How to Dog-Proof Your Christmas Tree

The festive season is a magical time filled with decorations, twinkling lights, and of course, the beloved Christmas tree.

But if you're a dog owner, you know that this seasonal centrepiece can be as tempting to your furry friend as it is to you!

From shiny baubles that look like chew toys to tree branches that seem perfect for tugging, your dog might see your Christmas tree as the ultimate playground.

Fortunately, with a few simple strategies, you can dog-proof your tree and keep both your Christmas decorations and your pets safe.

In this guide, we'll share tips and tricks to ensure your Christmas setup remains a joyful, hazard-free zone for everyone, including your four-legged family member.

How to protect your Christmas tree from your dog

Nothing says “bah humbug!” like a beautifully decorated Christmas tree sitting in a heap on the floor!

Unfortunately, dogs don’t always understand the difference between ‘park trees’ and ‘Christmas trees’. They’re used to seeing trees all the time while out on walks, so it’s no surprise that when one shows up in their house covered in brightly coloured balls…we mean baubles, they get a little giddy.

Here are our top tips for making sure your Christmas tree doesn’t end up a victim of your dog’s playtime.

Wait before you decorate

Decorating the tree is a highlight of the Christmas season. However, the bare tree itself might be enough to get your dog overexcited, even without the temptation of glittery, dangling decorations.

Try putting up your tree and keeping it undecorated for a few days. This way, when you introduce the decorations, your dog may already have lost interest.

Keep fragile or dangerous decorations out of reach

Unlike their feline counterparts, dogs aren’t famous for their climbing abilities. Use this to your advantage and place fragile decorations up at the top of your tree instead of where your dog can reach them.

Glass ornaments, fairy lights, and tinsel should be kept up high to keep breakages at bay. And if you do lose a few baubles along the way, be sure to check out our range of decorations to replace them, you’re sure to find a new favourite!

Use deterrents

If your pooch thinks your tree is like a tasty treat, try spraying dog repellent around the bottom branches. These sprays are pet-safe, but they taste and smell as bad as Brussels sprouts to dogs!

Citrus is also a great natural deterrent, so decorating with orange or lemon peel could keep your dog at bay whilst adding a festive twist.

Secure your tree

If your dog won’t stop pine-ing after your tree, try adding weight to the base or securing it to the floor, ceiling, or wall to prevent a topple.

Dogs can love to pull at the branches of Christmas trees (especially when they’re laden with decorations that look suspiciously like their favourite balls), so anchoring your tree firmly to something fixed can stop the entire setup from falling over and hurting them.

You can add water or heavy items to the base of your tree and use transparent fishing lines and bolts to anchor it to a wall.

How to protect your dog from your Christmas tree

It’s not just the tree we need to be worried about, our four-legged friends need protecting as well!

Both real and artificial Christmas trees can be dangerous for dogs, cats, and other household pets, so it’s important to take necessary precautions throughout the festive period to ensure your celebrations don’t end in a trip to the V-E-T.

Be wary of pine needles

As well as being an eyesore, pine needles have the potential to harm your furry friend. These sharp scraps can poke at your dog’s paws and could be dangerous if ingested.

To reduce the risk of accidents, consider switching your real tree to one of our artificial Christmas trees. An artificial tree doesn’t drop needles like a fir tree, so there’s no risk of your dog eating them by accident.

Protect against tree water

Because of common fertilisers, the water at the base of a Christmas tree can be toxic for dogs, so it's important to be wary of pets drinking it. Artificial trees don’t need water or fertilisers, so they’d be the safest option.

However, if you’re not quite ready to branch out to the world of artificial trees, our range of Christmas tree skirts keeps this water out of reach and keeps your base looking delightfully neat and tidy.

Choose your decorations carefully

Deck the halls with boughs of holly!… or don’t. A few of our festive favourites are actually toxic for animals. Plants such as holly, mistletoe, and snowdrops can be poisonous when ingested by dogs, so keep these off your tree.

Although human foods like cookies, chocolate, and candy canes make cute decorations, dogs can be tempted to nibble on them. To keep your furry friend safe, it's probably best to keep these treats at the table.

If you do have edible decorations on your tree, we recommend keeping them on the higher branches so that they are well out of your dog’s reach.

Create dog-friendly Christmas magic with Christmas Tree World

Let’s face it, dogs and Christmas trees can sometimes be a tricky pairing, but by following our tips and tricks, you can guarantee a safe and happy holiday for both you and your pooch.

What’s more, if you have a mischievous feline to consider, too, check out our guide to protecting your Christmas tree from your cat.

And in the worst case, if your Christmas tree has suffered at the paws of a naughty pet, Christmas Tree World’s extensive range of artificial Christmas trees and stunning decorations can restore the magic to your home! We also have a fabulous range of Christmas tree lights, wreaths, garlands, and outdoor artificial Christmas trees, so you can create the Christmas scene of your dreams.

FAQs about dog-proofing your Christmas tree

Are real Christmas trees harmful or poisonous to dogs?

Although real Christmas trees are not poisonous to dogs, pine needles can be dangerous when ingested and may cause accidents if they get into paws or eyes. Fertilisers used to grow real Christmas trees can also contain chemicals that are toxic to dogs, so be wary of the tree water in a Christmas tree base.

Why is my dog marking my Christmas tree?

You can’t blame your pooch for mistaking your tree for a toilet. The outside smells and signs of wildlife can trigger dogs’ marking instincts. Although our artificial trees look just like the real thing, without that distinctive scent your dog is less likely to forget their toilet training!

Are dogs allergic to Christmas trees?

While it’s uncommon, some dogs can experience allergic reactions to both real and artificial Christmas trees. Certain types of real Christmas trees, especially fir, pine, and spruce, contain allergens such as tree sap and mould that can cause sneezing, coughing, and skin irritation. Artificial Christmas trees don’t carry natural allergens, but some dogs may be sensitive to the plastics or chemicals used in their manufacturing. If you notice your dog scratching more than usual, sneezing, or coughing, contact your vet for advice.