Try GOLD - Free

What to know about dogs visiting Christmas markets

Sunderland Echo

|

November 03, 2025

Dog-friendly Christmas markets are growing in popularity across the UK and with the right preparation, essential supplies, and a few simple safety tips, you can ensure your dog also has a fun, stress-free, and tail-wagging good time.

- PAW TIME with PDSA vet nurse Shauna Walsh

While many events 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 dog by taking them on different walks, which gradually build up to louder and more crowded places.

If your dog is used to quiet walks, or unfamiliar with busy, loud places, visiting a Christmas market might scare them.

MORE STORIES FROM Sunderland Echo

Sunderland Echo

Indianapolis Colts sign Rivers out of retirement

Philip Rivers has come out of retirement to rejoin the Indianapolis Colts, five years after the 44-year-old last played in the NFL.

time to read

1 min

December 12, 2025

Sunderland Echo

Sunderland Echo

Festive retelling with new spin on Red Riding Hood

A community theatre company is putting a new spin on a classic tale.

time to read

1 min

December 12, 2025

Sunderland Echo

Leaders hope to put 'rocket boosters' on huge regeneration of the riverside

North East leaders hope to put “rocket boosters” on a vast regeneration of Sunderland's riverside – including the building of a landmark film studio.

time to read

2 mins

December 12, 2025

Sunderland Echo

Wear-Tyne derby the biggest rivalry match in Xhaka's illustrious career

Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka has described Sunday's Wear-Tyne derby as the biggest rivalry match he has faced in his career, despite previously playing in the North London derby and Champions League fixtures during spells with Arsenal and Bayer Leverkusen.

time to read

2 mins

December 12, 2025

Sunderland Echo

Police appeal for help after safe stolen from popular restaurant

Police are investigating a break in at a popular East Boldon restaurant.

time to read

1 min

December 12, 2025

Sunderland Echo

Sunderland Echo

FIFA urged to reassess pricing of tickets for 'USA' World Cup

FIFA has been urged to halt World Cup ticket sales after it emerged countries' most loyal fans face paying 'extortionate' prices for tickets, with the cheapest for the final coming in at over £3,000 and England supporters buying through the official FA travel club set to be charged almost £200 for their opening game against Croatia.

time to read

1 min

December 12, 2025

Sunderland Echo

WTA signs 'significant deal' with Mercedes

The Women's Tennis Association has announced a long-term partnership with Mercedes-Benz which has the potential to be the largest in women's sport.

time to read

1 min

December 12, 2025

Sunderland Echo

Independent probe needed

Keir Starmer's suggestion that Nigel Farage should lead an inquiry into Russian interference within Reform UK following Nathan Gill's conviction for taking bribes to push Kremlin propaganda is an entirely inadequate response.

time to read

1 min

December 12, 2025

Sunderland Echo

Cats' signing Lucumí in January played down

Sunderland may struggle to sign Jhon Lucumí during the January transfer window, despite fresh speculation crediting the Black Cats with interest in the Colombian.

time to read

1 mins

December 12, 2025

Sunderland Echo

December Gold glory beckons for Imperial

It may seem folly going against Dan Skelton in a big race on a Saturday but Imperial Saint looks better value in the Support The Hunt Family Fund December Gold Cup at Cheltenham tomorrow.

time to read

1 mins

December 12, 2025

Listen

Translate

Share

-
+

Change font size