Why Your Dog Might Still Be Stressed After the Festive Season

The decorations are coming down, the house is quieter, and life is starting to return to normal. But if you’ve noticed your dog still seems unsettled, tired, or more reactive than usual, you’re not alone. The festive season can leave a lasting impact on dogs, even long after the last mince pie has been eaten.

Christmas can be fun but very busy, and many of us are never quite sure what day it is. And routine’s gone out the window.

Now imagine how your dog feels.

There are visitors, strange smells, changes to walk times, loud noises, decorations, wrapping paper, and an overwhelming number of unfamiliar sights and sounds. For dogs who thrive on routine and predictability, the festive season can be a lot to take in. And it doesn’t just end on 26th December.

If your dog seems more tired, anxious, or just “not quite themselves”, they may be feeling the after-effects of stress. In this blog, I’ll explain what’s happening, how to spot the signs, and what you can do to help your dog recover calmly and confidently.

We’ll talk about:

• What stress looks like in dogs
• How trigger stacking affects behaviour
• Why the festive build-up can be overwhelming
• Practical ways to help your dog decompress
• What to expect during recovery

Whether your dog barked at the neighbour’s cat for the first time or seems uninterested in their usual games, this guide will help you understand what’s going on — and what your dog needs from you right now.

Why do dogs feel stressed after the festivities?

Dogs experience the world differently from us. They rely on familiar smells, patterns, and routines to feel safe. During the festive season, many of these get disrupted.

You might enjoy seeing friends and family, but your dog may find the extra people in the house overwhelming. New decorations can change how your home smells and looks. Routines shift with holidays and time off work. And let’s not forget the strange noises from fireworks, party poppers, or wrapping paper.

Even positive excitement can build up to become stressful.

Ask yourself:

• Did your dog’s routine change over the holidays?
• Were there more visitors than usual?
• Was your dog’s sleep interrupted?

These may all sound small on their own, but when they pile up, they can cause stress that lingers long after the decorations are packed away.

What is trigger stacking — and why does it matter?

Trigger stacking happens when stress builds up bit by bit until your dog can’t cope anymore.

I often compare it to a kettle. Typically, it boils and clicks off. But if you take away the off switch, it keeps heating up until it boils over. That’s what happens when your dog experiences too many triggers without time to recover.

Triggers might include:

• Visitors
• Excited children
• Unfamiliar smells
• Changes in routine
• Loud noises
• Walks in busier places

If your dog barked at the neighbour’s cat today, even though they never have before, it might be that they’re not being “naughty”. They’re just overwhelmed.

Grisha Stewart, who developed BAT 2.0, describes trigger stacking as stress accumulating due to exposure to multiple triggers, either simultaneously or close together, without a chance to return to a calm baseline. This can make even small things feel like too much for your dog.

How to spot the signs of stress in your dog

Stress in dogs doesn’t always look the way you expect. Some dogs become clingy or vocal, while others seem distant or shut down.

You might notice:

• More barking than usual
• Pulling on the lead
• Avoiding eye contact
• Panting when it’s not warm
• Shaking off when not wet
• Licking their lips frequently
• Diarrhoea or urinating indoors
• Restlessness at night

Or maybe they seem “off”. Not quite themselves. Slower to respond. Less playful. These can all be signs that their stress bucket is full.

Ask yourself:

• Have they started doing something they used to do when they were anxious?
• Are they reacting more strongly to things they’d usually ignore?
• Are they sleeping more or less?

If your answer to any of these is yes, your dog may be carrying leftover stress from the festive season.

The build-up to Christmas is longand full of stressors

Festive stress doesn’t just happen on the day itself.

For many households, the build-up starts in late November, or even earlier. That’s over a month of:

• Rearranged furniture
• More online deliveries
• Guests popping in
• Fireworks from Bonfire Night
• Halloween costumes and trick-or-treaters
• More food smells in the house
• Extra noise and excitement

All of these can take their toll.

Dogs don’t understand holidays. They only know that their home feels different and less predictable. Some dogs may cope in the moment, but that doesn’t mean the stress hasn’t built up underneath. This is especially true for dogs who are sensitive, nervous, or older.

Think back: Did your dog have less downtime than usual? Did they spend more time awake, alert, or being “on guard”?

That adds up.

How stress affects your dog’s body and brain

When your dog is exposed to stress over a long period, their body stays heightened. This uses up energy and affects how their brain works.

Chronic stress can lead to:

• Reduced ability to learn or remember things
• Difficulty making decisions
• Shorter temper or reduced tolerance
• Increased anxiety or reactivity

In other words, your dog isn’t being “difficult”. Their body is asking for rest and safety.

Hanne Grice (2015) discusses the effects of prolonged stress in dogs, including exhaustion and behavioural changes that don’t always appear immediately. Even when the source of stress is gone, the effects can linger.

This is why your dog might still be reacting days or even a week after Christmas. Their nervous system needs time to settle.

H2: What your dog needs right now — practical tips to help

If your dog is still stressed after Christmas, there are simple things you can do to help them recover.

Here’s what can help:

• Shorter walks in quiet areas. Let your dog choose the pace. Focus on sniffing and calm movement.
• Plenty of rest. Let your dog sleep and avoid overstimulating them with training or games.
• Safe space at home. Give them somewhere quiet they can retreat to—no visitors or loud noises.
• Keep to a calm routine. Feed, walk, and settle at similar times each day.
• Gentle enrichment. Offer calming chews, snuffle mats, or scent work at home.

Avoid the temptation to “get back to normal” too quickly. Rushing your dog may add more pressure.

Instead, slow down. Allow your dog time to rebalance. They’re not being naughty, they’re just trying to feel safe again.

When should you seek extra help?

Most dogs will bounce back with rest, calm, and routine. But some may need a little more support.

Speak to your vet or a qualified behaviourist if:

• Your dog shows sudden aggression or withdrawal
• You see ongoing toileting accidents without a medical cause
• Sleep patterns are seriously disrupted
• You’re struggling to manage their behaviour

You can also look for trainers or therapists who understand the effects of chronic stress. Positive, reward-based support can make a huge difference.

FAQ

Why is my dog still stressed after Christmas?
The festive period is full of changes, visitors, noise, smells, and routines, all of which shift. Even if your dog seemed fine at the time, the build-up of stress can linger. They may need extra time to decompress and return to normal.

What is trigger stacking in dogs?
Trigger stacking occurs when a dog experiences multiple stressful events close together, without time to calm down between them. This builds up like a pressure cooker and can cause sudden changes in behaviour, such as barking or pulling.

What are the signs of stress in dogs?
Common signs include panting, restlessness, barking, toileting indoors, being withdrawn, or over-reacting to small triggers. Every dog is different, so it’s essential to look for changes in your dog’s usual behaviour.

How long does it take for a dog to recover from stress?
Some dogs bounce back in a few days. Others need longer, especially if the stress has been ongoing. Offer rest, routine, and quiet time. If things haven’t improved in a week or two, consider speaking to your vet or a behaviourist.

Conclusion

It’s easy to think the stress of the season ends when the guests go home. But for your dog, recovery can take longer after all the excitement, disruption, and sensory overload.

By recognising the signs and giving your dog time to decompress, you’re helping them feel safe and secure again. This isn’t about doing more, it’s about doing less, gently and with care.

If your dog is still struggling, or you want guidance tailored to your dog’s personality and routine, I can help.

Let’s work together to give your dog the calm, confidence, and support they need.

Helpful resources:

• RSPCA – Dog behaviour
• The Kennel Club – How to spot signs of stress in dogs
• Dogs Trust – Stress and anxiety