It’s Christmas time, yet again! The wind is blaring the season’s greetings, you can hear the church’s bell singing and you can see your dog ruining your Christmas tree (yet again.) It seems like there is no escaping this tradition.
Every year you go for the best looking Christmas tree and every time you had it completed, it falls down to a curious dog that continuously knocks it down for his own pleasure. You are getting tired with all the shenanigans and you just want it to stop. How are you going to do it?
It’s not a good option to just stop putting up the tree just because your dog likes to knock it over repeatedly. It’s not a good option to crate your dog during the Christmas season, too. The best option is to doggy-proof your Christmas tree. But, how would you do it? Here are some tips and tricks that you could follow in order to restore order in your home.
Choose an artificial tree
Maybe it has become a family tradition to shop for the most perfect pine tree. However, studies have shown that with actual pine trees, its needles can be mildly toxic to dogs and pets alike. The risk even heightens to a potentially deadly threat if your dog decides to chomp on these needles.
There’s also a bigger chance that your dog, whenever he is feeling extra excited and hyped for the holidays, will knock over your tree and play with it. So, instead of rushing to the market for a pine tree, consider a plastic Christmas tree instead. It is not as toxic and if it does topple over, you’re not going to be putting much effort into it unlike to the real one.
Lower the level of sparkles and twinkle to the decors of the Christmas tree
Just like how a person would dazzle and be intrigued with a super shiny, twinkling and bright Christmas tree, your dog will also feel that way towards a heavily-adorned tree. So, put the decors into a minimum and settle for an elegant yet simplistic look instead.
Choose a medium-sized Christmas tree
Consider getting a 5 feet tall tree instead of those towering ones. It is considerably safer. Plus, know that when you stick to a taller tree, the more chances it will get toppled over.
Never use tabletop trees
Although tabletop trees are undeniably cute, it will only increase the accessibility of the dogs toward the trees and even try to eat the ornaments. Some ornaments can be toxic or in some cases full of lead that is harmful if digested.
Stray away from ornaments that can potentially harm you and your dog
Christmas ornaments should be as simple as possible. Remember, you have a dog inside your house that can gobble up if unattended. Especially these sparkly ornaments gather attention (as it should be). They might lick; try to eat or worse, if broken can hurt them (for those who use Christmas balls that are made of glass).
