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Humans aren’t the only ones who admire the festive boughs of a Christmas tree—dogs can also be big fans. If you find yourself stressing about your pet as you deck the halls, you’re not alone.
Dr. Jordan Beauchamp, DVM, of GoodVets, chats with Rover about how to dog-proof a Christmas tree, including how to deter your dog from messing with pine needles and ornaments and when you should seek veterinary care. Ensure this season remains merry and bright by pet-proofing your home for the holidays!
The Hazards of Christmas Trees
While some dogs may completely ignore your home’s festive foliage, others will be curious. According to Dr. Beauchamp, Christmas trees in the home can pose the following risks to pets.
Ingesting pine tree needles, bark, or twigs
Some dogs are interested enough in Christmas trees to give them a chew—and while pine needles aren’t technically toxic, they can still pose a danger. “If your dog eats the needles, bark, or wood, it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, or perforation. Certain trees are more spiney and less pliable, running the risk of puncturing the stomach or small intestine. This becomes a significant emergency that requires surgery,” Dr. Beauchamp warns.
Chewing ornaments
Some dogs read ornaments as toys—and chewing on an ornament can lead to choking or intestinal blockages. Even uninterested dogs run the risk of knocking an ornament off with a wagging tail, which can lead them to step on glass shards.
Chewing on electric wiring
The twinkling lights wrapping around your tree might be dazzling, but they can also prove a health hazard for your pup. If they chew at the cord, they run the risk of electrical shock.
Pulling over the tree
Tipping over a Christmas tree (especially one decked out in ornaments) can be dangerous for pets and small children. If a large dog is pulling at ornaments or chewing needles and branches, the tree might topple over.
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Kerkez via iStock
How To Dog-Proof a Christmas Tree
While Christmas trees and holiday decorations can pose a danger to dogs, the good news is there are lots of ways to pet-proof your holiday setup. Here’s how to keep things cheery and safe.
Opt for an artificial tree (and plants)
While real trees can be a delight, an artificial version is usually the safer bet for households with a curious dog. They minimize the risk of your dog eating pokey needles, branches, or bark.
If you usually deck the halls with holly, poinsettias, and mistletoe, which can be toxic when ingested, replace these plants with pet-safe alternatives, such as Moth orchids.
If you opt for a natural Christmas tree, sweep up fallen pine needles daily to reduce your dog’s exposure.
Secure the tree
Invest in a quality stand that secures the base of your tree to avoid tree-tipping mishaps. You might also consider anchoring the tree to a ceiling or wall to help prevent possible injury. To anchor your tree, loop some fishing line around the trunk and tie it to an anchor (such as a molly bolt) in the wall behind it.
You can also tie the line around the top of the tree, connected to a screw in the ceiling. This will keep the tree from tipping over if a rambunctious dog gives it a bump.
Start with a bare tree
Before you decorate the tree, leave it up for a few days. This will give your dog plenty of exposure, reducing their curiosity once it’s covered in lights and baubles.
Hide electrical chords
If you put lights on a Christmas tree, consider leaving the bottom branches bare. Hide cords leading to and from the tree using the tree skirt or adhesive-backed cord clips.
Be mindful of ornament placement
To protect your dog from broken glass or swallowing small items (and to keep family heirlooms safe), place fragile ornaments near the top of the tree out of reach. You might also switch to dog-safe ornaments made of plastic, felt, or wood. Depending on your dog’s size and curiosity level, you can also leave the bottom of the tree bare.
Avoid edible decor
Edible decorations like popcorn garland, gingerbread, and candy canes can all cause your dog to take too much interest in your tree. It’s best to avoid snackable decorations.
Keep candles at a distance
Candlelight makes the holidays cozy, but open flames and dogs don’t mix. If you’re decorating with them, opt for dog-friendly candles and place them on secure shelves well out of reach of your dog. To get that flickering glow effect on the Christmas tree, try clip-on LED candles instead.
Wait to put out presents
If you have a nosey dog who likes to mess with paper, they might find those presents under the tree a temptation. To keep pets from rifling through gift bags and packages, keep presents out of reach until Santa delivers them Christmas morning.
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TatyanaGl via iStock
How To Keep Your Dog Away from the Christmas Tree
If dog-proofing the tree isn’t working (or simply isn’t an option), there are still ways to keep your canine safe.
“Depending on how tall the dog is, you can trim or elevate the tree,” says Dr. Beauchamp. “You might also consider putting a fence around the tree to prevent access.” Dog gates and configurable play pens can help.
Beauchamp also recommends utilizing a pet-safe bitter spray, such as Grannick’s Bitter Apple, to deter your dog’s interest. “These sprays are designed to deter a pet from eating something they shouldn’t,” she says. “In the case of a Christmas tree, a bitter spray can keep your dog from nibbling at needles.”
Puppy-proofing for the holidays
If a new puppy is joining you for the holidays, it’s extra important to supervise your pet around the tree. “Puppies inherently explore the world with their mouth,” says Dr. Beauchamp. That makes holiday puppy-proofing critical.
“The key is to have enough mental stimulation outside of the tree, in the form of frozen lick mats, chew toys, and Nylabones. Praise your puppy when they are interacting with appropriate materials, and they are more likely to keep their attention on those items.”
Dogs Who Pee on Christmas Trees
A dog urinating inside the house is a gift nobody wants for Christmas. And unfortunately, as Dr. Beauchamp explains, once a tree has been marked, it’s more likely to happen. Intact male dogs are especially common culprits.
To remove the scent as best you can from an artificial tree, sanitize the base and branches with cleaning wipes and an enzymatic spray. If your dog is marking a real tree, you may want to remove certain branches altogether. Consider using a deterrent spray to dissuade your dog from marking the tree.
“In general, if a puppy isn’t quite potty trained yet, make sure to keep any training pads away from the tree, and keep an eye on cues that the puppy needs to go outside,” Dr. Beauchamp advises. “You might also start taking them outside more frequently. This can help puppies make the connection that outside is where they do their business and just because this new thing is in the house that smells different, doesn’t mean it needs to be marked.”
Other Holiday Safety Tips
‘Tis the season to be jolly—and to keep your canine happy and healthy! “Set pets up for success by putting decorations up where they can’t be reached,” says Dr. Beauchamp. “Providing your dog with enough toys and healthy mental stimulation will reduce their risk of being curious about things they shouldn’t.”
And, if your dog is staying home for the holidays while you venture out of town, consider hiring a trusted sitter to keep your pet safe and loved.
