Christmas Tree Safety for Dogs: How to Dog-Proof Your Tree This Year
Christmas Tree Safety for Dogs: How to Dog Proof Your Tree, Lights and Decorations
To your dog, a Christmas tree is a brand new indoor tree that smells like the outdoors, covered in shiny toys and surrounded by mysterious boxes. It is no wonder so many dogs sniff, chew, lift a leg or try to grab something off the branches.
With a few simple changes, you can enjoy a beautiful tree and keep your dog safe. This guide covers how to dog proof your Christmas tree, from setup and tree water to lights, ornaments, tinsel and gifts, plus training tips and what to do if your dog swallows something.
Where should I put the Christmas tree if I have a dog?
Choose a corner away from busy walkways where your dog does not usually run or play. A corner gives you two walls to anchor the tree and fewer sides to protect.
Anchor the tree. Attach fishing line or a cord from the top of the tree to a hook in the wall or ceiling. A heavy, wide stand helps too. Big, bouncy dogs can tip a tree with one excited tail wag.
Let your dog meet the tree before it is decorated. Bring it in, let them sniff with supervision and reward calm behavior. Many dogs lose interest once the novelty wears off.
For puppies, chewers or dogs who mark indoors, put an exercise pen or decorative gate around the tree. It looks festive and removes temptation entirely.
Is Christmas tree water safe for dogs?
Tree water is not a good drink for dogs. It can contain fertilizers, preservatives, aspirin or sugar people add to keep trees fresh, plus sap and bacteria that grow in standing water.
Drinking a small amount usually causes mild stomach upset at most, but it is best avoided. Cover the stand with a tree skirt, a stand cover or foil, so your dog cannot reach the water.
Skip additives if you can. Plain water is enough to keep most trees fresh, and it is safer if your dog does sneak a sip.
Keep fresh water in your dog’s own bowl nearby, especially in warm, dry heated homes where dogs may go looking for a drink.
Are pine needles toxic to dogs?
Pine, fir and spruce needles are generally considered mildly toxic at most, but they can still cause problems. The oils can irritate the mouth and stomach, and sharp needles can poke the mouth, throat or paws.
Swallowing a lot of needles may cause vomiting, drooling or, rarely, a blockage. Sweep or vacuum fallen needles daily, especially under and around the tree.
Artificial trees are not risk free either. Dogs who chew plastic branches can swallow pieces, and some artificial trees shed small bits. Watch for chewing and redirect your dog to a safe chew toy.
If your dog eats a large amount of needles or shows vomiting, belly pain or straining, call your vet.
How do I keep my dog from chewing Christmas lights?
Chewing on electrical cords can cause burns to the mouth, breathing problems and even electrocution. Puppies and young dogs are the most likely to chew.
Hide cords behind furniture, run them up the wall with clips or cover them with cord protectors. Avoid draping lights on the lowest branches where your dog can reach them.
Unplug lights when you are not home or when you cannot supervise. A timer or smart plug makes this easy and is safer for your home too.
If your dog chews a cord, unplug it before touching your dog and call your vet, even if they seem fine. Some injuries show up hours later.
What Christmas ornaments are dangerous for dogs?
Glass ornaments can shatter and cut paws and mouths. Small ornaments, hooks and decorative balls can be swallowed and cause choking or blockages. Hang these high or replace them with shatterproof ornaments.
Edible ornaments like popcorn strings, candy canes and chocolate ornaments are an invitation to your dog. Keep them off the tree or out of reach entirely.
Salt dough ornaments are a serious risk. They contain a lot of salt, and eating one can cause salt poisoning with vomiting, tremors and seizures. Hang homemade salt dough ornaments well out of reach or display them elsewhere.
Use secure hangers. Ribbon loops or closed hooks are less likely to fall than open metal hooks. Put sentimental and breakable pieces on the top third of the tree.
Why is tinsel dangerous for dogs?
Tinsel, ribbon, string and garland are some of the most dangerous holiday items for dogs. When swallowed, long thin items can bunch up the intestines, a problem vets call a linear foreign body. It often needs surgery.
Dogs, and especially cats, are drawn to shiny moving strands. The safest option is to skip tinsel altogether if you have pets, and use wide garland or bead free alternatives high on the tree.
Never pull on string or ribbon you see coming from your dog’s mouth or bottom. Pulling can cause serious internal injury. Call your vet right away.
Watch for vomiting, not eating, belly pain, straining or lethargy after a possible swallow, and get veterinary help quickly.
Is it safe to keep presents under the tree with a dog?
Wrapped gifts are tempting, especially food gifts. Dogs can smell chocolate, nuts, cookies and treats through wrapping paper. Keep edible gifts on a high shelf until they are opened.
Ribbon, bows and gift string carry the same blockage risk as tinsel. Choose paper tape and simple wrapping, and pick up wrapping debris right after opening.
Batteries, small toys and pieces from children’s gifts can be dangerous if chewed or swallowed. Button batteries in particular can cause severe burns inside the body.
If your dog loves to unwrap, wait to put gifts under the tree until the night before, or keep the tree gated.
How do I train my dog to leave the Christmas tree alone?
Teach or refresh leave it before the tree goes up. Practice with low value items first, then decorations, and reward your dog generously for looking away.
Give your dog a better option. Set up a bed with a chew or puzzle toy near the tree area so they have something rewarding to do when the family gathers there.
Supervise in the first days. Interrupt sniffing or chewing calmly and redirect. Most dogs lose interest after a week or so when the tree stops being new.
For dogs who lift a leg on the tree, take them outside often, reward peeing outdoors and clean any accidents with an enzyme cleaner. A gate solves the problem quickly.
How do I keep a puppy safe around the Christmas tree?
Puppies explore the world with their mouths, so a decorated tree is one of the biggest temptations in the house. Assume your puppy will try to chew anything they can reach.
A pen or gate around the tree is the simplest fix. You can also place a small tree on a sturdy table, or decorate only the top half of a full size tree for the first year.
Puppy proof the area daily. Pick up fallen needles, hooks, wrapping scraps and ribbon. Keep cords out of sight and unplug lights whenever you leave the room.
Give your puppy plenty of approved chews and short training sessions near the tree. Reward them for lying calmly on a mat while the lights are on. A tired puppy is far less interested in ornaments.
What other holiday decorations should I watch out for?
Candles can be knocked over by tails and burn curious noses. Use flameless candles or keep real ones high and never leave them unattended.
Liquid potpourri and essential oil diffusers can be harmful if a dog licks spills or gets oil on their fur. Keep them out of reach and ask your vet before using oils around pets.
Snow globes may contain antifreeze, which is highly toxic. Keep them high and clean up any broken globe right away.
Holiday plants like poinsettias, mistletoe, holly and amaryllis can also cause problems. See our guide to holiday plants and dogs.
What should I do if my dog eats a decoration?
Call your vet or an animal poison control service right away. Have ready what your dog ate, how much, when and your dog’s weight. ASPCA Animal Poison Control is (888) 426 4435, and a fee may apply.
Do not make your dog vomit unless a vet tells you to. Sharp items like glass and hooks can do more damage coming back up.
Watch for warning signs: vomiting, drooling, not eating, belly pain, straining to poop, lethargy, tremors or bleeding from the mouth.
Check holiday hours for your vet and the nearest 24 hour emergency clinic now, and save both numbers in your phone.
- Anchor the tree to a wall or ceiling hook so it cannot fall.
- Cover the tree water. Additives and bacteria can upset your dog’s stomach.
- Skip tinsel and ribbon. Swallowed strings can cause serious blockages.
- Hang fragile and edible ornaments high, and avoid salt dough ornaments.
- Use a gate or pen for puppies and determined chewers.
A merry tree for everyone
A dog safe Christmas tree does not have to be a plain one. Anchor it, cover the water, keep the risky decorations high and give your dog something better to do, and the whole family can enjoy the glow.
From all of us at Happy Yay, here’s to twinkle lights, wagging tails and a very merry season.
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Frequently asked questions
How do I keep my dog away from the Christmas tree?
Use an exercise pen or decorative gate around the tree, teach leave it, give your dog a bed and chew nearby and supervise in the first days until the novelty wears off.
Is Christmas tree water bad for dogs?
It can upset your dog’s stomach because it may contain fertilizers, preservatives, sap and bacteria. Cover the tree stand so your dog cannot drink from it.
Are pine needles toxic to dogs?
They are generally mildly toxic at most, but the oils can irritate the stomach and sharp needles can injure the mouth. Sweep fallen needles daily.
What happens if my dog eats tinsel?
Tinsel can cause a dangerous intestinal blockage that may need surgery. Call your vet right away and never pull on tinsel coming from your dog’s mouth or bottom.
Are salt dough ornaments dangerous for dogs?
Yes. They contain a lot of salt and can cause salt poisoning. Keep them well out of reach and call your vet if your dog eats one.
Is an artificial tree safer for dogs?
Artificial trees remove the water and needle risks, but dogs can still chew and swallow plastic pieces. Anchor it and supervise.
What should I do if my dog breaks a glass ornament?
Move your dog away, clean up every piece and check their paws and mouth for cuts. Call your vet if your dog may have swallowed any glass.