You’ve decked the halls and want to keep your dog safe, especially around the Christmas tree. Here are some tree safety tips to help ensure “emergency trip to the vet” doesn’t become part of your holiday plans.  

Should dog owners get an artificial tree or real?

If you’re wondering which is safer for your dog, an artificial tree or a real tree, both have potential hazards. However, there are two additional risks with a real tree: your dog eating tree needles and drinking the water the tree sits in. Let’s discuss why these are especially important considerations when buying a tree. 

What happens if my dog eats pine needles? 

Evergreen needles are sharp, mildly toxic and indigestible, and can cause your dog gastrointestinal irritation resulting in:

• Blockages and possible puncture wounds

• Diarrhea

• Vomiting 

Take safety measures when setting up your Christmas tree and you and your pup will have a happier and more safe holiday! Remember, VEG is open 24/7 all throughout the holidays.

Can my dog drink water from under the Christmas tree? 

The tree stand can contain things that can be toxic if your dog drinks from it—some you can see and most you can’t:

• Fertilizers

• Pesticides

• Preservatives

• Tree sap

If you have your heart set on a real tree, here are some tips on making sure your pup and Christmas tree coexist safely during the holidays.

What to consider when setting up a tree in a home with pets

Your dog’s behavior, age, and health

Your pet’s overall temperament, natural curiosity, and training will drive your level of necessary safety measures. Rambunctious puppies, high-energy breeds, older dogs with impaired vision or walking, and some multi-dog households will require a level of hazard-proofing that a more chill, well-trained adult pet would not.

Where to place the tree with a dog in the home

Location, location, location! Select a location for your tree that is in a quiet, out-of-the-way spot from your pet so temptation is minimized. Keep your tree away from any sources of heat and make sure there are no tables or chairs near the tree that your dog can climb to access it.

Note that not every dog can or should share the same space with a Christmas tree. You may need to keep your tree in a separate room that can be closed off from your pet or on a front porch. A small tabletop tree your dog can’t access is another choice to consider.

Your dog will likely be curious at the new tree in your home! Be sure to safeguard against tipping and other danger risks.

Anchor your tree so you dog can’t tip it

Once you secure your tree in a stand, you want to anchor it to stay put. To keep your tree from tipping over, anchor it to a wall or to the ceiling with a fishing line.

Barriers are your best bet for pets

Barriers such as baby gates are great ways to keep your pup safe around your Christmas tree. Scat mats are another option to discourage your pup from approaching your tree. Keep your dog in a separate, secured room or in a crate if you leave the house and can’t supervise him or her.

Keep tree branches and needles from your pet

Supervise your dog to make sure he or she doesn’t chew on tree branches or step on or ingest needles that have fallen, whether real or artificial. Consider spraying branches with chew-deterrent sprays like a bitter apple spray. Also, be quick and consistent about sweeping up fallen needles.

Not all trees are created equal

If you’re opting for a natural tree, choose Nordmann or Fraser Firs, which have softer needles and may cause less irritation to your pet if accidentally eaten. Pines and spruces have harder, spikier needles that can do more damage. If you prefer an artificial tree, be aware that needles can still shed. Tug on branches to see how secure the needles are on the tree. 

Always supervise your dog around the Christmas tree to help avoid danger. If your dog needs emergency vet care, VEG is open 24/7 on holidays too.

Pet safety-smart holiday decorating tips

• Keep ornaments high on your tree. Dangling ornaments within reach of your dog is too tempting!

• Opt for unbreakable ornaments made from fabric, wood, Styrofoam, or plastic. Use cotton string, yarn, or fabric to attach ornaments instead of wire hooks.

• Avoid glass ornaments, fiberglass angel hair, and food crafts like Christmas cookies, candy canes, or strings of popcorn/cranberries.

• Don’t use tinsel or garland which can wreak havoc on your dog’s GI system if ingested. Never attempt to remove tinsel or string that is hanging out of your pet’s mouth. Visit your nearest VEG for safe removal. 

• Keep your tree free of mistletoe, holly berries, and fake snow, all of which are toxic to your pup.

• Wrap lights close to the trunk of the tree to minimize access. Cover cords with cord protectors.

• Prevent your pup from accessing tree water by blocking access to it with a plastic cover, tin foil, tree skirts, or even an e-collar.

VEG is open 24/7 throughout the holidays and every day

No matter how careful you are, things can still happen, so remember VEG ER is here for you and your pet  24/7 - including holidays - when they do. Call with questions, or just come in. No appointment needed.