How to Dog-Proof Your Christmas Tree
Christmas is definitely in the air.
And nothing brings holiday cheer quite like a Christmas tree. There’s just something magical about it!
While decorating a Christmas tree is fun and relatively easy, doing so with a curious dog or puppy at home is a totally different story.
Dogs love pulling on ornaments, sniffing gifts tucked underneath, and playing with trees.
If you haven’t put yours up yet, we’ve compiled 6 ways to dog-proof your Christmas tree.
6 Ways to Dog-Proof Your Christmas Tree
1. Give your dog time to get used to the tree
Leave the tree bare for a few days before decorating it. This allows your dog time to see it as a normal addition to your home. Then they’ll be less likely to mess with the lights and ornaments.
2. Anchor your Christmas tree or make it sturdy
Your pup may be curious about your Christmas tree and enjoy poking about it. It could tip and fall if not tightly anchored, which could break the fragile ornaments or, worse, injure your pet.
So, secure and stabilize your Christmas tree. Or install a pet gate in the doorway if you want extra reassurance that your adorable Christmas elf won’t mess up your decorations.
Keeping your tree and puppy separate is a practical way to protect them both.
3. Put fragile ornaments on higher branches
Dogs may enjoy playing with ornaments on lower branches or accidentally knock them off with their wagging tails.
Prevent such a disaster by simply putting your fragile ornaments on the higher branch of the tree. Another option is to hang them on the wreath to be entirely out of your puppy’s reach.
Time for the family photo? Matching human and dog apparel is perfect for a photo in front of the Christmas tree. You and your four-legged best friend would look super adorable wearing it :)
4. Hide electrical string lights and wires
Shiny, bright lights are hard to resist, but they can be a real hazard to your four-legged best friend. Electrical string lights and wires can get your pup tangled or, if they love chewing on things, expose them to the risk of electrical shock.
As much as possible, leave the bottom branches of the Christmas tree bare. You could also use covers on cords to prevent your pet from chewing on or getting hold of them, creating a fire hazard.
5. Save food for dinner plates, not Christmas decorations
Who can resist a sweet treat at Christmas time? When you hang gingerbread and candy canes as decorations, it won’t be long before your pet finds a way to get hold of this tasty snack.
To keep their climbing adventures and appetite in check, save food for feasting, not Christmas decorations.
6. Keep presents hidden until Christmas day
When you have a curious pet, it’s not safe to keep presents from others under the tree until Christmas day. These gifts could contain food that is toxic for your dogs, like chocolate, raisins, spiced nuts, and more.
It’s safest for your pet to keep the wrapped presents out of their reach until just before you open them.
Speaking of Christmas presents, don’t forget to treat your adorable pooch to a gorgeous gift they’ll love. We think this anti-pull Y-harness or cozy dog pajamas would look wonderful wrapped under the Christmas tree.
Here’s wishing you and your family a joyous and Merry Christmas!
The Spark Paws Team ♥️