O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree. How lovely are thy branches! It’s that time of year again … time to crank up the holiday music, flip on the Santa movies, bake all the cookies, and decorate the Christmas tree. If you ask me, this truly is the most wonderful time of the year. As you start decking your halls, consider these pet-proofing tips to keep a Fido-friendly space.
1. Consider an Artificial Tree
Heading down to the tree farm to pick out and chop down a real Christmas tree is always a fun holiday experience. And, for many, it’s a long-standing tradition. But, if you have four-legged furkids then you may want to consider switching to an artificial tree.
With real trees, there are two main concerns: poky pine needles and chemical-laden water (used to hydrate and preserve). As sharp pine needles fall from the tree, curious canines may sniff and lick them. If ingested, they pose a risk of puncturing the intestines. And as far as the water goes, some dogs may be tempted to drink from the water bowl. Not only is that water sitting there collecting bacteria, but many people add chemical preservatives to it, helping to extend the tree’s life. We don’t want our dogs drinking that!
If you aren’t sold on the idea of an artificial tree just yet, here are some other benefits:
- Many come pre-lit
- They’re easy to put together
- They’re low-maintenance
- After the holiday is over, you can tuck your tree away in a closet or the attic and use it again for years to come (saving you $ in the long run)
If you’re sticking with a real tree …
Sweep up fallen needles immediately to prevent curious pups from licking and ingesting them. Also, keep the tree’s base covered so your dog can’t reach the watering area.
2. Stabilize Your Tree
No matter what type of tree you decorate with, one thing is certain: You don’t want it tipping over! First things, first: Make sure to use a sturdy base. If you have a rambunctious canine companion or kitty who may jump on the tree, consider bumping up the security level by anchoring it into the wall. Many people do this by wrapping fishing wire, fine gauge wire, or even an old string of Christmas lights around their tree and then securing it to an eyehook.
*Bonus Tip: If needed, you can also block access altogether by placing an exercise pen around the tree.
3. Bare Those Branches
Some dogs could care less about rearranged furniture and new home decor. My two dogs fit into that category. But, other pups are very particular. If you have an anxious furbaby, consider putting up your tree and then waiting a few days before stringing lights/hanging ornaments.
4. Pass on Edible Ornaments
Do you like stringing and hanging real food around your tree? While certain foods make for cozy ornaments, it’s best to avoid them if you have furry family members. Our dogs have powerful sniffers, and food on the tree may be tempting to them. We don’t want our furbabies jumping on the tree to get to these foods, and we also don’t want them eating anything from the tree.
- Popcorn garland – Dogs have powerful sniffers and one whiff of that popcorn may be tempting for your pup to nibble. But, if your pooch swallows the string used to connect each popcorn piece, it can lead to choking and intestinal blockage.
- Candy canes – While this popular holiday treat is easy to hang on branches and adds a nice pop of color to trees, they should be kept out of Fido’s reach. Some candy canes reportedly contain xylitol, a sweetener that’s toxic to dogs and can be deadly. If your pooch consumes xylitol, it could lead to a steep drop in blood sugar, liver damage, and even death. If you think that your dog has eaten xylitol, it’s critical to see a vet or get to an animal ER immediately. In as little as 30-60 minutes, the effects of xylitol can be deadly.
- Holiday cookies – Sprinkling some fresh gingerbread cookies on the tree look cute and give off a cozy aroma. But, they usually contain sugar and spices that aren’t safe for our dogs.
- Chocolate treats – Chocolate is a definite no-go for dogs. It contains caffeine, as well as a chemical called theobromine (AKA a cousin chemical to caffeine). Our dogs can’t metabolize these compounds as well as people can, making them much more sensitive to effects. Find out more about chocolate and its effects on dogs HERE.
5. Ditch Tinsel
Tinsel is a beautiful holiday decoration that’s meant to mimic the effect of ice. It consists of thin sparkly strips attached to a thread/base. Many people incorporate tinsel into their trees – and other areas of their homes – during the holiday season. But, if your curious furry family member becomes intrigued by the shiny stuff – and winds up eating some of it – tinsel can pose a serious risk to our dogs.
According to Pet Poison Helpline: “Tinsel can result in a severe linear foreign body if ingested. A linear foreign body occurs when your cat (or dog) swallows something stringy which wraps around the base of the tongue or anchors itself in the stomach, rendering it unable to pass through the intestines. As the intestines contract and move, this string or linear foreign body can slowly saw through the tissue, resulting in severe damage to your pet’s intestinal tract. Ultimately, pets run the risk of severe injury to, or rupture of their intestines and treatment involves expensive abdominal surgery.”
6. Opt for Shatter-Proof Ornaments
Happy wagging tails can accidentally get a little too close to the Christmas tree and knock ornaments off their branches. To avoid a stressful situation, opt for shatter-proof ornaments.
7. Place Breakable Ornaments Up High
When it comes to decorating the tree, we all have our own vision and aesthetic. My advice: If you are using glass, delicate, and sentimental ornaments then place them up high. Dogs are curious creatures. Some may try to lick or paw at those sparkly ornaments dangling from the branches. Then there are dogs who love to burrow, like my Chihuahua. They often enjoy snoozing under tree branches, meaning they may accidentally knock into an ornament.
8. Avoid Holiday Houseplants
Holly, mistletoe, poinsettias, and amaryllis … these are all common holiday houseplants that should be kept out of your pup’s reach. If you decorate with them (either in or around your tree), switch to artificial versions.
9. Tuck Electrical Cords
No matter what type of tree you have, you’ll likely wrap strings of beautiful lights around the branches. And that means you’ll bring new cords into your space. For a lot of dogs, especially teething puppies, those electrical cords can be pretty tempting to nibble and chew. Use a cord hider to keep wires hidden/tucked away.
10. Save Presents for Christmas Morning
Some dogs could care less about wrapped presents under the tree. But, if you have a young puppy or curious canine who would love to chew or even mark your gorgeously wrapped gifts then it’s best to keep the tree bottom clear until Christmas morning.
