The holiday season is an exciting time filled with family, friends, holiday traditions, and festive decorations. Whether it’s fir, pine, cypress, or an artificial tree, Christmas trees are the centerpiece of holiday decorations.
But while this season can be fun, it also comes with some potential dangers, like trees that can be dangerous to your pup. Simply put, dogs and Christmas trees are often not confused.
Learn how to consider and avoid these potential problems and create the best Christmas tree for your dog so your dog has a safe holiday season.
How to protect your Christmas tree from dogs
fix the tree
Did you know that an excited tail lash, a curious nose, or even a puppy nibbling on an ornament with its paw can cause a tree to fall?Until that happens, so can your dog .
Trees should be mounted on wide base stands or secured to a wall to prevent them from falling, which can cause serious injuries such as cuts and broken bones to your dog.
Leave the tree bare until you are ready to decorate it
For dogs, a Christmas tree is a sudden and curious addition to the home. Smells, lights, and hanging decorations can be stimulating and sometimes confusing to dogs who are not used to changes in their environment.
It may take some time for your dog to get used to this new addition. Therefore, consider placing the tree on a stand and waiting a few days before decorating so your dog can get used to its presence.
You can also supervise and allow your dog to explore between you and the Christmas tree during each stage of decorating, increasing your dog’s comfort with the changes. You may also consider moving ornaments and lights away from lower branches to minimize curiosity about hanging ornaments and glowing lights.
safe electrical cords
Electrical cords for tree lights can be a tripping or electrocution hazard for curious dogs. Secure the cord and cover it if possible (such as a wooden skirt or cord protector Very Effective) Prevents biting, biting, and tripping.
Tripping over the cord can injure your dog and damage your tree and decorations. Biting or chewing on the umbilical cord can cause shock and cause serious injuries to the dog’s mouth, heart, and lungs, and can even lead to death.
there is no food in the tree
Anything you hang on the tree should already be exciting for your pup because it’s something new to explore. Don’t hang out edible decorations that your dog might find interesting, such as bunches of popcorn, dough decorations, macaroni art, or other food items.
Remember, humans know Christmas tree ornaments aren’t treats, but dogs don’t.
Ornament placement is key
When decorating your tree, place your most durable, chew-resistant ornaments in low spots where curious noses and mouths are likely to find them. This is a high-impact zone for excited tail-wavers who can knock ornaments off the tree.
Consider installing a dog gate to act as a Christmas tree fence for your dog and restrict unsupervised access to the tree.
Hang fragile or most important ornaments higher to reduce the risk of them falling over or being bitten. If you have a dog that tends to get into tree decorations, consider an undecorated tree or a tree with just lights as a beautiful but safe option.
Skip toxic decorations
What do mistletoe, fabric ornaments, and tinsel have in common besides adding decoration to a tree?
All of these can cause a toxic reaction if your dog eats them. Signs associated with ingestion may include gastrointestinal upset, gastrointestinal obstruction, abnormal heart rate, abnormal blood pressure, body tremors, and even seizures.
If your dog accidentally ingests any of these items, please contact us below. Pet poisoning helpline® For assistance, please contact us at 855-764-7661.
Don’t make gifts accessible
Most people love seeing beautifully wrapped presents under the tree. Your dog may perceive these packages as new toys and an opportunity to tear them open to see what’s inside.
Unfortunately, presents often contain toxic substances, such as chocolate or coffee, which can cause other health problems for your dog, especially if ingested. Consider placing presents high up near a tree or even consider using a small fence or fence. dog gate To prevent dogs from getting into presents.
Use a dog gate
In some cases, the safest way to keep your Christmas tree away from your dog is to keep your dog away from it completely.
Consider restricting unsupervised access to your tree by installing a dog gate that acts as a Christmas tree fence for your dog, or by closing the door to the room where the tree is located.
If these options are not possible in your home, consider indoor options. Security camera with motion sensor Warns you if your dog gets too close.
Are Christmas trees toxic to dogs?
tree needles
Christmas tree needles have a smell, so they may be delicious to dogs, too. Unfortunately, eating these can upset your dog’s gastrointestinal tract and cause serious damage. The sap and oil contained in tree needles are known to cause the following symptoms: Drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea in dogs.
The needles themselves are also sharp and can irritate or even puncture the gastrointestinal tract if eaten. Remember to vacuum the bottom of the tree regularly and clean up any fallen needles to minimize potential exposure to your pet.
tree water
If you have a live Christmas tree, you may have kept the needles in a container of water to keep them fresh and green for weeks. Unfortunately, many dogs cannot resist the temptation to explore this new water source.
Christmas tree water contains sap and pine oil, which can cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested. Choose a Christmas tree stand that prohibits access to the water, or make a lid for the water container from something durable you have around the house.
If you can’t restrict access, be careful not to add anything to the water in case your dog has had a few drinks.
If your dog insists on getting access, you may need to completely restrict access to your dog’s tree to be safe. Mild vomiting is not likely to cause serious problems. However, chronic ingestion of water from trees that cause frequent vomiting can be stressful for your pet and can lead to dehydration.
Keep your pup safe this holiday season
Even amidst the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, keeping the above Christmas tree tips in mind will ensure your pup stays safe in all environments. Holiday Pet Safety Tips To remember.
If your pet has been exposed to a toxic substance, the experts at the Pet Poison Helpline are available 24 hours a day to help you and your veterinarian with next steps.
