Dog advent calendars have become a Christmas tradition in plenty of UK homes, and it's easy to see why. One small treat a day is a simple way to include your dog in the festive countdown. But not every calendar is made the same, and a few simple checks will keep December fun for everyone.
1. Only ever use a calendar made for dogs
This is the big one. Human advent calendars are usually chocolate, and chocolate is toxic to dogs. Keep any human calendars well out of reach, especially on low shelves or coffee tables where a curious nose can find them. If you think your dog has eaten chocolate, call your vet straight away.
2. Read the ingredients
A good dog advent calendar will list every ingredient on the box. Look for recipes you recognise, and check for anything your dog is allergic to or intolerant of. If your dog is on a special diet or under veterinary care, check with your vet first.
3. Count the treats as part of their daily food
An advent treat a day adds up, especially alongside the extra titbits that tend to appear at Christmas. Treats should be fed in moderation and counted as part of your dog's overall daily food, so it can help to trim their meals slightly through December.
4. Think about size
Check the treat size suits your dog. Very small dogs may need a treat broken in half, and with any dog it's worth supervising treat time and making sure fresh water is always available.
5. Store it safely
Dogs can smell exactly what's behind those doors. Keep the calendar somewhere high and secure between openings, or you may find all 24 doors opened on 2 December.
Our pick
Our Pooch dog advent calendar has a star-shaped treat behind every door, oven-baked on a family farm in Lincolnshire. The recipe is grain-free and made mainly from sweet potato, with peas, fresh carrot and linseed, and every ingredient is listed on the box. No added artificial colours, flavours or preservatives.
See the rest of our Christmas gifts for dogs.