How do you make a Christmas tree safe for dogs?

To help keep your dog safe, keep lights confined to the top half of your tree and be sure to firmly tape cords to the wall or floor. Regularly check the cords to see if you notice any signs of chewing. Tinsel is another decoration that looks lovely, but can block your dog's intestines if eaten.

Is a real Christmas tree safe for dogs?

Live Trees: Fir, spruce, and pine trees make excellent Christmas trees and are generally non-toxic to pets. The needles, however, can cause oral irritation and in excessive amounts, gastrointestinal upset.

How can I have a Christmas tree with a puppy?

Place your tree in a low traffic area to keep decorations safely in place from romping puppies. I recommend choosing a corner or at least a location with one wall on the side or behind the tree. This provides a safe barrier to hide presents later.

How do I keep my dog from messing with my Christmas tree?

How do I keep the animals out of my Christmas tree?

How to Pet-Proof Your Christmas Tree

Will my dog mark on my Christmas tree?

It is not uncommon for pet owners to find that male dogs have a tendency to mark the family Christmas tree, particularly when a real tree is brought into the home. The people in the house “get” that it's a Christmas tree.

What type of Christmas tree is best for dogs?

Consider an Artificial Tree

“You can make the case that an artificial tree is safer, because they're not going to drop needles, and they don't need the water in the base.” A dog who ingests fallen needles is at risk for “digestive punctures,” and chemicals added to tree water can prove “lethal” to pets, he says.

Should I put my Christmas tree up with a puppy?

Puppy Proof the Christmas Tree

Anything that fits in the puppy's mouth is a potential hazard. Garlands, ornaments, strings or hooks, icicles and fake spray-on snow can cause problems. Edible strings of popcorn may look festive, but it tempts pups to munch and eating the string can kill your pet.

What happens if my dog eats my Christmas tree?

GI Dangers

If your dog has ingested pine needles, they may vomit them up or have mild diarrhea. A more likely concern rather than toxicity level is blockage or puncture in the gastrointestinal tract. Although most cases of pine needle ingestion resolve without serious issue, injury to the GI tract can occur.

Why do dogs like Christmas trees?

Next to you, your dog may think that your Christmas tree is her best friend–at least during the holidays. Most dogs are instinctively drawn to its inviting smell and the allure of gift boxes, wrappings, lights and ornaments. But beware; her natural curiosity can place her at risk for serious injury or worse.

Is pine bad for dogs?

Whether they are on your Christmas tree, a wreath or some garland, pine needles can be a problem if ingested. The needles can puncture or irritate the lining of your dog's stomach, and the oils can irritate the mucous membranes. The needles may not kill your pet, but they can make him really uncomfortable and ill.

Do real Christmas trees have fleas?

But new research has revealed that your Christmas tree is capable of bringing some unwanted guests into your home including aphids, spiders, fleas and ticks. Key findings: Your Christmas tree is capable of carrying live pests like aphids, spiders, fleas and ticks into your home.

What is a good dog repellent?

Ammonia and vinegar are best used as dog repellents for around the perimeter of your property, forming a stinky, invisible barrier that keeps dogs away.

How do I keep my dog from peeing on my new tree?

Why did my dog pee on my Christmas tree?

IS YOUR DOG PEEING AROUND THE CHRISTMAS TREE? This behavior isn't limited to male dogs, female dogs may pee too. Your live Christmas tree may have extra smells this year from wildlife living in them on the tree farm. Those smells are enticing for your dog — even dogs who never peed on the tree in past years.

How do you barricade a Christmas tree?

Should I spray my Christmas tree?

You should spray your tree with room temperature water at least once a day but only when the Christmas lights are off and unplugged. Spraying your tree daily will reduce the dryness, prevent excessive amounts of needles from falling off, and make the tree more resistant against fire and flames.

How do I make sure my Christmas tree doesn't have bugs?

Diatomaceous Earth - An insecticidal powder that uses no synthetic chemicals and leaves no scent or odors. Simply dust your tree while it's still outside and shake off excess before bringing it inside.

Do real Christmas trees have ticks?

Ticks don't live in trees, and they don't lay eggs in trees. They dehydrate too easily, so they stay closer to the moist ground. They aren't found in Christmas trees, period. But they can lay dormant in piles of leaves and survive the winter.

What wood is toxic to dogs?

Most pine that is grown for landscaping or Christmas tree decoration purposes is the Norfolk pine. This tree is toxic to dogs and might upset their stomachs if they eat the wood from the pine. While the poison isn't fatal for dogs, the pine toxics do cause vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy.

Can dogs chew on Christmas tree branches?

Branches and Needles

A live tree can be especially hazardous. Dogs and cats like to chew on the limbs, and the fir tree oils can be irritating to the mouth tissue, causing such symptoms as drooling and vomiting.

Why do dogs like pine trees?

Pine needles can be particularly attractive to puppies due to their smell and texture. They look similar to grass and may prompt pups to ingest them.

What is Christmas tree syndrome?

Being allergic to a Christmas tree – often called the Christmas tree syndrome - is a condition that causes wheezing, sneezing, coughing, sore eyes, and potentially serious asthma attacks.

Is there a hypoallergenic Christmas tree?

Fir trees seem to be less problematic for many people with allergies. Buy a concolor fir if you can. These citrus-scented trees have a reputation for being less allergenic than their pinier brethren. A concolor fir is the only tree that I've had absolutely no allergic response to.