How to Make Your Christmas Tree More Pet Friendly

If you have a pet, decorating for the holidays can be tricky, especially when it comes to setting up your Christmas tree. The large new object in the house will grab your pet’s attention and curiosity, so you should know how to keep your furry friend safe and the tree intact throughout the season.

Several common Christmas tree-related pet hazards exist. Dogs and cats could drink Christmas tree water or knock down trees. Some cats love to climb the trunk and bat at dangling decorations. Plus, a curious cat or wagging dog tail can threaten delicate Christmas ornaments.

Whether you prefer a natural or artificial Christmas tree, start with a sturdy tree stand for maximum stability.

Pine needles from your real Christmas tree are mildly toxic and can irritate an animal’s mouth. They also may lodge in your pet’s intestines, causing punctures or obstructions, warns the Humane Society.

Be cautious with artificial Christmas trees, too. Pieces of shredded plastic that might fall off your artificial tree can harm pets if swallowed.

If your tree is artificial, avoid styles that have been flocked, colored or covered with glitter, which your pets might be tempted to eat.

To discourage clawing and chewing, use pet deterrents like bitter apple spray or citrus spray on and around the tree.

Also, keep your pet away from tree water, especially if you add aspirin, preservatives or other products to help keep a real Christmas tree fresh. Some tree stands have covers to deter pets. If yours doesn’t, you can fashion a simple one from tin foil or an aluminum tray. Alternatively, tie the tree skirt tightly around the trunk above the tree stand.

When focusing on pets and Christmas tree safety, the size of your tree is a matter of personal preference. There are trade-offs no matter what size tree you choose.

Small Christmas trees are easier for an animal to knock over, which may be a temptation for some cats and dogs.

However, a larger Christmas tree has the potential for greater damage. It could fall and injure your pet, as well as scratch or dent your furnishings. Depending on what is nearby, a falling tree might destroy your TV, shatter precious tabletop decor and crush tree ornaments. Plus, water spilled from a live tree stand could ruin your rug or floor.

For added security, tuck your tree in a corner or behind your sofa, or place it in a room that can be closed off with a door or pet gate. Consider anchoring your tree to the wall or ceiling using hooks and fishing wire.

If that isn’t possible, try blockading the tree with pet fencing. Confine your pet in another room and crate them when you aren’t around to supervise.

To help keep your pet healthy and safe, avoid decorating your tree with anything edible. Strings of popcorn or cranberries, candy Christmas decorations and cookie ornaments made from modeling clay, salt dough, flour paste or gingerbread are cute, but they aren’t pet-safe Christmas ornaments.

Additionally, glass ornaments are dangerous to your pet if swallowed, and tinsel and garland can block your pet’s intestines and may require surgical removal if ingested.

So what kind of decorations can you put on your Christmas tree?

Christmas Central offers a wide selection of shatterproof ornaments to decorate your Christmas tree. While shatterproof Christmas ornaments are not indestructible, they can take rough handling, are extremely durable and won’t create dangerous glass slivers if broken.

Here are more ways to keep your pets and decorations safe during the holidays.

• Use swags on mantels instead of draping garland, or keep your garland from dangling within your pet’s reach.

• Decorate tabletops with flameless LED candles. Each year, numerous home fires are caused by a pet knocking over a lit candle.

• Secure electrical cords tightly to the tree and tape them to the floor. Pets may be tempted to chew on a loose cord, with tragic results.

• Ensure that the bulbs of your mini Christmas lights are secure. A loose bulb that falls to the floor could tempt your pet.

• Train your curious pet to avoid the Christmas tree by squirting them with a spritz of water when they approach (aim away from electrical outlets!) Some people place a broom, vacuum cleaner or other “scary” object near the tree.

• Avoid decorating your tree when your pets are around. Nothing triggers their curiosity like a bunch of loose ornaments!

On Christmas morning, don’t wake up to the sound of a crashing Christmas tree! A little planning will make the holiday season safer and more pleasurable for you and your pets.

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