With Christmas coming ever closer, it’s time to think about planning for the holiday season. With all the excitement of selecting a tree, buying gifts, and decorating our homes, it’s important not to forget our dogs.
Christmas can be a confusing time of year for our pets. Not only do we erect a perfect peeing post conveniently next to the couch. But we also decorate it with tempting ornaments, blinking lights, and edible treats. So how can we ensure that both our dogs and Christmas trees remain safe this Yuletide?
Are Christmas Trees poisonous to dogs?
Whether you choose an artificial tree or opt for a real one, it’s wise to keep your pet away from both. Not only are dogs tempted to use Christmas trees as an indoor convenience. But many also enjoy chewing on the branches.
Although not considered to be a significant health risk, the pine needles on a real tree are mildly toxic and will cause a stomach upset if eaten. Also, the fir tree oils can irritate a dog’s mouth and cause excessive drooling or vomiting. What’s more, some trees are treated with chemicals to help prolong its life. These can be very dangerous for your dog. The compounds can leach into the water that the tree stands in. So keep your dog well away from the tree water too.
Besides your dog feeling poorly, the more significant danger of your dog having a chew on a real Christmas tree is the sharp pine needles can cause internal damage when ingested.
What about artificial Trees?
Although not quite as attractive to our dogs, artificial Christmas trees still pose a health risk. The plastic and wire can cause a lot of damage if eaten. Not only that, the ingested material can obstruct the digestive tract that would need veterinarian treatment.
Dangerous decorations
One of the best things about getting a Christmas tree is decorating it. Whether you’re a tinsel enthusiast or a bauble devotee, choosing what gets to go on the tree is all part of the joy of Christmas.
However, with a dog in the home, extra thought is needed in picking the best ornaments for your tree. If you’re a fan of fake snow, also known as flocking, you may want to reconsider this year and go for the natural look.
Flocking, angel hair, and tinsel, although not toxic, can cause an intestinal blockage if eaten. This is also true for decorations made of plastic and foil. Unfortunately, glass decorations are not safe either. Even if your dog is not attracted to the baubles, they can be easily broken if brushed against, and the fallen pieces can cause serious injuries.
Not only that, but fairy lights pose the additional danger of electrocution if your dog decides to chew through them. Finally, stay away from chocolate decorations as all chocolate is toxic to dogs and candy canes
So how do you enjoy a Christmas tree if you can’t decorate it?
Dog proof Christmas Tree
It may sound like a lot of bah humbug, but keeping your dog safe during the holiday season is vital. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t have a decorated tree. It’s just that a few extra precautions need to be taken.
So here are our top tips for providing a dog-safe Christmas tree;
Elevate your Tree
Placing your tree in an elevated position is by far the easiest way of preventing a lot of issues. Not only does it help prevent your dog from tugging on the branches, eating something they shouldn’t, and using it as a peeing post. But it also stops them from drinking from the water reservoir, which could make them sick.
Cornering your Tree
Apart from lifting your tree off the floor, the second most important thing is to secure it safely. If your dog decides to jump up at your tree, a corner position offers the best protection for the rest of your room and also your dog.
What’s more, if you can attach your tree to a wall bracket, it provides the best defense against a leaping dog.
Save your best decorations for the top.
Once your tree is off the floor, decorate the top branches with all your favorite ornaments and fairy lights where it’s less likely that your dog will be able to reach.
Keep the lower branches for decorations made of dog-safe materials, like paper. Anything that dangles from the branches poses a temptation to your dog. So keep any decorations at the base of the tree small and resting directly on the limbs.
Baby gates
They may not be the prettiest of things, but baby gates can be useful at Christmas. If your dog is determined to gain access to the exciting new addition to the room, keep the tree and your dog safe by putting up a physical barrier as it’s often the only way to prevent problems.
If you can’t get hold of a baby gate, tin foil is sometimes enough of a deterrent when wrapped around the tree and laid at the base.
Choc full of poison
It’s not just chocolate that can cause problems for your dog this Christmas. Nuts, candy, mince pies, and Christmas puddings are all toxic to dogs. Keep everything well out of reach for the safety of your dog and remember that your dog has a much more powerful sense of smell than you do.
Presents under the tree won’t stay wrapped very long if your dog senses tasty food in the packages.
Perilous plants
Mistletoe, Holly, and Poinsettia plants that are a mainstay of Christmas time are hazards to dogs if ingested. Keep any decorations or pots containing these plants well away from your dog.
Candle capers
Never underestimate the chaos that a wagging tail can cause. Not only is fur flammable, but a knocked-over candle can cause a fire that spreads incredibly quickly, especially when there is so much fuel available, like trees and decorations.
Place candles on high shelves and use a fireguard if you want to cozy up in front of an open fire.
Dogs and Christmas Trees
Christmas is the perfect time to indulge, relax and have fun. And for those of us with doggy family members, we want them to be included as much as possible in the celebrations. Although Christmas trees create a potential risk to curious dogs, there’s no reason not to enjoy one this year with a few adjustments.
Keeping our dogs safe throughout the Christmas holidays need not be difficult. Prevention, management, and a keen eye will ensure that the whole family can enjoy a very Merry Christmas.