Dogs & Christmas Trees
Christmas trees bring much joy to households around the holidays. However, they can pose dangerous hazards to our four-legged friends. Unsurprisingly, dogs are attracted to ornaments, lights, and gift boxes. Curiosity can cause many issues if we are not careful.
Things like temperament, age, and your dog’s energy level play a role in how much mischief they can cause with a Christmas tree. Do not be fooled, though! The Christmas tree will tempt even the best-behaved dogs. As a pet owner, you must take precautions that minimize or eliminate risks.
Some of the common risks associated with Christmas trees include the following:
- Needles – Tree needles are not easily digestible and can be mildly toxic depending on your dog’s size and how much they ingest.
- Ornaments – Do not decorate your tree with glass ornaments. Swallowing an ornament can cause gastrointestinal blockage.
- Water – Did you know that tree water can poison your dog? It contains preservatives, pesticides, and fertilizers that are not safe.
- Lights – We recommend avoiding stringing the tree’s bottom with lights. Some types of lights can get very hot and burn your dog
- Hooks – Use yarn, ribbon, or lightweight twine to hang ornaments. Wire hooks are dangerous in many ways.
- Gifts – Let’s not forget about what is under the tree! Keep the area around your tree free of discarded string, ribbon, and small toys.
Much like many situations, prevention is key. You should put your Christmas tree in a room that can be closed off from your dog. Another option is to install a baby gate in the doorway to prevent your dog from entering and causing mischief around the tree. There are many ways that you can keep your dog safe during this holiday season. Do your part as a pet parent!
