Christmas Tree Safety for Pets
Christmas trees are beautiful, festive additions to many homes every winter. This includes our pets—in fact, they’re too eye-catching and desirable for many of our curious, pawsome pals. Whether it’s a real or artificial tree, Christmas trees can also hold unassuming dangers for our pets.
This winter, the team at Crossroads Animal Hospital wants to help ensure you and your pet have a fantastic holiday season. Read on for our top holiday pet safety tips—especially as they relate to Christmas trees.
Tips for Enjoying Safe Holiday Decorations
1. Choose Your Tree Carefully
Both artificial and real trees can be great for houses with pets in them—and both have inherent risks. Real trees have either fir, spruce, or pine needles, depending on the tree. While they’re not toxic, they can irritate your pet’s mouth or throat if ingested.
Those of us who love real trees know how messy they can get, but if you can, clean up the needles every day. The fewer needles there are for your pet to accidentally-on-purpose try to eat, the better.
As for fake trees, these are safer in terms of needle ingestion. They’re far less messy, although the occasional drop of a fake needle is common. But here’s the tradeoff: they can contain plastic and metal parts your pet shouldn’t chew.
2. Secure the Tree Base
Regardless of which type of tree you pick, make sure you securely anchor the base so it can’t get knocked down easily.
An unstable tree can turn into a disaster, and quickly. Use the sturdiest tree stand you can find, and anchor it to the wall or ceiling with clear wire or fishing line. This helps keep climbing kitties or tail-wagging pups from causing ornament-strewn havoc.
Ornaments can also be dangerous if your pet likes to chew on them, so this isn’t a step you should skip.
3. Christmas Tree Water
That open tree stand might look harmless—maybe even like a giant water bowl—to your curious dog or cat, but it’s actually a toxic hazard they absolutely must avoid.
As your beautiful pine sits in the reservoir, the water quickly becomes contaminated in several ways:
- Toxic Additives: The water accumulates fertilizers and preservatives intended to keep the tree fresh. These chemicals are toxic if ingested by pets.
- Harmful Organisms: The standing water rapidly becomes a breeding ground for nasty mold and bacteria (including Aspergillus and Klebsiella).
If your pet sneaks a drink of this contaminated liquid, they risk developing significant stomach upset, severe vomiting, and diarrhea.
To keep your pet safe and prevent a scary emergency vet visit, it is crucial to block access. Cover the tree stand with a secure lid, a decorative barrier, or a tightly secured tree skirt to completely eliminate this hidden holiday risk.
4. Pick Smart Holiday Decorations
Should you put fragile glass ornaments on your tree if your house is home to an energetic puppy or adventurous cat? No. No, you should not. Go with fabric, wood, or shatterproof plastic ornaments instead, and make sure the hooks are tightly fastened so ornaments can’t fall off easily.
And if you do have a young puppy or a cat at home—any cat, of any age—avoid using tinsel or any type of shiny strand. Cats are notorious for swallowing these strands, which can cause intestinal blockages, severe illness, and require surgical intervention.
As for lights—one of our favorite holiday decorations!—avoid leaving any cords where they can be easily found and chewed on. Tape them down or use protective covers to keep your pets safe, and unplug them anytime you’re not home.
5. Set Presents Out at the Last Minute
Crinkly paper, shiny ribbons, and appealing bows, oh my! Gifts are best left in the closet until the big day. Yes, they look beautiful under your tree—but they’re nearly irresistible for your pets to sniff, nibble, and chew.
If you can keep them safely tucked away until it’s time to give, everyone will be happier. Trust us.
6. Monitor and Train New Pets
Bringing a new adopted pet, kitten, or puppy to the home? Outline boundaries and reward your pet every time they’re followed. Consider using a baby gate to help your pet learn to stay out of the tree area while they’re young or new.
And if you haven’t already, make sure to schedule a vet visit for your newer pet. The experienced team at Crossroads Animal Hospital is here to help make sure you have a safe and smooth holiday season.
Call us at (540) 832-1751 to schedule a wellness visit or checkup!