Can Christmas Trees Be Dangerous To Your Dog's Health?

As Christmas approaches, you’ll likely be considering getting a Christmas tree to deck out with all the lights and decorations that you can. But could this tree actually be dangerous to your dogs? Here’s what you need to know.

1. Fir Oil

Many fir trees shed oil that may find its way into your dog’s mouth and, therefore, their stomach. This can cause stomach irritation, vomiting, and drooling.

2. Lights

Too-hot lights could lead to burns, but the wires are the real problem. A dog who chews on the wires could get electrocuted.

3. Tree Water

Using water to keep your tree invigorated sounds like a good idea, but this water can collect mold, bacteria, and other debris from the tree. If consumed, this can cause health problems for your dogs. It’s even worse if you use commercial additives for preservation purposes, or if you make home preservatives with toxic materials.

4. Fake Trees

Even fake trees can pose a threat. Older ones can have brittle plastic parts that break off.

5. Needles

Most Christmas trees shed pine or fir needles, and a curious dog who finds them may decide to swallow them. These needles can cause punctures, intestinal blockages, and irritation of the gastrointestinal tract.

6. Ornaments

All sorts of ornaments and tinsel can be dangerous to a dog who tries to eat them. Fragile ornaments can also be easily broken and cause injury.

Feature Image Source: Pixabay