{"id":940,"date":"2018-12-03T10:30:39","date_gmt":"2018-12-03T18:30:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sitmeanssit.com\/dog-training-mu\/san-gabriel-valley-dog-training\/?p=940"},"modified":"2024-07-30T05:52:00","modified_gmt":"2024-07-30T12:52:00","slug":"8-tips-to-dog-proof-your-christmas-tree","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sitmeanssit.com\/dog-training-mu\/san-gabriel-valley-dog-training\/8-tips-to-dog-proof-your-christmas-tree\/","title":{"rendered":"8 Tips to Dog Proof Your Christmas Tree"},"content":{"rendered":"
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CARING FOR YOUR DOG<\/a>\u00a0| By\u00a0<\/span>Elisabeth Geier<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/h5>\n
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Nothing makes a cuter holiday picture\u00a0than your dog posed\u00a0in front of the Christmas tree. But dogs and Christmas\u00a0trees aren\u2019t always the perfect mix. Decorated trees pose hazards to dogs, like breakable ornaments and electric lights, and curious dogs can be hazardous to the tree.<\/p>\n<\/header>\n

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Don\u2019t worry: you can still have a Christmas tree! You just need to take some precautions. Read on to learn how to keep your dog safe around the Christmas tree (and vice versa).<\/p>\n

1. Go\u00a0artificial<\/h2>\n

Christmas movies use tipped-over trees as a comedic device, but there\u2019s nothing funny about a falling tree indoors. Invest in\u00a0a quality stand to secure the base of the tree. To prevent possible injury to curious pets, place the Christmas tree in a corner and securely anchor it to the celing or wall.<\/p>\n

To anchor your tree, loop some fishing line around the trunk and tie\u00a0it to an anchor, such as a molly bolt, in the wall behind it.\u00a0You can also tie the line around the top of the tree and tie it to a\u00a0screw in the ceiling. This will keep the tree from tipping over if a rambunctious\u00a0dog gives it a bump.<\/p>\n

You can also create an \u201calarm\u201d to alert you if the tree is in danger: simply place aluminum foil or a can filled with beans on the tree\u2019s bottom limbs. If your dog starts nosing around the tree, you\u2019ll hear it in time to intervene.<\/p>\n

2. Start with a bare tree<\/h2>\n

Before you decorate the tree, leave it up for a few days. This will help your dog get used to having a tree in the house, so they\u2019ll be more likely to leave it alone once it\u2019s covered in lights and baubles.<\/p>\n

After a few days with a bare tree, chances are your dog will\u00a0lose interest entirely!<\/p>\n

3. Be wary of\u00a0electrical cords<\/h2>\n
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Bright, shiny lights are hard to resist, but they can be dangerous to your dog. Not only can your dog get tangled in the wires, but if she\u2019s a chewer, there\u2019s a risk of electrical shock.\u00a0If you put lights on your Christmas tree, leave the bottom branches bare.<\/p>\n

You should also secure cords leading to and from the tree. Hide\u00a0cords with the tree skirt or decorative package, or use adhesive-backed\u00a0cord clips<\/a>\u00a0to keep them off the floor and out of reach.<\/p>\n

4. Put fragile ornaments on higher branches<\/h2>\n

Your big, happy dog with her big, wagging tail can be lethal to delicate Christmas decorations. Broken decorations may be a choking hazard, or cause paw or mouth injuries.<\/p>\n

To keep your family heirlooms safe, and protect your dog from broken glass, put fragile ornaments towards the top of the tree, or switch to plastic altogether. Depending on how rambunctious and curious your dog is, you may want to leave the bottom third of the tree bare.<\/p>\n

5. No food on the tree<\/h2>\n

Popcorn garlands, cookie ornaments, and candy canes, oh my! Holiday treats make beautiful decorations, but they\u2019re a no-no for\u00a0dogs. Leave the popcorn for eating, and try a dog-friendly paper garland on the tree instead.<\/p>\n

Put the chocolate away, too;\u00a0it\u2019s among the most\u00a0dangerous foods<\/a>\u00a0for dogs. During the holiday season, it\u2019s important to keep candy completely out of reach of your dog\u2014which may mean leaving it off the tree.<\/p>\n

6. Keep toxic plants out of reach (or fake)<\/h2>\n

Holly, mistletoe, poinsettias: these common holiday houseplants are potentially\u00a0toxic<\/a>\u00a0to dogs.\u00a0If you decorate with any of them, keep them way out of reach of your pets. Better yet, look for pet-safe alternatives. Artificial versions can be just as lovely, and a lot safer for your dog.<\/p>\n

While pine needles aren\u2019t particularly toxic, they are small and sharp, and can cause injury in your dog\u2019s mouth and intestines. If you have a natural Christmas tree, be sure to sweep up fallen needles every day.<\/p>\n

7. Candles? Keep \u2019em up high and off the tree<\/h2>\n

Candlelight makes the holidays cozy and bright, but open flames and dogs don\u2019t mix. Aside from the fire hazard of having a candle close to the Christmas tree, flickering candlelight is hard to resist.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re decorating with candles, place them on secure shelves well out of reach of your dog. To get that\u00a0flickering glow effect on the Christmas tree, try\u00a0clip-on LED<\/a>\u00a0candles.<\/p>\n

8. Save the presents for Christmas morning<\/h2>\n

Sometimes it\u2019s not a matter of dogs and Christmas trees, but dogs and what\u2019s under the tree. My family has had more than one incident in which a dog ate a present.<\/p>\n

To keep your Christmas gifts safe, and protect your dog from ingesting something she shouldn\u2019t, don\u2019t leave presents under the tree. Wait for Santa to come on Christmas Eve, and wake up to gifts that the dog hasn\u2019t licked.<\/p>\n

Christmastime is extra-special with a dog. By following our tips for Christmas tree safety, you can make sure the holiday is happy and bright for you and your best friend!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

CARING FOR YOUR DOG\u00a0| By\u00a0Elisabeth Geier Nothing makes a cuter holiday picture\u00a0than your dog posed\u00a0in front of the Christmas tree. But dogs and Christmas\u00a0trees aren\u2019t always the perfect mix. Decorated trees pose hazards to dogs, like breakable ornaments and electric lights, and curious dogs can be hazardous to the tree. Don\u2019t worry: you can still…<\/p>\n

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