How to Puppy- or Kitty-Proof Your Christmas Tree
The holiday season is officially here! While you may be excited about putting up a Christmas tree with beautiful ornaments, for your fur babies, it can turn into a playground with dangly, glowing toys that can cause choking and safety hazards.
We know how hard you have worked on your holiday decorations, which is why we are sharing a few hacks on how to puppy- or kitty-proof your Christmas tree. This involves ensuring the tree is securely and stably positioned, fragile ornaments are placed on the top branches, and there are no edible decorations.
Here Is How to Pet-Proof Your Christmas Tree
You don't have to compromise on your Christmas decorations. Just make sure your pets stay out of trouble this time of year by adopting these simple tips:
Securing the Tree
The first step is to make your Christmas tree stable to prevent injuries to your pets.
Anchor the tree to the walls or the ceiling for stability.
Pets can easily knock over a Christmas tree. To prevent this, secure the tree to the ceiling or wall using fishing line, wall anchors, or hooks.
Use a sturdy, wide base or weighted stand.
To avoid toppling accidents, use a weighted stand or a wide base for your tree. It will make the tree more stable on the ground, so it won’t be so easy for your pets to karate chop the Christmas tree down onto the floor.
Create barriers with pet gates, pens, or furniture arrangements.
Your pets are just like toddlers on a sugar rush, especially when they spot shiny and fragile decorations. Use pet pens or gates to create a barrier in front of the tree. If that doesn't work, using furniture arrangements to create a fort for your tree is a great alternative.
Deterring Pets from the Tree
If you can't block access completely, the next step is to make the tree less appealing to them.
Use scents like citrus or pet-safe sprays.
A lot of pets despise citrus-based scents, so use pet-safe sprays or place a citrus-scented candle near the tree. But please, never leave a lit candle and your pet unattended; this can quickly become a fire hazard!
Hang bells as alerts when pets approach.
You gotta have your holiday alarm system! Hang bells on the lower part of the tree. Every time you hear the jingle bells, you’ll know your pet is in investigative mode, allowing you to stop them in their tracks.
Keep pets busy with toys and enrichment away from the tree.
A bored pet is a destructive pet. If your puppy persistently chews the tree or ornaments, they likely need more mental stimulation. The best way to distract your pup is by keeping them in a separate room with plenty of chew toys to keep them busy for a long time.
Safe Decorating Strategies
A pet-proof tree doesn't have to be bare; it just needs to be strategic.
Place fragile or glass ornaments on higher branches.
You don't have to skip the pretty and delicate ornaments; place them at the top of the tree to keep your pets and the ornaments safe. Use shatterproof plastic, wood, felt, or fabric ornaments on lower branches for added safety.
Skip tinsel, ribbons, and edible decorations.
If pet safety is your number one priority, avoid using tinsel and long ribbons as decorations. Your curious pet won't be able to help themselves from pulling or chewing on them. Also, avoid edible decorations such as candy canes, cookie ornaments, or popcorn strings. Instead, offer your four-legged friends the best Christmas pet food so they can join in the fun with you!
Protect electrical cords with covers and unplug lights when not in use.
Younger pets often go through a teething phase and may chew anything nearby. Electrical cords near the Christmas tree are a particular hazard. Use plastic cable covers or PVC pipes to protect cords, and always unplug lights when leaving the room.
Why Christmas Trees Can Be Risky for Pets
For you, a Christmas tree is a holiday tradition. For your pets, it is something new with a world of possibilities. Even if your pet doesn't necessarily want to chew on it, they will definitely investigate, and a swish of their tail is enough for the tree to topple or the ornaments to fall off, putting them in danger. Here are some risks you should watch out for:
-
Toppling Hazards: Your curious fur babies may try to jump on or climb the tree, which can cause it to topple over, possibly injuring them and breaking objects in the surrounding area.
-
Harmful Materials: Most people prefer real trees for Christmas, and if the needles or sap are ingested by your pet, they can cause stomach upset. The needles can even puncture the digestive tract or mouth.
-
Dangerous Decorations: Tinsel, ribbons, and ornaments can be choking hazards, and if lights are chewed by your kitten or puppy, they can lead to electrocution.
Managing the Tree Itself
You have to be mindful of the type of tree you bring home, especially if you have young pets in the house.
Consider an artificial tree for fewer hazards.
Real trees come with sharp needles that can irritate the mouth or stomach if ingested. Artificial trees are usually sturdier; however, you still have to make sure your pet doesn't chew on the plastic tips.
Block access to real tree water with a skirt or cover.
Tree water may contain bacteria or fertilizers that are harmful if ingested by pets. Always cover the water reservoir with a tree skirt or an appropriate cover.
Introduce the bare tree first so pets adjust before decorating.
Get your pet used to the tree by introducing it without any ornaments. Let them sniff and explore its presence and location. Once your pet loses interest, begin adding ornaments.
Final Thoughts
A little care goes a long way when it comes to keeping your pet out of trouble and your Christmas tree safe. The holiday season is for joy, not emergency vet visits. Securing the tree, placing the ornaments at the top, and keeping a close eye on your pet ensures you have a festive, merry, and worry-free holiday!
FAQs
Is it better to get an artificial or real tree if I have pets?
Generally, artificial trees are safer compared to real pine trees because their sharp needles can puncture your pet’s stomach and mouth if ingested. However, plastic trees can also be a health hazard if chewed. One benefit of an artificial tree is that it does not require water, which can be toxic to pets.
What types of ornaments are safest for pets?
Shatterproof plastic, wood, felt, or fabric ornaments are best. Avoid glass, fragile ceramics, and anything small enough to be swallowed whole. Also, steer clear of food-based decorations like popcorn strings or candy canes.
Are Christmas tree lights dangerous for pets?
Yes, if chewed. Chewing on a live wire can cause electrical shock, burns to the mouth, and even fluid buildup in the lungs (non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema). Always cover cords and unplug lights when you aren't watching your pet.
How do I stop my pet from climbing the Christmas tree?
Make the tree less accessible by creating a barrier using pet pens or arranging furniture to block access. You can also use citrus sprays to deter climbing. Securing the tree to the wall is the ultimate safety net and ensures it doesn't topple over.