Christmas is a time for spreading good cheer and being with those you love. However, thanks to tinsel, electric lights, and toppling Christmas trees, it can be a dangerous time for cats and dogs. Since everyone deserves to join the fun, keep the holidays safe for pets so that they can enjoy it, too.
One of the trademark symbols of the season, the Christmas tree, poses several risks to your furry friend. Unless you plan to skip the tree this year, knowing how to pet-proof your Christmas tree is important.
Are Real Christmas Trees Toxic to Dogs and Cats?
The good news is that, unlike many popular holiday foods, Christmas trees aren’t toxic to pets. However, this doesn’t mean that your tree can’t cause problems for your dog or cat. Christmas trees present several challenges.
The sap from real trees can irritate your pet, and pine needles and decorations become choking hazards. Curious kitties that try to climb or pets getting close for a drink of water could end up stuck underneath a toppled tree. So what can you do to protect your pet from these potential hazards, aside from having no tree?
12 Ways to Keep Your Christmas Tree Safe for Your Pets
When you first brought home your dog or cat, you likely took the time to pet-proof your home. Maybe you secured trash can lids, tied up loose cords, and covered your sofa cushions. However, when the holidays roll around, there are a few more things you need to add to this list, and many of them focus on the Christmas tree.
1. Keep the Tree Out of Reach
Depending on your pet’s size and abilities, keeping the tree out of reach may be all you need to do. For example, if you have a small pup that doesn’t climb or can’t jump high, a table-top tree could be your answer.
There are also hanging trees and even a wall-mounted Christmas tree if you want to think a little outside the box. This tip doesn’t work as well with cats. Most cats love to jump, climb, and explore, especially a new tree in the house covered with shiny, sparkly objects. Therefore, consider your pet’s habits and athleticism before opting for this solution.
2. Put Something Around the Tree to Deter Your Pets
Another option is to put a barrier around your tree that deters your pet from getting too close. A baby gate or play wall is one option (as long as your pet won’t jump over it). Cats don’t like walking on surfaces with weird textures or smells, so things like aluminum foil or sticky paper could keep some kitties at bay.
For a more seasonal solution, you could put an electric train or similar item around the tree’s base. The motion and sound of the train could be enough to make a few pets think twice.
Again, you know your pet best, so you’ll need to consider their personality and stay vigilant. No matter what type of barrier you use, if you notice your pet getting more used to it, be prepared to change things up a bit.
3. Use an Artificial Christmas Tree
If your main concerns are your pet ingesting sap or pine needles, or trying to get in close for a drink of water, try an artificial tree. Some pets are unphased by Christmas trees and decorations.
Therefore, a fake tree might be all it takes to protect your pet. However, even a fake tree should be secure to prevent any topples. The bonus of artificial trees is you get to use them for several years, making them eco-friendly and cost-effective.
4. Skip the Tinsel
Many things can lead to an intestinal blockage, from ornament hooks to dropped pine needles. However, tinsel can be particularly dangerous. It tends to attract pets, especially cats, with its shine and shape. It looks like a toy when you think about it, so why wouldn’t a cat want to play?
The problem with tinsel is that it gets tangled. Imagine this scenario. Your pet ingests a small bit, maybe even accidentally because it sticks to something else.
At first, no problem, until your pet gets a hold of some more tinsel. The tinsel gets tangled and knotted up in your pet’s intestines, leading to a dangerous blockage.
5. Avoid Using Breakable Ornaments
Use ornaments that won't break if they fall off of the tree. Then, you don’t need to worry about your pet eating small pieces or stepping on broken glass. You also won’t have to clean up a mess if your pet has a habit of knocking things off of the tree.
6. Tape Down and Secure Cords
Another hazard of Christmas trees is the electric lights. If you have a pet that loves to chew, it’s critical to secure all cords. Tape them down with gaffe tape or something similar so your pet isn’t tempted by swinging wires.
7. Don’t Put Edible Presents Beneath the Tree
Some pets get nosy about Christmas presents, while others don’t pay much attention. However, if you wrap up some edible treats and stick them under your tree, the odds are good that your pet will sniff them out.
It’s best to keep presents with strong scents out of reach instead of beneath the tree with the other gifts. If your pet happens to get a hold of something unsafe, keep the numbers for ASPCA Animal Poison Control or the Pet Poison Helpline handy.
8. Regularly Check Your Christmas Tree for Hazards
Once you put up the tree, don’t set it and forget it. Regularly scan the tree and the surrounding area for any potential hazards, like dropped needles, a loose cord, etc.
Observe how your pet interacts with the tree to see if there is anything you should change. For example, if your cat insists on going after a particular ornament, it may be best to remove it from the tree.
9. Provide Climbing Alternatives and Other Distractions
A great way to keep your pet away from the Christmas tree is to offer them something better. If your cat loves to climb, make sure they have an amazing cat tree or climbing shelves.
Give your furry friend a tasty distraction that offers mental stimulation, like the Rolly Cannoli or a similar interactive toy. If the holidays tend to make your pet anxious, leading to mischief, a treat-licking mat helps them engage in a more healthy way to ease their stress.
10. Secure Your Tree to the Wall
Toppling trees are another common accident waiting to happen for pets during the holidays. Whether you have a real or artificial tree, secure it so it can’t fall. Tie a heavy cord or something similar around the trunk and secure it to your wall. Use a steady base to prevent shakiness.
11. Spray a Pet-Deterrent on the Tree
Various spray deterrents for pets keep your dog or cat from chewing, marking, or scratching. You can also make your own using essential oils with scents your pet finds offensive (i.e., citronella). If a spray appears to work, still keep an eye on your pet.
In some cases, they might find the tree enticing enough to bear the unfavorable scent, or they can grow accustomed to it. It might help to switch to something different now and then to keep your pet on their toes.
12. Firmly Attach All Decorations to the Tree
Secure all of the ornaments, lights, and other decorations on your tree securely. This step limits the number of things that fall off of the tree and also makes it less likely for your pet to pull something off.
Keep Your Pets in Mind When Trimming the Christmas Tree
Don’t let holiday hazards keep you from trimming your tree this Christmas. Instead, use these tips to pet-proof your tree so you and your fur babies can celebrate the season safely. To keep things extra safe, familiarize yourself with basic pet first-aid and always keep a watchful eye on your pet. For more helpful holiday tips, check out the rest of the Neater Pets blog.