consume 200–500 extra calories in a single day — often from rich, inappropriate foods.
For many dogs, this leads to vomiting or diarrhoea within 24–72 hours.
3. Sudden Changes in Diet or Protein Source
Switching foods abruptly — even to a “better” one — is a common cause of digestive upset.
Christmas often triggers:
Changing brands because shops are shut
Running out of usual food
Trying a “special” festive dog food
Introducing novel proteins
The gut microbiome needs time (typically 7–10 days) to adapt to new ingredients. Sudden changes increase the risk of diarrhoea, gas, and abdominal discomfort.
4. New Treats, Chews, and Edible Gifts
Christmas introduces:
Long-lasting chews
Natural treats
Dental sticks
Advent calendars
Even dog-safe products can cause issues if:
Fed in excess
Too rich or fatty
High in fermentable fibre
Novel to the dog
Chews are a frequent cause of delayed diarrhoea and vomiting, particularly when dogs chew them for extended periods.
5. Stress and Routine Disruption
Stress has a direct physiological impact on the gut via the gut–brain axis.
Christmas stressors include:
Visitors
Children
Noise
Fireworks
Travel
Reduced walks
Less rest
Stress can increase gut motility and reduce digestive efficiency, leading to looser stools — particularly in dogs prone to colitis or anxiety-related GI signs.
6. Reduced Exercise
Less movement means slower gut transit and poorer regulation of appetite and digestion. Combined with increased food intake, this can contribute to bloating, discomfort, and constipation or diarrhoea.
Why Fasting a Dog With Digestive Upset Can Be a Bad Idea
One of the most common pieces of advice dog owners receive is:
“Just starve them for 24 hours.”
This advice is outdated and, in many cases, inappropriate.
Problems With Fasting Dogs
Fasting can:
Increase nausea due to stomach acid build-up
Worsen bile vomiting
Lead to hypoglycaemia (especially in small dogs and puppies)
Delay gut healing
Increase stress on the GI tract
In dogs with pancreatitis, fasting is no longer routinely recommended unless vomiting is severe and ongoing.
Current evidence supports early, appropriate nutrition intervention rather than prolonged food withdrawal in many GI cases.
Why Switching Diets During a Digestive Upset Can Make Things Worse
Another common reaction to diarrhoea is to immediately:
Change food
Switch protein
Move to raw
Move to home-cooked
Change brand multiple times
This often worsens the situation.
Why?
The gut is already inflamed and unstable. Sudden dietary changes:
Further disrupt the microbiome
Increase osmotic load
Delay mucosal healing
Unless advised by a vet or nutrition professional, stability is usually more important than novelty during an acute upset.
How to Manage Mild Digestive Upset at Home
For mild cases only — where the dog is otherwise bright, hydrated, and eating — sensible home management can help.
1. Keep the Diet Simple and Consistent
If your dog is eating and keeping food down:
Stick to their normal, well-tolerated diet
Avoid treats, chews, and extras
Feed smaller, more frequent meals
For dogs that need a temporary bland approach, this should be short-term and controlled, not a long-term solution.
2. Focus on Hydration
Diarrhoea increases fluid loss. Ensure:
Fresh water is always available
Ice cubes or water-rich foods may help encourage intake
Dehydration is a major risk, particularly in small dogs.
3. Reduce Fat Intake Immediately
If dietary indiscretion is suspected:
Eliminate all high-fat foods
Avoid table scraps entirely
Keep meals lower in fat for several days
This is particularly important for dogs at risk of pancreatitis.
4. Support the Gut, Don’t Overload It
Gut support may include:
Temporary reduction in portion size
Avoiding multiple supplements at once
Keeping feeding times consistent
More is not better during a digestive upset.
5. Rest and Routine
Encourage:
Calm walks
Plenty of rest
Predictable feeding times
The gut recovers best when stress levels are reduced.
Dogs That Need Extra Care Over Christmas
Some dogs are not suitable for festive experimentation.
Extra caution is needed for:
Dogs with a history of pancreatitis
Dogs with IBD or chronic GI disease
Senior dogs
Puppies
Dogs on prescription diets
Dogs with endocrine disease (e.g. diabetes, Cushing’s)
For these dogs, routine is medicine.
When You Should See a Vet (Do Not Delay)
Digestive upset is not always benign.
Seek veterinary attention immediately if your dog has:
Persistent vomiting
Bloody diarrhoea
Black, tarry stools
Severe lethargy
Abdominal pain
Refusal to eat for more than 24 hours
Signs of dehydration
Known pancreatitis history with GI signs
Ingestion of toxic foods (chocolate, xylitol, raisins, onions)
Christmas delays cost dogs their lives every year. If in doubt, err on the side of caution.
Preventing Digestive Upsets Before They Start
Prevention is far easier than treatment.
Key strategies:
Set clear boundaries with guests
Pre-portion treats in advance
Stick to feeding routines
Choose low-fat, familiar foods
Skip novelty chews
Keep rubbish and leftovers secured
Planning ahead protects your dog — and your Christmas.
A Final Word: Christmas Shouldn’t Hurt Dogs
Digestive upsets over Christmas are common — but they are not inevitable.
Most issues arise from:
Overfeeding
Excess fat
Sudden change
Well-meaning but misinformed advice
By prioritising consistency, moderation, and evidence-based care, you can enjoy the festive period without emergency vet visits, guilt, or discomfort for your dog.
Need Practical Help Right Now? Download the Diarrhoea Survival Guide
If your dog is dealing with loose stools and you’re unsure what’s safe to do at home — and what could make things worse, you don’t have to guess.
I’ve created a clear, evidence-based Diarrhoea Survival Guide to help dog owners navigate digestive upsets calmly and safely, without jumping between conflicting advice online.
The guide covers:
✔️ What different types of diarrhoea can indicate
✔️ What not to feed during an upset
✔️ When home management is appropriate
✔️ Red flags that mean it’s time to see a vet
✔️ Common mistakes that delay recovery (including fasting and repeated food switching)
It’s designed to support — not replace — veterinary care, and to help you make informed decisions during a stressful time.
Download the Diarrhoea Survival Guide here:
https://www.thecaninedietitian.co.uk
