Keeping an untrained pet out of the Christmas tree can be difficult, especially if it’s their first Christmas and you’re using a flocked Christmas tree.

Regardless of whether your older pet has a history of not jumping on trees, it is still prudent to exercise caution.

A few pet safety hazards are described below, along with ways to prevent them. Keep reading!

Branches & Needles

It is particularly dangerous to work with live trees. Cats and dogs also love chewing on fir tree limbs, and the oils in them can cause vomiting and drooling.

Chewing on the branches may also cause your cat to swallow needles.

When swallowed, pine needles can puncture the intestinal lining or bundle together, leading to intestinal obstruction. And yes, both cases can result in death.

Artificial Christmas trees should also be used with caution–the needles may obstruct airflow and pets may chew on the crunchy needles.

The best way to prevent your pets from accessing your Christmas tree is to place it in an area that is not accessible to them. To do this, you can place dog pens around the tree.

Flocking

Pets can suffer serious health consequences if significant quantities of flocking are swallowed. Ideally, your home should not have flocked trees.

When decorated properly, flocked artificial Christmas trees look great. However, it doesn’t end there. Choosing a Christmas tree requires weighing the pros and cons.

Christmas tree Preservatives

A few artificial Christmas trees are additionally preserved with chemicals. Chemicals can bind at the base of trees and contaminate water there.  Bases that are not covered will allow pets easy access to the water.

A towel, plastic wrap, or aluminum foil will work as a cover for your tree skirt. The plastic bag works too.