Dogs and Christmas Trees: How to Have a Pet-Friendly Holiday

The twinkling lights and festive decorations on a Christmas tree can truly set the mood for the holiday season – but they can also present potential hazards for your furry friends.

The good news is that while Christmas trees can pose some problems, you can still take precautions to keep both your pet and your holiday décor safe. This article will help cover what you need to know about the relationship between dogs and Christmas trees, helping you prepare for a happy and safe holiday.

Are Christmas Trees Toxic to Dogs?

While there are several plants that are poisonous to dogs, real Christmas trees are only mildly toxic. Fir, pine, and spruce trees contain oils that can irritate your dog’s mouth and digestive system, potentially leading to vomiting and diarrhea. You should also watch out for other holiday plants that are toxic to dogs:

• Amaryllis: Mild to moderately toxic
• Holly: Highly toxic
• Lilies: Mildly toxic
• Mistletoe: Moderately toxic
• Poinsettia: Mildly toxic
• Yew: Highly toxic

Another potential issue that might not be as apparent for pet parents – the tree stand. Keep your pup clear of the stagnant water in the tree stand as it can house harmful bacteria. Also, the chemicals used to keep the tree fresh may be toxic to your four-legged best friend.

Do Christmas Trees Present Other Dangers to Dogs?

Dogs are naturally curious creatures, and that trait can lead to issues with both real and fake Christmas trees. Common dangers include:

• Physical Hazards: They can accidentally topple over trees or knock off low-hanging decorations.
• Choking and Ingestion Risks: The needles from trees can cause internal injuries, while other decorations can get lodged in their throat.
• Changes in Environment: The tree, and other decorations, can make them feel overly excited, or more anxious about the unfamiliar home décor.
• Electrical Hazards: Chewed cords and damaged electrical decorations can cause shocks and even start fires.

5 Ways to Help Dog-Proof Your Christmas Tree

When it comes to keeping your dog safe, preparation is the gift that keeps on giving. Here are some steps that you can take to help prevent your holiday cheers from turning into holiday fears.

Restrict access to the tree

Your dog can’t get into trouble if they don’t have the opportunity. There are a few ways you can keep your dog away from your Christmas tree.

• Keep the tree in a different room.
• Create a physical barrier, such as a pet gate.
• Limit access by closing doors or using a dog crate while you’re away from home.

Of course, it’s not always possible to keep your dog away from the tree depending on your home. Try to do what you can, because even a few preventative measures can make a difference.

Secure the tree

Dogs can have strong feelings when you bring a Christmas tree inside. Their enthusiasm or their anxiety can lead to a decorative disaster. While you can’t necessarily avoid situations like the zoomies, there are some steps you can take to keep your tree from toppling over.

• Use a wider, heavier tree stand.
• Weigh down the base with a heavy object, such as a sandbag with a decorative blanket draped over it, to help stop them from digging.
• Secure the tree to a wall or ceiling using wall brackets or fishing line.
• Consider a shorter tree with a lower center of gravity.
• Add something to your tree that can alert you if your dog is rustling it.

Be careful with decorations

What’s on the tree can pose as many problems as the tree itself. Keep the following considerations in mind when it’s time to get your tree ready for the holidays.

• Leave the tree undecorated for a few days so that your dog can grow accustomed to its presence and then gradually decorate it for an easier transition.
• Avoid hanging delicate decorations, garlands, or food-based ornaments low on the tree.
• Secure ornaments with twist ties or something else that’s more secure than standard hooks.
• Favor ornaments that won’t shatter or have small parts that can break off and/or be swallowed.

Secure electrical cords

It’s common for dogs to make items their own personal chew toy, which is why it’s critical to keep them away from any cords used for your Christmas tree. Chewing on an electrical cord is the most common way for pets to get electrocuted, and a damaged cord could lead to a Christmas tree fire. Here are some simple steps that you can take to help protect you and your pup this season.

• Use cord protectors.
• Hide electrical cords behind furniture.
• Consider using bitter spray to discourage chewing.
• Unplug the lights when you’re not around.

Protect your presents

Your dog may not understand that what’s under the tree isn’t for them. Boxes, bags, and other gifts are potential chew toys for curious canines, so you might want to consider these recommendations.

• Wait until Christmas to put presents under the tree.
• Don’t leave your dog unattended with the presents.
• Avoid using too many ribbons or other decorative elements that your dog may rip off and try to swallow.
• Give them something else they can play with instead of the presents.

What to Do if Your Dog Ate Part of Your Christmas Decorations

While the measures listed above can help protect your canine companion, it’s always good to be prepared. You’ll want to act quickly if you discover that your dog ate part of your tree or something else dangerous.

• Take whatever they’re eating away so that they can’t ingest any more of it.
• Take note of any vomiting or other signs of illness associated with toxic foods.
• Contact your vet and give them key details pertaining to what your dog ate, when they ate it, and their symptoms. You can also call the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661 – just note that they do charge a fee per incident.

Take Steps to Make Your Holidays Merry and Bright

There’s no place like home for the holidays, and a few precautions can help you and your four-legged best friend enjoy the season to the fullest. Want to learn more about how you can help your furry friend stay happy, healthy, and well fed? Sign up for the Best Friends Club for more educational articles, special tips, and members-only discounts on Bil-Jac treats and other products.

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