Keeping Pets Safe Around a Christmas Tree

Keeping pets safe around a Christmas tree means securing the tree and blocking access to needles, stand water, cords, fragile decor, and risky plants. Dogs and cats face different risks, from climbing and chewing to swallowing tinsel or pine needles. Stand water is the water held in the tree base to keep a live tree fresh.

Pets may drink it, chew fallen needles, or bat at low branches. A few placement changes reduce most of those encounters.

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Secure the tree against tipping

Dogs and cats can knock over a tree by climbing or playing with lights and ornaments. The ASPCA advises tight securing to prevent tip-over injuries in its holiday safety tips. Place the tree in a steady stand and anchor it to a wall or heavy base.

Keep the area around the base clear and stable. Avoid wobbly risers or light platforms that shift when a cat jumps. Check ties and screws after decorating and after any pet contact.

Block needles, water, and food scraps

Fallen pine needles can irritate a dog's mouth and cause vomiting or diarrhea. Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine also links swallowed needles to intestinal obstruction or perforation in its holiday hazards guide for dogs. Sweep fallen needles often and trim low, dry branches.

The National Capital Poison Center notes that stand water and food scraps can harbor bacteria that cause stomach upset and diarrhea. Cornell adds that stand water may contain harmful bacteria or added chemicals. Cover the stand, change water without additives, and keep food gifts off low branches.

How can cords be kept out of reach?

Pets that chew live light cords risk electrical burns. The University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine advises keeping cords out of reach, covered, and unplugged when unsupervised in its pets and holiday decorations guide. Route cords behind the tree and tape them to the floor.

Use these checks before leaving pets alone with the tree: Watch for pawing, chewing, or nesting behind the tree. Redirect the pet and recheck covers each evening.

• Unplug lights when no adult is in the room.
• Cover low cords with a rigid cord cover.
• Move chargers and spare strands off the floor.

Choose safer ornaments and skip tinsel

Breakable glass and hooks can cut mouths and paws. Banfield Pet Hospital recommends shatterproof ornaments placed higher in its guide to keeping pets safe around holiday trees. Keep small or edible decor away from animals.

The ASPCA warns that swallowed tinsel can cause severe vomiting, dehydration, and blocked digestion that may need surgery. Use lights and sturdy ornaments instead of tinsel strands. Keep ribbon and string off low branches.

What about plants around the tree?

Poinsettias often get more blame than the evidence supports. The ASPCA reports they generally cause only mild-to-moderate stomach irritation. Keep them out of reach, but focus more on higher-risk plants.

The National Capital Poison Center flags lilies, holly, mistletoe, and amaryllis as greater concerns. Do not place them under the tree or in pet play paths. Move bouquets to closed rooms and sweep fallen leaves fast.