KEEPING CHRISTMAS SAFE AND FESTIVE: A GUIDE TO CHRISTMAS TREES AND DOGS

By: Door Buddy Editors | Published: 13 December 2024

Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year - and if you’ve got a dog in the house, you know they’re just as excited about the holidays as you are. Twinkling lights? Shiny ornaments? A giant tree in the living room? It’s basically a dream playground for your pup!

That’s why Christmas with animals, especially dogs, requires a little extra planning to keep things safe and festive. Don’t worry, though - we’ve got you covered with tips to help you manage Christmas Trees and Dogs so you can enjoy a “paw-some” holiday season.

Looking for more Pet Holiday Safety Tips this Christmas? Check out our blog for all the details!

ARE CHRISTMAS TREES DOG-FRIENDLY?

Before you deck the halls, let’s answer the big question: Are Christmas trees toxic to dogs?

Real Trees: Pine, fir, and spruce trees aren’t super toxic to dogs, but eating the needles can upset their tummy. Plus, that water bowl at the base of the tree? It might look like a pup-sized water fountain, but it could contain fertilizers or bacteria. Gross! Learn about other potential poisons that may be harmful to your dog here and human foods that you don’t want to be giving your pup this festive season.
Fake Trees: These are generally safer, but still, keep an eye out for loose pieces or decorations your dog might chew on.

If your pup is extra curious, consider setting up a Christmas tree dog gate or dog Christmas tree fence to keep those snouts (and tails!) at a safe distance.

DECORATING YOUR DOG-FRIENDLY CHRISTMAS TREE

Decorating the tree is a holiday highlight, but for pet owners, it’s a careful mission. Learn how to stop your dog from turning the tree into a chew toy, and find tips for cat-proofing your Christmas tree here.

1. Choose Safe Ornaments

Fragile ornaments? Not this year! Opt for dog Christmas tree ornaments made of wood, fabric, or plastic. And skip anything small enough to swallow - it’s better to be safe than sorry!

2. Keep Lights Out of Reach

Twinkling lights are magical… until your dog decides to taste-test them. Hang lights higher up and use cord protectors to keep them safe from curious teeth.

3. Say No to Tinsel

Tinsel is shiny, but it’s also dangerous. If swallowed, it can cause serious tummy troubles. Stick to garlands that won’t tempt your dog to snack.

4. Don’t Put Presents Under The Tree

Christmas presents under the tree can be irresistible to our four-legged friends, especially if they involve something tasty! Wrapping paper isn’t healthy for dogs either and can cause blockages if ingested. To keep them safe, it’s best not to leave gifts under the tree - wait to put them out on the day instead. If you would like to wrap their gifts, try Paw Paper, which is an edible wrapping paper for dogs.

5. Keep Fairy Lights Away

Christmas lights might make your tree twinkle, but they can spell trouble for curious pups! Those shiny, dangling cords are just begging to be chewed, and that’s a shocking no-no (literally!). Not only could your furry friend get a nasty zap, but swallowing bits of wire or bulbs could lead to a holiday trip to the vet. Keep the sparkle out of paw’s reach.

HOW TO DOG-PROOF YOUR CHRISTMAS TREE

You can’t blame your pup for being curious - a tree inside the house? Wild! But with a little planning, you can dog-proof your Christmas tree and avoid holiday disasters:

Anchor the Tree: Secure it to a wall or ceiling so it won’t topple over if your dog gets a little too enthusiastic.

Set Up Barriers: A Christmas tree dog gate or fence creates a safe zone around the tree so your pup can admire it from afar.

Use Repellents: Spritz the base of the tree with PetSafe dog-safe deterrent to keep them from nibbling.

OTHER HOLIDAY HAZARDS TO WATCH OUT FOR

It’s not just the tree you need to think about - there are plenty of other Christmas dangers for dogs lurking around:

Toxic Plants: Wondering, “Is the Christmas cactus plant poisonous to dogs?” The answer is yes, but it’s only mildly toxic. Still, keep all holiday plants - like poinsettias and mistletoe out of paw’s reach.
Food Temptations: Chocolate, raisins, and other holiday treats are no-gos for dogs. Make sure snacks stay on the table (and not the floor!).
Decorations: Small decorations can be a choking hazard, so keep fragile pieces away from curious mouths.
Keep Your Dog Busy and Happy: A bored dog is more likely to cause trouble, so make sure your pup feels included in the holiday fun!
Holiday Toys: Treat your dog to special dogs’ Christmas toys to keep them entertained.
Include Them in the Festivities: Have them “help” unwrap presents or join in family photos. (Matching Christmas sweaters or onesies, anyone?)
Dog-Safe Treats: Let your dog join in the snacking with holiday Christmas treats for dogs or cats.

DOGS AS CHRISTMAS PRESENTS: YAY OR NAY?

Thinking of giving someone a furry friend for Christmas? Dogs as Christmas presents can be a sweet idea - but only if the recipient is fully ready for the responsibility. A dog is for life, not just for the holidays, so make sure it’s a thoughtful decision. If you are getting stuck with Christmas gift ideas for pet owners, read our blog for some inspiration

CONCLUSION: A GUIDE TO CHRISTMAS TREES AND DOGS

The holidays are all about making magical memories, and with these tips on Christmas trees and dogs, you can ensure your dog stays safe while enjoying the festive fun. Whether it’s dog-proofing your Christmas tree, picking out the perfect toys, or cozy cuddle sessions by the fire, your pup will feel like the star of the season.

Happy howl-idays!

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