Are Christmas trees toxic to dogs?

Dogs are naturally curious and love to investigate new items in the house – including your freshly decorated Christmas tree.

While Christmas trees aren’t toxic to dogs, they do pose some dangers. Here’s everything you need to know about keeping your dog safe around your Christmas tree.

While they’re not toxic like mistletoe, poinsettias or holly, Christmas trees can be dangerous for your dog. Here are the main things to watch out for.

• Pine needles: These are extremely sharp and may hurt your dog if they step on them. If swallowed, pine needles can irritate your dog’s mouth and throat. If eaten in large quantities, they may cause an intestinal blockage.
• Tree water: While keeping your tree watered helps it to live longer, the water may contain bacteria, which could be harmful to your dog if they drink it.
• Tree sap: Christmas trees sometimes release sap, which may end up on your dog’s skin or fur. This can cause minor irritation and is difficult to remove.
  

Christmas tree needles aren’t highly toxic and shouldn’t cause any issues if your dog brushes past them every now and again. However, the essential oils in some Christmas tree needles – such as spruce and fir – can cause minor issues if your dog walks on them, comes into contact with them frequently, or ingests them.

Some dogs with respiratory issues such as asthma may also show signs of minor discomfort if they’re spending a lot of time in the same room as the tree.

If you have a tree that sheds needles, it’s best to keep your dog away from them and sweep them up regularly.

Artificial trees make festive decorating a little easier to manage, but are fake Christmas trees toxic to dogs? Thankfully not, but there are a few risks to watch out for.

• Plastic needles: Artificial trees can drop plastic needles. Depending on the type of tree, these can be sharp.
• Fallen pieces: Artificial trees often have plastic or metal connectors which may come loose and fall off. These can be dangerous if your dog tries to eat them.
  

Whether you’re choosing a real Christmas tree or a fake one, follow these tips to make it as safe as possible.

• Never leave your dog unattended in the same room as your Christmas tree
• Tuck cables for lights out of reach
• Anchor your tree to the wall using thin wire
• Clear up any dropped needles as soon as you can
• Don’t put out presents until Christmas morning
• Avoid using tinsel, which can be a choking hazard
• Place breakable ornaments towards the top of your tree
• Avoid chocolate decorations, or put them high up and out of your dog’s reach
• Cover the water reservoir of real Christmas trees so your dog can’t access the water
• If any decorations or baubles are knocked down and break, clear them up straight away
  

You’ve secured your Christmas tree – now it’s time to consider other potential hazards.

Avoid feeding your dog any festive food. Fatty table scraps and cooked bones might look tempting to your dog, but they can cause serious problems.

Rich, greasy foods can trigger stomach upsets or even pancreatitis, while cooked bones may splinter and injure your dog’s mouth or digestive tract. And though it might be tempting to share sweet treats, remember that chocolate is toxic to dogs, while treats such as low-sugar candy canes may contain xylitol – another highly toxic substance. Instead, why not make your dog some homemade festive dog treats that are safe and pet-friendly?

Alcohol is extremely toxic to dogs and can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and even liver damage. Make sure all alcohol is kept in a high, secure cupboard and drinks are cleared away quickly rather than left unattended.

Holly, poinsettia, and mistletoe are all toxic to dogs. If decorating your house with these, make sure they’re placed where your dog can’t reach them.

If you think your dog has come into contact with a toxic plant or eaten something they shouldn’t, speak to your vet for advice. If you have dog insurance with Petplan, you can also use our Pet Expert Chat to speak with vet professionals, 24/7. Just log into your My Petplan account and head to the MySupport area.

The festive period is a magical time – especially with your furry best friend by your side. Use the tips above to dog-proof your Christmas tree so you can both enjoy a stress-free festive season together.