Every pet owner dreads the day when a curious pet destroys their carefully decorated Christmas tree. There’s no need to be a Scrooge. Check out these easy tips for keeping your dog away from the Christmas tree this year.

You spend hours decorating for the holidays, or worse, you don’t decorate at all because of a mischievous but playful pupper. Excellent news! We can help you reclaim your holiday decorating passions while keeping your pet safe.

10 Tips for keeping your dog and your Christmas tree safe

You don’t want to spend your time and effort putting up a beautiful Christmas tree only to have it ruined by a curious puppy. The last thing you want is to find your cat or dog in the Christmas tree, peeing on the tree, eating the tree, or even drinking Christmas tree water.

These are just a few of the common concerns that pet owners have when combining their pets with the holidays. Your dog may appear to be the Grinch, but they are simply exploring your holiday display in the only way they know how.

Don’t be angry; be smart with these clever dog Christmas tree and pet-proofing ideas. We can assist you in constructing a dog-proof Christmas tree that will keep your dog safe and your holiday centerpiece intact.

1. Build a wall

To create a barrier around your tree, use gates, exercise pens, or even larger presents.

Using an exercise pen, a baby gate, or anything else fence-like is one of the simplest ways to keep your dog away from your Christmas tree. This Christmas tree dog fence will prevent your pets from climbing up, colliding with, or getting underneath your tree.

It may not be the most visually appealing solution, but it may be the safest for nosy pets.

For smaller dogs, you may even be able to get away with making a wall out of heavier or larger presents. Make sure the gifts aren’t filled with food or anything else that your dog might want to open first.

2. Tree in Shining Armour

To keep pets away, make a Tinfoil tree skirt.

Aluminum foil is a texture and sound that both dogs and cats despise, and it can be an excellent tool for keeping dogs away from the Christmas tree. To protect your tree, make a tin foil tree skirt or an aluminum “moat” out of aluminum foil. This may deter your pets from getting too close to the tree.

The sound could also serve as an alarm system for pets brave enough to walk across it. Check to see if your dog is trying to eat Tinfoil. It could cause mouth damage and should never be consumed.

3.  Durable Decorations

To reduce temptations, avoid using fragile decorations and food items.

Some decorations are safer for pets than others. Avoid using fragile pet Christmas tree decorations that could endanger your pet. If glass or ceramic ornaments fall to the floor, they will shatter, so use plastic instead.

Edible decorations can also pose a problem. Many artificial sweeteners used in candy, as well as chocolate, are toxic to dogs and cats. This also means no candy canes.

Another popular Christmas tradition is popcorn garlands. It may appear cute, but putting food on your tree will only encourage your pet to explore. It is best to avoid all of them.

4. Fortify your Tree Base

Weigh down your tree’s base to keep it from tipping over.

If your pet or children climb or push on your tree, make sure you have a sturdy foundation to keep it standing. Most tree bases aren’t built to withstand pet attacks, so adding weight to your base will make it more secure.

Add weight to the tree stand’s legs and cover with a tree skirt, Tinfoil, or other material.

Because fake trees are weaker than real trees, a heavy base may not be enough to keep it vertical. This next step can assist you with that.

5. Drop Anchor

For added stability, attach your tree to the walls or ceiling.

It may take some ingenuity, but you can secure your tree to the wall or ceiling with a fishing line, chain, or wire. If you are anchoring to the wall, we recommend two points of contact.

This type of home improvement may not be for everyone, but it may be the cost of having your Christmas last the season.

6. Pet-Proof your Ornaments

To firmly secure your decorations to your tree, use twist ties or string.

Secure your ornaments to your tree with twist ties, zip ties, or string to prevent them from falling off. This does not guarantee that your dog will not pursue them, but they are much less likely to be killed by a drive-by tail swipe if they are stuck on the tree.

7. Hide Your Cords & Wires

Tape down cords to prevent electrocution risks.

The cords from your lights, tree, and power bars should be hidden and tucked away. Many small cords can be tucked between the carpet and baseboards.

If you can’t, use tape to keep the cords from being chewed or tripped on. To keep your curious pet at bay, try covering them with your tree skirt.

8. Real Trees = Real Danger

Real tree needles can be hazardous. Instead, consider a fake tree.

Real Christmas trees may not be as popular as they once were. However, many people value tradition. We’re not saying don’t, but you should be more cautious.

To keep your dog safe, fallen needles must be cleaned up on a regular basis. If your pet begins to chew on the pointy needle, they may injure their mouth or digestive system.

Another risk with real trees is that your dog will drink from the base of the Christmas tree. Christmas trees may have been treated with fertilizers and pesticides, and the water in the base may have absorbed these toxic chemicals. It is best to use a cover, such as a tree skirt, to prevent access to the water beneath the tree.

9. Pet Deterrents

Use a pet repellent spray or dab hot sauce around the base of your tree.

Pet deterrent sprays may be effective in keeping your pet from getting too close to the tree. Most have an extremely bitter taste, so it only takes one lick for your pet to realize how bad it is.

Cats may not be as easily swayed by bitterness, so a stronger odor may be required. Natural alternatives, such as orange peels or hot sauce, may be more effective.

Avoid putting hot sauce in places where you, your family, or your pet could get it in their eyes. It works best at floor level. If you’re worried about that, stick to the orange peels.

10. Set a Trap

Set up a bell trap to alert you when the tree is approached.

Using a Home Alone-style trap, you can catch your pet in the act. Set up some bells on a string around the base of your tree to warn you when trouble is on the way.

This allows you to intervene before they cause harm, move them to another part of the house, or provide a more appropriate activity.