Master, can I eat the Christmas tree?

1. Artificial or real?

If you have a dog at home, an artificial Christmas tree is more suitable for you. Firstly, an artificial Christmas tree is not as pleasant to chew on as a natural one, and the dog will not want to eat it. Secondly, it stands stronger, while the living one is most often installed in a bucket of water. Thirdly, artificial spruces do not crumble and do not stain the dog’s coat with resin. Fourthly, they can be dropped as much as you like without much harm to the appearance.

A live Christmas tree always attracts the attention of a dog. Fragrant twigs and the trunk are simply impossible not to gnaw! But a spoiled Christmas tree in this case is far from the worst thing. Sharp needles and branches can injure the dog’s mouth, and once in the body, lead to intestinal obstruction.

2. Where to put the Christmas tree?

It is better to install a small Christmas tree in a place inaccessible to the dog. For example, on a high shelf. Then all problems will be solved! The big one is a little more difficult. First of all, take care of a solid foundation so that the tree stands firmly. The most suitable place for a Christmas tree is the corner of the room. It is desirable that there are no objects nearby that, in the event of a fall, the tree can touch and damage.

An original, but very nice place to install is a covered balcony. Decorated Christmas tree behind glass looks very beautiful. And most importantly, the tree (and the dog) is completely safe!

Many creative lovers put the Christmas tree in a cage (aviary) or wrap it with tape. Others don’t even buy a tree, but simply paint it on the wall or create an appliqué. Let your imagination run wild: maybe she will tell you a useful and original solution on how to protect the Christmas tree from the dog.

3. Choose unbreakable toys.

The Christmas tree, which will be in the access zone for the pet, is very important to decorate correctly. Do not buy glass toys: they break easily and crumble into small, sharp fragments. But textile, paper and wooden toys are a great option. Often they look even more comfortable than glass ones. With such toys, the Christmas tree will not suffer, even if the dog drops it several times.

Christmas tree rain is the main enemy for pets. Having played with a shiny decoration, the dog may accidentally swallow it. And here you can not do without the help of a veterinarian.

4. What about garlands?

If desired, the garland can be used, but only if it is not damaged and not glued with electrical tape. It is better to wrap the tree trunk tightly with it. If the garland hangs freely from the branches and dangles, the dog will definitely pull on it.

Turn off lights when you leave or go to bed.

5. Decorate the Christmas tree while the dog is not looking.

In any case, the dog will show attention to the tree. Especially if you hang toys and garlands right in front of her eyes. Interesting shiny jewelry in the hands of the owner is already regarded as an invitation to play. Not to mention the tree itself, which the dog associates with one big stick! Most likely, you will not even have time to hang all the toys – as the tree will already be on the floor. To moderate the interest of the pet, it is better not to install and decorate the Christmas tree with him.

6. We scare away from the Christmas tree!

If your dog keeps trying to eat the Christmas tree or toys, try using a repellent spray. You can buy it at any pet store. Just process the Christmas tree and follow the result. Do not overdo it and do not spray all the walls, otherwise the dog will not enter the room at all!

And one more trick: put an object by the Christmas tree that your pet avoids. Usually it’s a vacuum cleaner! The dog will try to stay away from him, and therefore from the tree.

Decorating a Christmas tree with cotton wool and candles is dangerous! A dog can eat cotton wool, and then intestinal obstruction is guaranteed. Candles are a real fire hazard. Be careful!

7. Give new toys!

New toys, exciting games with the owner, fun walks will help divert the attention of the dog from the Christmas tree. Almost all dogs enjoy chewing toys with treats more than Christmas trees. Active walks will allow you to direct energy in the right direction, so that upon arrival home, a happy pet will start not for destruction, but for rest.  

8. Practice the command “No!”

The ban on approaching the Christmas tree is another reason to work out the “No!” command. Dog training is considered effective when the pet follows the rules both under the supervision of the owner and without. If you told the dog that you can’t touch the Christmas tree, and he didn’t touch it even while you were away from home – congratulations, you have reached your goal!

How do you reconcile a Christmas tree and a dog? Tell me!