Are Christmas trees toxic to pets

‘Tis the season… for dogs and cats getting into trouble on, in, and around Christmas trees. Oh, and trying to eat the pine needles, too. And the tinsel. And the lights. So the question is: Can your BFF and a Christmas tree enjoy the holiday season together, peacefully and safely? Well, let's just say you need to be super careful about it.

5 things to know about dogs, cats and Christmas trees

Real trees are real toxic for pets. If your four-legged pal swallows tree oils from an Xmas tree, they might get sick – mouth irritation, vomiting, drooling, and diarrhea are all possibilities. Bah humbug! Cover up the pine tree base with a tree skirt, too, since that tree water is (1) tempting for pets to drink and (2) dangerous for them to drink!
Even pine needles from artificial trees are a no-no. Don't let your pets chew, eat, or play with these sharp badboys. Fake tree needles, if digested, are bad news because they can actually obstruct or damage your BFF's mouth or gastrointestinal tract.
Stabilize your tree, especially if your pet is a climber. Use a strong, sturdy base, check it regularly to make sure the tree is still snug and stable, and even consider securing your tree to the ceiling with wire or string. And if you see your fuzzball even THINKING about scaling Mt. Evergreen, redirect them to another room and their favorite toys and activities.
Dress up your tree… and we mean UP. Low-hanging tinsel, glass ornaments, and candy canes are too hard to resist for some curious canine and feline friends. Even lights, electrical cords, and gifts under the tree can cause problems. So if you're going to use holiday decorations near the bottom of the tree, use bells. That way, you'll hear a ring-a-ling coming from the tree if your furry friend's getting too curious – just make sure the bells are big enough that your pet can't eat them.
Christmas trees are not climbing toys! Pets might strongly disagree, but hey, too bad. No climbing, buddy. See #3 above for tips.

Safety first, especially during the holidays

We mentioned up above that trees can be toxic. And you know, when the holidays are in full gear, we sometimes get busy and might let our guard down about pet safety around the house, overall. So before you get into the spirit of the season, bone up on how to help keep pets safe at home

What to do if your pet has been poisoned

If you suspect your pet has eaten anything poisonous, let your emergency veterinary hospital know, or call the pet poison hotline at 1-800-213-6680. Poison must be treated immediately, so the sooner you get help, the better. Get more details

Also, remember that if you have any questions about preventing and reducing risks to your pet, your Banfield veterinary team is here to help.