Christmas is a magical time of year, and putting up the Christmas tree is one of the highlights. Twinkling lights, sparkling decorations and beautifully wrapped presents can make your home feel wonderfully festive. 

But if you share your home with a dog, your Christmas tree might look less like a festive centrepiece and more like an irresistible playground!

From tempting baubles and dangling lights to tree water and sparkly tinsel, Christmas trees can present several hazards for curious dogs. Some can cause serious injuries or even become life-threatening if swallowed. 

The good news is that you don't have to give up your Christmas tree to keep your dog safe. With a few simple precautions, you can make your tree less tempting, reduce potential hazards and enjoy a dog-friendly Christmas. 

Here is how to dog-proof your Christmas tree, choose safer decorations and keep your four-legged family members out of trouble this festive season. 

1. Choose a dog-friendly Christmas tree

Whether your prefer a real Christmas tree or an artificial one, there are a few things to consider before bringing it into your home. 

Keep real Christmas tree water out of reach

If you choose a real Christmas tree, you will need to keep it watered to prevent it from drying out. However, the water in the tree stand can attract thirsty or curious dogs. 

Tree water can contain sap, bacteria and other contaminants. Preservatives or other additives used in the water may also be harmful to pets. 

To reduce the risk:

• Choose a covered or narrow-opening tree stand. This can make it harder for your dog to reach the water. 
• Cover the tree stand. A secure tree collar or suitable stand cover can help prevent access. Make sure your dog cannot chew or swallow any covering materials. 
• Avoid adding chemicals or preservatives. Unless a product is specifically confirmed as safe for pets when used as directed, stick to plain water. 
• Clean up spills promptly. Don't allow your dog to drink water that has collected around the base of the tree. 

If you suspect your dog has swallowed something harmful from the tree water, contact your vet for advice.

Heavy Duty Christmas Tree Stand with 2.1L Water Reservoir for Real Trees

Make sure your Christmas tree is stable

A tree that topples over can injure your dog, damage your home and scatter potentially dangerous decorations across the floor. 

Choose a sturdy stand that is appropriate for the size of your tree, and position the tree on a level surface. For extra security, consider anchoring it to a suitable wall fixing or another secure support. 

Remember that even a small dog can knock a tree over if it pulls at a low-hanging decoration or gets tangled in the lights. 

Are artificial Christmas trees safer for dogs?

An artificial tree can be a practical alternative to a real tree, particularly if you want to avoid fallen needles and the need to maintain a reservoir of tree water. 

However, artificial trees are not automatically pet-safe. Plastic needles, branches, decorative flocking and other materials can still cause problems if chewed or swallowed. 

Whichever type of tree you choose, keep it stable and discourage your dog from chewing the branches. 

Festive Fix Artificial Christmas Tree 4ft

2. How to keep you dog away from the Christmas tree

Some dogs will happily ignore a Christmas tree. Others will investigate every branch, bauble and present underneath it!

If your dog is particularly curious, preventing access is often easier than repeatedly trying to stop them once they have discovered the tree. 

Use a dog gate or pet barrier

A freestanding pet gate or suitable dog pen can help create a boundary around your Christmas tree and presents. 

Choose a barrier that is tall and sturdy enough for your dog, with no gaps they can squeeze through or openings where they could become trapped. Make sure it cannot easily be pushed over. 

This can be especially useful when you have a puppy or a dog that gets excited by new objects. 

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Position your tree carefully

Where you put your tree can make a real difference.

• Choose a corner away from your dog's favourite resting or playing areas.
• Avoid placing the tree beside furniture that your dog could use to reach higher branches.
• Keep it away from busy walkways where your dog might accidentally know it over. 
• Position it near a suitable electrical socket to minimise trailing cables. 

Think about your individual dog's habits when choosing the location. A corner behind the sofa might work for one dog but might provide another with the perfect launching point!

Close the door when you leave

If possible, put your tree in a room that can be closed off when you are not at home or cannot supervise your dog. 

This is particularly useful if your dog is a persistent chewer or tends to investigate new objects when left alone. 

Teach your dog to leave the tree alone

Training can help your dog learn that the Christmas tree is not a toy. Reward them for settling calmly near it, responding to a recall or leaving decorations alone.

Introduce the tree gradually and supervise your dog while they get used to it. Training works best alongside physical precautions rather than as a replacement for them. 

3. Choose dog-safe Christmas tree decorations

Decorations are often the biggest temptation for dogs. Shiny baubles, dangling ornaments and rustling tinsel can look just like toys. 

Unforatunately, decorations can also cause injuries or serious complications if chewed or swallowed. 

Use shatterproof Christmas baubles

Glass baubles can break if knocked from the tree, leaving sharp fragments that could cut your dog's paws or mouth.

Choose sturdy, shatter-resistant decorations instead, particularly for the lower branches. Plastic ornaments can still be dangerous if chewed into small pieces, so supervise your dog and remove any damaged decorations promptly. 

30 Shatterproof Christmas Tree Baubles

 

Avoid small, sharp and easily swallowed decorations

Metal ornament hooks can cause puncture wounds if swallowed. Small decorative pieces, bells and detachable ornament parts can also present choking or intestinal obstruction risks. 

Instead:

• Use secure ribbon ties or suitable plastic fasteners to attach decorations.
• Check that attachments cannot be easily pulled off or swallowed.
• Avoid placing small, fragile or sharp decorations within your dog's reach.
• Remove damaged decorations immediately.

Keep batteries, particularly button batteries, well away from pets and children. If swallowed, they can cause severe internal injury and require urgent medical attention.

Hang precious decorations higher up

If you have family heirlooms or decorations with sentimental value, place them towards the top of the tree, well out of reach.

Use the lower branches for larger, lightweight, less fragile decorations. However, remember that dogs can sometimes reach higher than expected, particularly if they jump, climb or pull at branches. 

Avoid salt-dough decorations

Homemade salt-dough decorations may be a lovely family craft, but they are not suitable for dogs to eat. Their high salt content can cause salt poisoning, which can be life-threatening. 

Keep these decorations well out of reach and seek veterinary advice immediately if your dog eats one. 

4. Keep Christmas tree lights and cables safe

Christmas lights add a lovely sparkle to your tree, but trailing wires can tempt dogs to chew, paw or pull at them. 

Chewing electrical cables can cause electric shock, burns and other serious injuries. 

To reduce the risk:

• Hide exposed cables.  Use suitable cable protectors and position wires where your dog cannot reach them.
• Keep cords short and tidy.  Avoid loops of dangling wire that could tempt your dog to play. 
• Place the tree near an electrical socket. This reduces the need for long extension leads across the room.
• Consider low-voltage LED lights. These can reduce some electrical risks, but they are not safe to chew. 
• Switch off and unplug lights when unattended.  This is an additional precaution, not a substitute for keeping cables out of reach. 

Inspect lights sets before use and replace damaged cables or bulbs in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. 

If your dog bites through a live electrical cable, do not touch the dog or cable while the power is on. Switch off the electricity at the mains if you can do so safely and seek urgent veterinary assistance. 

5. Avoid tinsel and edible tree decorations

Tinsel is a classic Christmas decoration, but it can be particularly dangerous for pets. 

Its shiny, dangling strands can attract playful dogs. If swallowed, tinsel may cause an intestinal obstruction or damage the digestive tract. Long, string-like material can become trapped in the intestines and lead to a life-threatening emergency. 

The safest option is to avoid tinsel altogethr in a home with a dog that might chew or swallow it. 

For a similar festive sparkle, consider larger, securely attached decorations made from materials that are less likely to break into small pieces. These still need to be kept out of reach. 

Edible decorations, such as popcorn or cranberry garlands, can be equally tempting. Your dog might pull at the tree to reach them and could also swallow the string. Chocolate is also poisonous for dogs and so also never put chocolate decorations on your Christmas tree if you have a dog. 

Keep food-based decorations off your tree and store edible treats where your dog cannot reach them. 

6. Protect Christmas presents from curious dogs

Presents under the tree can be just as exciting as the decorations themselves. 

Ribbons, bows, wrapping paper and packaging may all tempt a dog to investigate. Some items can cause choking or digestive problems if swallowed. 

To protect your dog and your gifts:

• Avoid leaving food gifts or edible treats under the tree within reach.
• Keep ribbons, string and loose bows away from your dog. 
• Consider using a pet gate to protect both the tree and presents.
• Store particularly tempting gifts somewhere secure until Christmas morning.
• Clear torn wrapping paper and packaging promptly.

Remember that a present that looks harmless on the outside may contain chocolate, sweets or another substance that is toxic to dogs. 

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7. What should you do if your dog eats a Christmas decoration or present?

Even with the best precautions, accidents can happen.

If you think your dog has swallowed tinsel, a bauble fragment, a battery, an ornament hook or another potentially dangerous object, contact your vet promptly for advice. Do not wait for symptoms to develop.

Never try to make your dog vomit unless a veterinary professional specifically instructs you to do so. This can make injuries worse. 

Seek urgent veterinary advice if your dog has swallowed a potentially toxic substance or foreign object, or develops symptoms such as vomiting, abdominal pain, lethargy, difficulty breathing or repeated retching. 

Enjoy a dog-friendly Christmas

Dog-proofing your Christmas tree might seem like a lot of work, but a few simple changes can help reduce the risk of accidents and make the festive season safer for everyone. 

Choose a stable tree, keep water and cables out of reach, avoid hazardous decorations and use a barrier if necessary. Most importantly, supervise your dog and adapt your precautions to their individual behaviour. 

No Christmas tree setup is completely dog-proof, but planning ahead can help you enjoy all the sparkle of Christmas without putting your four-legged family member at unnecessary risk. 

Looking for more ways to celebrate Christmas with your dog? 

Explore our other festive guides:

• Best Santa Sacks for Dogs
• Best Christmas Stockings for Dogs
• Best Christmas Decorations for Dog Owners

Are real Christmas trees poisonous for dogs?

Some real Christmas trees can cause irritation and stomach upset if needles or sap are eaten. Fallen needles can also injure the mouth or digestive tract. Keep your dog away from fallen needles and tree water, and contact your vet if you are concerned about ingestion.

Is an artificial tree safer for dogs?

An artificial tree avoids real-tree needles and standing tree water, but it can still be dangerous if your dog chews or swallows plastic needles, branches or decorations. Stability and supervision remain important.

Is tinsel dangerous for dogs?

Yes. Swallowed tinsel can cause intestinal obstruction and potentially life-threatening damage to the digestive tract. It is safest to avoid it if your dog might chew or swallow it. 

How can I stop my dog from knocking over the Christmas tree?

Use a sturdy stand, place the tree on a level surface, secure it to a suitable fixing if possible and consider a pet gate. Keep tempting decorations and cables out of reach.

How can I stop my dog from eating Christmas presents?

There is only one sure fire way of stopping your dog from eating Christmas presents and that it ensuring they are kept away from your dog and always making sure that your dog is supervised around the presents and the Christmas tree. You could also consider using a dog pen or a door/stair gate to keep your dog and your Christmas presents separate. Always bear in mind your individual pets behaviour as some dogs will jump over a gate if tempted.