Are Christmas Trees Poisonous to Dogs?

Dog Dog Health Christmas

Questions

  • Can you have a real Christmas tree with a dog?
  • How to keep a puppy away from a Christmas tree?
It's time to start decorating your home for the holidays, and putting up that beautiful Christmas tree is one of the best parts!
Pet owners may be wondering if Christmas trees are dangerous to dogs or thinking: ‘how can I keep my dog safe during the holidays?’. Read on for some great tips before dusting off those beloved decorations.

Can you have a real Christmas tree with a dog?

Pets are naturally inquisitive animals, let alone when a giant Christmas tree is being set up next to all of their toys and blankets. All of those intriguing smells and lights, no wonder we find our pets sniffing around the tree - it is the focal point of our beautiful homes.  
So, are they safe for our four-legged friends? Christmas trees are considered to be of low toxicity, they are either made of fir, spruce, or pine; none of the compounds found in the tree's needles or sap are particularly harmful if consumed by canines.  
Dogs can safely chew on the branches of a traditional Christmas tree because they aren't thought to be poisonous, however, as the tree becomes more brittle with age, the pine needles are what you need to be extra careful of! 
Christmas trees feature a lot of decoration - including chocolate ornaments - which are potentially extremely harmful to dogs. Additionally, glass ornaments and fairy lights can also be problematic. 
Fake snow on the tree is not harmful to pets, however, certain spray-on products can be toxic depending on the severity of the exposure, so make sure you read the ingredients on the bottle. 
You don't need any vet trips over the festive break, so ensure that you prepare in time for the period and purchase pet-friendly decorations so that you can have a happy howl-iday!  

Are Christmas tree needles poisonous to dogs?

If your dog spends a lot of time under or around the tree, sharp pine needles could become lodged in their paws or irritate their eyes. Prickly pine needles will also upset their stomach if they swallow too many of them. 
Because of this, it could be a good idea to get an artificial tree or - if you truly want a real one for the lovely rustic smells - then try to block off access to it from your furry companion. Both solutions will assist in keeping needles off the floor, plus, once Christmas is over, you'll have less to clean up. 
There are other types of Christmas plants to be aware of as well. While you may enjoy a quick kiss under it, green mistletoe can be harmful if they decide to take a nibble of it. Artificial ones still pose a risk because they are made of plastic and cannot be digested, as well as sometimes containing irritating oils. 

Husky sat in front of christmas scene.

How to stop a dog eating your Christmas tree

Unsurprisingly, your dog may decide to chew on the Christmas tree! Follow the steps below to try and stop this: 
  1. Decorate away from your dog's reach - to try and dog-proof your Christmas tree, arrange it in a secure location with decorations out of your dog's way. Regularly inspect the lamp cords for chew marks and tightly tape them high up off the ground if possible. 

  1. Don't decorate your tree with tasty snacks like candy canes and gingerbread that might pique your dog's interest and encourage them to test their climbing abilities. Try and create a nightly habit of giving treats that will distract them; Santa's small canine helpers need to be treated too! 

  1. Keep the space around the trees clean. Over time, real and even artificial trees lose their needles. To prevent your dog from sampling a pine needle, be sure you periodically clean the area around your tree. 

  1. Before you decorate the tree, leave it up for a few days. This will help your dog get used to having a tree in the house, so they’ll be more likely to leave it alone once it’s covered in lights and baubles. After a few days with a bare tree, chances are they will lose interest entirely! 

  1. Think about purchasing a dog spy camera so you can keep an eye on your loved one, both for peace of mind and just for a bit of fun.


How to keep a puppy away from a Christmas tree?

Puppies can be a little more troublesome. The best way to keep a puppy away from a Christmas tree is setting it up in a room that can be closed off from the rest of your home. 
If this isn't possible, you can install a dog gate for peace of mind - a sturdy fence won't be easily damaged by your pup. Additionally, you don't want your tree to topple over should your pooch get playful with it, so try to tie it down with a fishing line so that it will remain in place for the entire season. 
Keeping your pup distracted is another great option. Get them a special toy, such as a long-lasting chew toy with treats in, as it can help keep their minds focused and active - our kong wobbler toys and pets play bone hide IQ dog toys are great for this! According to studies, these toys each act in a different way to reduce anxiety. Double win!  
You can even try and train your furry friend to stay away from the Christmas tree. Every time they go near it, tell them to go to their bed or crate and reward them after - just make sure you’re patient with them.  
From distracting them with toys, to making sure you stay on top of the dreaded clearing up of dropped pine needles - there’s no reason for there to be any disasters when it comes to Christmas trees and dogs. Whether you opt for a real or artificial tree, you’re sure to have a yappy holiday with your pooch this festive season! And make sure you’ve got a little something wrapped up for them under the tree - explore our range of Christmas gifts for dogs today to find the perfect one for your pup. Â