Fun fact: Brady has never had a real Christmas tree in his life. I know, shocking. I grew up with real Christmas trees until around middle school when my parents finally switched to artificial. I’ve wanted to get Brady a real Christmas tree for years now, but it kept not working out. Last year, we didn’t even decorate for the holiday, because we drove home to Texas. The year before that, we had just moved to California. So, this year was the year. Artificial trees are convenient, but they don’t have quite the same cozy vibe as a the real deal…not to mention how terrible they are for the environment!
Although decorating a Christmas tree is one of my favorite holiday traditions for couples, it has been decades since I’ve had a real tree. Not to mention, I’ve never actually been the one to choose the tree and spruce it up (that’s a tree pun, in case you missed it). So, really, this was a new adventure for Brady and me, as well as the dogs and the cat.
If you have pets and are looking at bringing home a live Christmas tree this holiday season, there are a few things to keep in mind. These trees—usually fir, spruce, or pine—are nontoxic to pets, but that doesn’t mean they don’t pose a few…interesting challenges.
Here is what I learned about real Christmas trees and dogs, as well as tips for setting up and decorating your live tree.
Are live Christmas trees poisonous to dogs and cats?
No, Christmas trees are not poisonous and are, in fact, considered nontoxic for pets. However, the pine needles and sap can be irritating. If you’ve handled live Christmas trees, you may know what I mean. The needles are pokey and itchy, and if you have sensitive skin, the sap can be an irritant. So, even if Christmas trees are safe for your pets, it’s still important to stop them from eating the branches.
Luckily for me, June and Margot are not interested in chewing on the tree. If your furry friend is more curious, or if you have a puppy, I’d recommend setting up a barrier, especially while you aren’t home. This could be something as simple as setting up an x-pen around your tree or crating your dog, if they are crate trained.
Tips for Decorating a Live Christmas Tree with Pets
So, Christmas trees are not toxic to dogs and cats, but there are other things to keep in mind when it comes to pet safety. When choosing and hanging your ornaments, remember that a lot of holiday decorations look a heck-of-a lot like toys to your dogs and cats: balls, stuffed or wooden objects, dangling ribbon, etc. Because these things can be super tempting (and can result in a toppled tree), I avoid hanging them at eye level for pets. I also avoid the really delicate glass ornaments that can shatter if they are knocked off a tree.
Secondly, make sure your ornaments are securely attached to your tree. From curious noses to wagging tails to just brushing past the tree, there are quite a few opportunities for your dog to knock ornaments off the branches. If you are using a loop, make sure it is pushed all the way to the base of a branch or stem, and if you are using wire hooks, make sure it has a good grip. Remember, an ornament may look like a much more appealing chew toy once it’s knocked off the branch.
Lastly, tree water could be of interest to some pets. I like a tree stand like this one, which makes it a little harder for pets to access. I also use a tree skirt and collar to hide the stand and keep it out of reach.
Making Sure Your Tree Looks Amazing
If all of these dos and don’ts are making you wonder if dog proofing your tree means sacrificing aesthetics, I’ve got you covered. You can have a really good looking, live Christmas tree AND keep your pets safe.
First of all, don’t be afraid to trim the tree. Literally. You can trim the branches from the bottom, which might be particularly appealing to dogs and cats, and shape your tree into that lovely cone shape by removing branches that stick out too far or bend in awkward directions. You can also thin your tree a bit by trimming away the thinner, flimsier branches. This will enable you to hang ornaments deeper in the tree, which not only keeps them a bit further away from your pets, but also offers depth and prevents your tree from looking overcrowded.
When you light your tree, start by winding a strand around the trunk only, the way you would wrap a ribbon around a post. This will also give your tree depth and help light up the ornaments you place deeper in the branches. If you have a really large tree, you can even use a strand of big bulbs like you would use on the outside of your house. Once the trunk is lit, wind your string lights around the tree, working from the trunk towards the outer branches and weaving the lights above and below the branches. This will hide the cord better and give your twinkle lights a more organic, less uniform look.
If you are using a mish-mash of ornaments like I do, try this tip that I learned from my dad to ensure your tree still looks cohesive: put all the larger ornaments near the bottom and the small ornaments at the top. This also helps keep smaller ornaments, which could pose a choking hazard to pets, out of reach.
Other Tips for a Pet Proof Christmas Tree
Aside from the tree itself and the ornaments, there are a few other things pet parents should keep in mind when it comes to keeping their dog safe. Some pets, in particular puppies and kittens, may chew on wires, which is incredibly dangerous. I always take care to hide electrical cords with a tree skirt and by weaving the lights into the branches so that they don’t dangle. You can imagine how much a string of lights could look like the perfect cat toy!
I also like to keep my tree against a wall or even in a corner as opposed to in the middle of the room. For one, our house is too small for that shit. But secondly, it helps prevent the tree from getting knocked over.
Are real Christmas Trees safe for pets?
Although there are some hazards to navigate, real Christmas trees are generally safe for dogs and cats. They aren’t poisonous, and with a few mindful adjustments, you can have a pretty easy, pet-proof set up. Of course, it’s important to consider your own pet’s personality, too. Some dogs and cats are more, uh, curious than others. If you are worried about your pet getting into too much trouble, you can definitely google other options.
Happy Holidays!
