The holidays are coming, and as you get to work organising gifts, decorations and dinner plans, you probably won’t consider your dog’s relationship with your Christmas tree until they come fur to fir with each other in a potential daily stand-off. You may be asking yourself: do dogs like Christmas trees? Will a real Christmas tree poison your dog? Are even fake Christmas trees toxic to dogs?
To get these arboreal concerns out of the way, read on for our advice on keeping your dog (and your tree!) completely safe over the festive season.
Can you have a real Christmas tree with a dog?
If you’re used to the magic of a real Christmas tree, it can be tough to even consider going without one, no matter how much you love your dog. Thankfully, most live trees used at Christmas such as fir, pine and spruce are non-toxic to dogs – but it’s their decorations, plant fertiliser and dropping needles that may cause problems for your pooch.
Decorations
Many tree decorations can prove hazardous to a dog’s safety; whether it’s chocolate or popcorn baubles, fragile glass ornaments that could smash and leave sharp pieces, or natural garlands, such as holly or mistletoe, that are toxic if ingested.
Tree sap
Real trees tend to secrete sap and other liquids on their trunk and leaves, and that could be an irritant to your dog if they decide to have a taste.
