Who doesn't love Christmas, especially when it comes time to putting up the tree? Afterwards, the satisfaction of sitting and admiring your work, twinkling lights, gleaming ornaments, sparkly tinsel. Whilst this is all lovely, how safe is it for our dogs? 

There are obviously dangers that surround our work of art. The tree itself, as well as the decorations, can provide a danger to your pet, and in some cases can even prove deadly. However, that doesn’t mean that we have to ban them from our homes, we just need to dog-proof our Christmas tree to make it safer for our pets. 

So what can you do to keep your dog safe at Christmas?

If you decide on a live Christmas tree it has to be kept watered to prevent it from becoming a fire hazard. The water itself can be a problem for your pets if they drink it as the sap from the tree will contaminate the water and bacteria will quickly develop. Another problem that can arise is caused by the chemicals that may have been sprayed on the tree whilst it was growing, these can leach into the water, along with any additives that you may add to help extend the life of your tree.

• Use a tree stand with a small opening. The less access they have, the less temptation you dog will have to drink from it.

Christmas Tree Stand with Under Water Tank, Green, 43cm £14.99

 

10ft Cinco Classic Christmas Tree Stand with Water Reservoir £29.99

 

Krinner Comfort M Christmas Tree Stand £38.43

 

• Prevent access to the water. An aluminum foil covering is a simple solution, but for a more decorative solution, consider a tree collar that goes around the stand and makes it harder for your dog to reach it.

Classic Wooden Christmas Tree Stand (Green) 15" £28.49

 

Wooden Christmas Tree Stand (Red) £28.49

 

Classic Rustic Wicker Willow Christmas Tree Skirt £21.98

 

Stand Band Tree Collar (Red, Black, Plaid) £21.10

 

• Ensure that you stabilize your tree. Whatever type of tree you decide on, make sure it is stable so that your dog can’t accidentally knock it over.

• Consider an artificial tree, there are some amazing ones available and they are far better quality and realistic looking than they used to be.

Evre Artificial Christmas Tree 7ft with PVC Tip Branches and Metal Stand £39.99

 

GYMAX Green Fibre Optic Artificial Tree (6ft) £42.95

 

AMhomely Christmas Tree 7.5ft Artificial Christmas Tree (White)

 

Shatchi Christmas Tree White (4ft) Artificial Tree £14.89

But how can you keep your dog away from the Christmas tree?

• Section off the space. Maybe place the tree in a corner behind a sofa, unless you have a climber on your hands, in which case this might actually aid access.

•  Use a dog gate to help to section off an area whilst also protecting presents.

Unipaws Wood and Wire Pet Gate £74.12

 

Unipaws Freestanding Dog Gate £102.12

 

Relaxdays Wooden Safety Barrier (White) £69.90

 

Flexipanel the portable, flexible, foldable dog fence (indoor or outdoor) (4ft) £30.00

• Train your dog to stay away from the tree, although this could obviously be time consuming.

• Secure your tree to the ceiling or a wall just in case it is breached by the intrepid explorer.

• Put your tree in a room that can be closed off when you are not there.

Are my tree decorations safe for my dog?

So our trees wouldn't be the same without the decorations would they? For many, adding the decorations is a family affair, with many of them often holding special memories. But we aren’t the only ones who find ornaments fun. Hanging ornaments look like toys to our pets. Even the ornament hooks can be an issue as they create a risk of puncture wounds, or worse if swallowed. Homemade ornaments such as salt-dough are extremely dangerous if eaten due the high salt content. Some ornaments may even contain batteries which will obviously cause problems if swallowed.

Then there are the Christmas tree lights. Hanging cords might tempt a pet to paw, pull, or even bite the cord.

Tinsel and garlands present their own issues, pets just can’t resist playing with the sparkly decorations. The danger is that your pets could swallow bits of the tinsel which could wrap around their intestines and cause a life-threatening emergency.

And of course, any edible garlands such as popcorn or cranberries are going to be a magnet for hungry hounds and encourage them to try and get to your tree, potentially knocking it over in their attempt or eating the string that was attached to them.

But fear not, you don't have to stare at an empty tree. You can still have a beautiful Christmas tree by making a few changes.

• Hang your fragile ornaments at the top of the tree and leave the bottom for the less dangerous ornaments.

• Use shatterproof ornaments, just in case they were to get knocked down, at least they wont break or cause an injury.

Akin Shatterproof Christmas Baubles (36 pieces) £8.09

 

Shatterproof Christmas Baubles (Gold) (34 pieces) £9.99 Many other colours available

• Hang your ornaments with plastic ornament hooks (rather than metal) or use ribbon to attach your ornaments to the tree.

Plastic Green Bauble Hooks (500 hooks) £9.99

 

Plastic Christmas Ornament Hooks (150 hooks) (Green) £7.59

• Make sure Christmas light cords are not hanging in a place where they can tempt your pet.

• When deciding on where to set up the Christmas tree, pick a spot close to an outlet so there isn’t a trail of wire.

• Cover exposed cording from the tree to outlet with a protective covering to try and deter your pet from chewing on the cord.

• Consider using LED lights which have a lower voltage so present less of a danger if chewed.

1000 LED 100m LED String Fairy Lights, Low Voltage 31V £34.95 8 lighting modes and memory function

 

200 LED 13m LED Fairy Lights Low Voltage (Warm White and White) £13.99 8 lighting effects and memory. Also available in pink and white

 

LightsGo Kid Safe Low Voltage Waterproof LED Christmas Fairy Lights 300 LED 30m plus extra lomg 8m cable (Warm white) £14.80 Suitable for indoor or outdoor use. Also available in light blue, multicolour, white and brilliant cool white.

• Unplug when not being used just in case.

• Instead of tinsel, add sparkle to your tree with silver metal or clear plastic icicles hanging from your tree.

Keep in mind that none of these solutions are 100% fool-proof. There will always be that one dog who will not give up despite your best efforts so you may have to try a few different solutions until you find one that works for you and your dog.

It may seem like a lot to go through, but it’s worth it to keep your dog safe so you can keep Christmas merry and bright.

See also:

Best santa sacks for dogs 2020

Best Christmas Stockings for Dogs 2020

Best Christmas Decorations for Dog Owners 2020