How to dog-proof your Christmas tree
Christmas can be an incredibly fun time for a dog with lots of new smells, different people coming to visit, and a switch up from their usual routines.
But pet owners will know that the arrival of a Christmas tree can also be unsettling and may even become the unwitting target of your dog’s playtime! So, to help keep them calm at the sight of a new house decoration and to ‘dog-proof’ your tree, we’ve compiled a list of tips to avoid any nightmares before Christmas…
What type of tree is safest for dogs?
First, let’s look at what kind of Christmas tree you should be bringing into your home.
For some people a real tree is a non-negotiable, and lucky for them, the most common real trees used at Christmas (fir, pine, spruce) are non-toxic to dogs. So, if your curious canine wants to sniff your tree, there won’t be an emergency.
We do recommend however clearing the needles that your real tree will shed as often as possible to avoid any sore paws.
Artificial trees are often made of plastic, which makes them more resilient to any chewing they may be subjected to. However, fake snow can be toxic to dogs, so it’s best to keep a barrier between your dog and artificial tree if it has this kind of coating.
How can I make my decorating dog-friendly?
If you expect that your tree may attract some interest from curious paws and snouts, ensure that your decorations are shatter-proof and avoid any edible decorations (like chocolate coins and candy canes) that may be tempting for your furry friend.
Some families keep the bottom half of the tree bare and decorate the top section so that any decorations are out of the reach of teeth, paws, and tails.
Piles of presents at the bottom of the tree can also be very exciting for pups, so, we recommend hiding them until the big day to avoid any surprises being ruined.
And for all that good behaviour, they should definitely find themselves on Santa’s nice list this year! Our Christmas treat range is the perfect way to gift your dog on the big day.
Our Christmas hamper, which includes our advent calendar for dogs, Christmas cracker, and personalised dog bone, is also a great choice for spoiling your canine companion throughout the festive period.
How can I make sure my tree doesn’t fall over?
Keeping a Christmas tree upright with a playful dog in the house requires preparation, but it’s not impossible.
Firstly, if you have a real tree, let the branches settle for 24 hours so that you can adjust the tree’s position for optimal stability.
Then, make sure to place any decorations evenly, so that the weight is distributed. You can buy an ornament anchor which makes any dangling decorations non-slip.
Once the tree is decorated, think: is there anything you can put in front of it to act as a barrier? You could buy a pet guard which is small fence positioned around the tree or position it behind a larger piece of furniture which you dog can’t get past e.g. a chair.
For extra stability, insert 3-4 nails into the wall behind the tree, then fasten some thread or fishing wire to the trunk of the tree and attach it to these nails. This should prevent your tree from toppling over!
How can I train my dog to keep away from the tree?
There are many physical ways to ensure your Christmas tree is dog-friendly, but a behavioural way that you can approach this is through training.
If your dog seems interested in the tree, get them to play with one of their toys so that they learn a healthy outlet for their excitement. When your dog approaches the tree, you can throw treats away from the area to train them to stay away from it.
In those more overstimulating moments, use some treats to keep your dog entertained. Our Pointer Grain Free Sticks, rich in chicken, duck, peanut butter, and lamb, are long lasting and a delicious way to keep your dog distracted.
Is there anything else I can use other than a tree?
There are many non-traditional tree options that are safe for dogs. For example, could you buy a small tree ornament that can be placed out of a dog’s reach, or could you create a wall decoration from laying tinsel in a tree shape and adding some decorations?
Christmas is a time for celebration, and we want to make sure our furry friends are included. However, this can sometimes mean that a little extra preparation is needed.
By dog-proofing your Christmas tree, you can ensure that your pet joins the celebrations without hurting themselves or others.
Share your festive snaps with us on Instagram and Facebook, we love seeing the ways you celebrate with our treats!