There’s nothing cuter, than a pic of your pooch perfectly posed in front of your tree. But dogs and Christmas trees aren’t always a good mix. Trees with their breakable ornaments & electrical lights can be a hazard for dogs, and curious dogs can be a hazard to trees!
Don’t worry though, you can still have a tree. It’s just worth taking a few precautions. Read on for our 6 top tips for how to keep your dog safe around your tree (and vice versa.)
Strong & Steady
When trees fall over on TV it’s hillarous, but when it happens in your own house its not funny. Especially if it happens while youre out, and came crashing down of your curious pup.
Invest in a high quality stand, that is suitable for the height of tree you has – yes, they are different for bigger/smaller trees.
If its tucked neatly into a corner, why not also anchor it to the wall if you can?
Start with a bare tree
If it’s your dog’s 1st Christmas tree encounter, or you have a particularly curious pup, then why not leave your tree up bare for a couple of days. It will give them time to get used to it before you decorate it with all those breakable bits and bobs.
Once they’re ok with the tree, you’ll find they leave it alone even when it’s covered in lights and baubles.
Cable Management is king
Picture the scene: Dog takes a bit of a sniff at the tree, you catch them out the corner of your eye – “No, leave!” you shout. In a panic, dog scurries away. Foot gets caught in the tangled mess of wires at the base of the tree, and the whole thing comes falling down….
Nightmare right?! Not only are cables a trip & tangle hazard for your dog, if they’re a chewer then they could also be deadly.
Keep all your cords nearly tucked away under the tree & out of reach. If you’ve got a tree skirt, get them hidden under that.
Fragile ornaments = Higher branches
Your big, happy dog, with their waggy tail might not have any interest in that tree at all. But that tail, that they’ve got no control over is another story all together. Secure your ornaments with twine or hooks so they stay on tight and also make sure any super delicate ones or sentimental ones go up high. Away from the onslaught of the waggy tail.
No food on the tree
Popcorn garlands, chocolate ornaments, and candy canes, oh my! Festive treats make beautiful decorations, but they’re a no-no for dogs. And just a friendly reminder, chocolate’s among the most dangerous foods for dogs. During Christmas, it’s important to keep sweets completely out of reach of your dog—which may mean leaving it off the tree.
Save the presents for Christmas morning
Sometimes it’s not a matter of dogs and Christmas trees, but dogs and what’s under the tree. To keep your Christmas gifts safe, and protect your dog from ingesting something they shouldn’t, don’t leave presents under the tree. Wait for Santa to come on Christmas Eve, and wake up to gifts that the dog hasn’t licked.