Smart Solutions for Dog-Proofing Your Christmas Tree
The holidays are a wonderful time to spend time with your family—four-legged company included. However, this season often presents more hazards than usual for dog owners who celebrate Christmas. Ornaments, pine needles, and electrical wiring found on Christmas trees can all pose a threat to your furry friend. Here are some smart and simple solutions for keeping your Christmas tree and furry friend safe this holiday season.
Opt for an Artificial Tree
Although real Christmas trees smell amazing, they’re often more tempting for canines. The fresh scent may make your dog want to chew on the needles, branches, or bark. An artificial tree is typically a better option for dog owners since they’re less interesting to dogs and much sturdier. Plus, you’ll have fewer pine needles falling on the floor that could poke your pup or get eaten.
Secure Your Christmas Tree
There’s nothing worse than a tree toppling over, especially when your dog is involved. If your Christmas tree gets knocked over, this may result in broken ornaments and lights or an injured pup. Make sure your tree is in a sturdy tree stand that can withstand a curious pup’s sniffing. For extra stability, consider tying your tree to the wall or ceiling with a clear fishing line. Taking extra precautions to prevent accidents will ensure you and your pup can safely enjoy your Christmas tree.
Wait to Decorate the Tree
When you first put up your Christmas tree, leave it bare for a few days. This gives your dog a chance to get used to the tree without being distracted by decorations. Since the tree won’t have any fun or shiny ornaments, your pup will likely be relatively uninterested. Once your dog has had time to adjust, you can start decorating. This gradual approach helps your pup adjust to the tree without feeling the need to investigate every ornament.
Be Mindful of Ornaments and Lights
There’s no question that adding ornaments and lights is the best part of decorating a Christmas tree. Unfortunately, many common tree decorations can be dangerous for curious or playful canines. Shiny ornaments, tinsel, and ribbons might look like toys and tempt your pup to chew on them. Try to place fragile or risky ornaments higher up on the tree, where your dog can’t reach them. For the lower branches, go for unbreakable ornaments made of plastic or wood. As for lights, make sure cords are safely out of reach, or use battery-operated lights to avoid any chewing incidents.
Keep Plants and Food Decorations Away
When decorating your tree, it’s best to forego any food or plant decorations. Holiday plants like mistletoe, holly, and poinsettias can be toxic to dogs if they’re ingested, so keep these out of reach. If you love the look of fresh plants, you can always use fake versions that won’t pose a danger to your dog. Food decorations like gingerbread cookies or candy canes may be festive, but they’ll also be tempting to your furry friend. Keep edible decorations out of your dog’s reach to prevent any accidents.
Admire the Tree From Afar
If you know your pup won’t be easily deterred from playing nice to the Christmas tree, setting up a barrier may be the best way to keep them away. A sturdy dog gate or playpen can create a “no-dog zone” around your tree so your pup can’t get too close. This way, you can enjoy the beauty of your tree without worrying about your dog getting into it. If you don’t like the look of a barrier, you can also set up your Christmas tree in a separate room. As long as you keep the door shut when Fido isn’t being supervised, you can decorate the tree to your heart’s content.
Supervise and Train Your Dog
Even if you’ve done everything to dog-proof your tree of holiday hazards, it’s still important to supervise your dog, especially when the tree is new. If they show interest in the tree or try to chew on it, gently redirect them with a firm “no” and give them praise when they behave well. Training and consistency go a long way in teaching your dog that the tree is off-limits. If you need extra assistance, Sit Means Sit has plenty of dog training classes to choose from!
With a little planning and some simple precautions, you can ensure your Christmas tree and Fido stay safe during this Christmas season. Happy Holidays, and may your tree stay intact!
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