Staying Safe Around the Christmas Tree

Christmas trees can be fun for the whole family but–without proper supervision–they can present some real hazards to your dog. Whether you opt for a live tree or an artificial one, both present risks and the last thing you want on your holiday is an injury and a visit to the emergency vet.

The first step to adding a tree to your dog-friendly household is to supervise your dog any time he’s around the tree, especially in the first few days of the tree. If you won’t be able to supervise him, consider blocking his access with puppy gates, crating him, or restricting him to other parts of the house when you’re not around to keep him safe.

Watch for these hazards when you put up your tree:

• Tugging at the Tree. In the excitement over the tree, your puppy or dog might tug at a limb or a cord, pulling down the tree on top of him, risking cuts from broken ornaments. Considering putting up your tree and leaving it undecorated for a few days until your dog gets more accustomed to it.

• Chewing on Cords. Electrical cords always present a hazard, especially to puppies that like to chew. Shock or severe burns (or worse) can result. Considering encasing the cord in some PVC conduit (which can be purchased at home improvement centers for just a few dollars).

• Drinking the Tree Water. If you have a live tree, that stand of water is very tempting to your dog. Many of the trees have a preservative in them which can seep into the water. Also, if you have a pine tree, know that pine tar is toxic and the sap that will get into the water should never be ingested by your dog. (Watch for falling pine needles, too.) Find a covered tree stand or a way to cover yours with wire (chicken wire is inexpensive and very pliable) to prevent your dog from drinking from it.

• Chewing Ornaments. If you’ve got a chewer in the house, put any tempting ornaments high on the tree out of his reach. Some people suggest bitter spray on lower branches to deter chewing.

• Chewing on an Artificial Tree. Artificial trees are sprayed with a fire retardant…one that your dog should not ingest by chewing on the tree. Again, a bitter spray on lower branches can be a good idea if you have a chewer in the house.

The best way to make sure your Christmas tree is safe for your dog is to keep a close eye on him any time he’s around the tree, ensuring you both have a healthy and happy holiday!

About Paris Permenter and John Bigley

DogTipper publishers Paris Permenter and John Bigley are a husband-wife team of full-time writers. The couple has authored over two dozen books and 2,500+ magazine articles.

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