Dogs and Christmas Trees: Tips to Keep Both Safe

The twinkling lights, Christmas decorations, and the tree glowing in the corner, surrounded by presents, all signal that the festive season is here. The whole house seems to shift into holiday mode—people gather, pets get excited, and routines change. That’s part of the fun, but it also introduces a new challenge: keeping dogs safe around the Christmas tree.

For dogs, the tree is fascinating. It smells new, it sparkles, it has dangling ornaments that seem like toys, and in many homes, it serves as the main attraction in the room. But that curiosity can quickly lead to accidents like knocked-over trees, chewed wires, or swallowed decorations. Much like with cats, curiosity comes naturally to pets, and your Christmas tree becomes the most interesting thing in the house. With a few thoughtful precautions, you can create a festive setup that both you and your four-legged friend can enjoy safely.

Why Dogs Are Drawn to Christmas Trees

Dogs are naturally curious creatures, and a Christmas tree checks off several boxes for them. It lights up, it moves slightly when bumped, and it’s filled with exciting new smells. Ornaments hang like toys on strings, and decorations like candy canes or ribbons are especially tempting because they look playful and often smell sweet.

Dogs explore the world through their mouths and paws, which means a tree quickly becomes a sensory playground. Christmas lights are shiny and move when touched. Wrapping paper crinkles and rustles. Glass ornaments dangle at nose level and catch the light. Even something simple like the rustling of branches can attract a dog’s attention.

On top of that, holiday setups often include more than just the tree. There are gifts under the branches, wrapping paper on the floor, and other decorations throughout the house. These can all become hazards if a dog decides to chew or investigate too closely. A playful nudge is all it takes to knock something over or break an ornament. Even ribbon, tinsel, and holiday scents can draw in a dog and lead to risky behavior around the tree.

Real vs. Artificial Christmas Trees

Choosing between a real and an artificial tree matters when you share your home with a dog. Both can be great options, but they come with different safety considerations.

Real Christmas Trees

Real trees bring a wonderful smell into the house and give the holidays a traditional feel. However, they do come with some risks. Pine needles can irritate a dog’s stomach if swallowed, and sap from the trunk or branches can stick to paws or fur. Water from the tree stand also carries toxins if it contains preservatives or fertilizer. Because dogs tend to explore with their mouths, they might try chewing the trunk or branches. This can cause stomach irritation or, even worse, if swallowed.

If you choose a real tree, secure the tree stand tightly and place it where it will not easily topple. Check the water level daily and make sure it’s not accessible to curious dogs. Trimming lower branches and keeping fragile ornaments on the top half of the tree can also help.

Artificial Christmas Trees

Artificial Christmas trees are often easier to manage and clean up after. There are no falling needles or sap, and the structure is sometimes more stable. Artificial trees still need dog-proofing, though. Wires, fragile ornaments, and topple risks are all possible concerns.

These are a practical option if your dog has sensitive skin or a history of chewing on plants. They also allow you to control the type of decorations you use, which can make the whole setup more dog-friendly.

How to Dog-Proof Your Christmas Tree

Dog-proofing doesn’t mean you have to limit creativity or lose the holiday spirit. It simply means preparing your space so it’s safer and less tempting for your dog. With a smart setup, you can enjoy the cozy, decorated room without worrying about constant supervision.

Placement & Barriers

Where you set up your Christmas tree matters. Use corners or walls when possible for added support. Keeping the tree away from furniture limits jumping or climbing opportunities. Pet gates, playpens, or even decorative fencing can also create a barrier. These visual boundaries help discourage your dog from getting too close.

Securing the Tree

Anchoring your tree is important in dog-proofing. Use a weighted tree stand, and if needed, secure the tree with a fishing line attached to the wall or ceiling. This keeps the tree upright even if bumped. You can also add weights to the bottom branches to stabilize the structure.

Decorating Wisely

Think carefully about how you hang ornaments and lights. Keep fragile or breakable decorations, like glass ornaments, high up where paws can’t reach. Ribbon, tinsel, and candy canes should also stay out of reach. Consider placing non-breakable ornaments or decorative picks on lower branches. Position wires and lights securely around the trunk, and hide exposed electrical cords so they aren’t tempting to chew.

Repelling Strategies

Certain smells naturally deter dogs. You can use safe sprays or natural scents like citrus to discourage chewing. A grass potty pad for dogs, like Gotta Go Grass, is a great addition to your training strategy, too. If you use them as part of your bathroom routine, they help redirect indoor potty habits and keep your dog away from areas like the Christmas tree.

Risks Beyond the Tree

The tree isn’t the only thing to consider when dog-proofing your holiday setup. Decorations throughout the room can pose risks.

Decorations & Accessories

Small toys and fragile ornaments can easily become chewing hazards. Tinsel and ribbons are especially risky if swallowed since they can cause blockages. Christmas lights, exposed wires, and holiday displays can create serious danger if chewed or pulled.

Risks in the Surroundings

Beyond the tree, some hazards are easy to overlook. Falling pine needles can irritate your dog’s stomach if ingested. Wrapping paper and bows can cause choking. Even the setup around the table during Christmas dinner can lead to accidents if food spills or plates fall.

Holiday Food and Treats

Holiday food is another big concern. Keep dogs away from chocolate, cookies, and other human treats that may be harmful. Even small amounts of spicy or sugary foods can cause digestive issues. Store food securely and keep an eye on mealtime to prevent accidental ingestion and keep your dog safe throughout the season.

Supervise your dog around these items, and create safe zones with training and barriers to keep the area protected.

Tips for a Safe Festive Season

• Supervise your dog around the tree and decorations.

• Keep small or fragile items out of reach.

• Use dog-safe materials or soft ornaments.

• Reward calm behavior.

• Change grass pads as needed to encourage continued use and help keep your dog away from the tree area. For more guidance, see our Holiday Potty Training Tips.

Final Thoughts

Sharing the holidays with your dog shouldn’t be stressful. With thoughtful planning and safe decorating, you can enjoy your tree and still keep your dog protected. Secure the setup, plan the room layout, and use proper training to create safe habits. With the right steps, dogs, decorations, and holiday fun can coexist beautifully in your home during the festive season.