A Christmas tree adds joy and sparkle to any home, but for dog owners, it can also bring challenges. Dogs, with their natural curiosity, might see the tree as a tempting playground, risking damage to decorations and potential harm to themselves. Securing your tree with gates, barriers, and non-toxic ornaments is key to ensuring a safe and stress-free holiday.

With this in mind, the dog supplement experts at Blue Pet Co. wanted to share how you can keep your dog safe from the Christmas tree this year.

 

Assess the Risks and Concerns

 

    1. Breakable Ornaments
      These can be hazardous if your dog knocks them over, as shattered pieces could harm their paws.

    1. Tree Water Bowl
      If your tree has a water bowl, ensure it’s inaccessible to your dog. Some tree water additives are toxic to pets.

    2. Food Products and Holiday Treats
      Keep any edible decorations, like salt dough ornaments, out of reach. These can be tempting but dangerous to dogs.

    3. Electrical Cords
      Use cord protectors to prevent your dog from chewing on wires, which can cause electrocution.

    4. Type of Tree
      Some types, like pine, have needles that can irritate a dog’s mouth or cause digestive issues if ingested.

Top 8 ways to keep your dog safe from the Christmas tree

 

  1. Secure the Christmas tree
    An unstable tree can easily tip over with a curious pup around, so opt for a sturdy or artificial tree, make sure the base is secure by using a solid stand, anchor the tree by tying it to a wall for added stability, and consider using a barrier such as a pet gate or decorative tree fence to block access.

  2. Use dog gates or barriers for physical boundaries
    Keeping your furry friend away from the Christmas tree can be a challenge, especially during the busy holiday season, so an effective method that reduces this stress is using dog gates or barriers so they can’t get to the tree. This will not only prevent them from getting too close and damaging your decorations, but it will also stop them from ingesting dangerous objects or food products such as chocolate or raisins, which are often found in holiday treats.

  3. Place decorations out of your dog’s reach
    One effective strategy is to place decorations out of your dog’s reach; you start by using shatterproof ornaments to prevent accidents and hang the fragile or breakable ornaments higher on the tree. Consider using salt dough ornaments; they are pet-safe, durable, and less tempting for dogs.

  4. Implement training techniques
    Training your dog to ‘leave it’ can save you many headaches this holiday! If you start simply with a basic object, using treats in one hand whilst the object is in the other, give the command ‘leave it’ when your dog shows interest in the object and reward the good behaviour once your dog looks away and give them the treat.

  5. Create safe zones for your dog
    Designate a cosy corner far from the tree where your pup can relax, and equip this area with their favourite toys and blankets to make it inviting. You can also use a pet deterrent spray on the tree’s base to discourage your dog from wandering too close.

  6. Choose non-toxic decorations
    Many holiday decorations can be harmful if ingested by dogs, so start by trying to choose non-toxic decorations. It’s key to avoid using food products like popcorn strings or candy canes, as they can tempt your dog and lead to digestive issues.

  7. Establish a safe holiday routine
    Tree setup: Choose a stable or artificial tree
    Ornaments: Use shatterproof ornaments
    Protective measures: Install a pet gate/tree fence, and use deterrent spray and a cord protector
    Schedule: Regular walks and playtime

  8. Use scent deterrents to discourage
    A simple solution can be to use scent deterrents to discourage your dog from approaching the tree as they have a strong sense of smell, they will find scents such as citrus, vinegar, or essential oils unpleasant.