How to Keep Your Pet Away from the Christmas Tree: A Holiday Survival Guide
There are plenty of ways to keep your tree safe from your four-legged friend while still enjoying all the holiday magic. Here are some top tips for how to keep your pet away from the Christmas tree.
Ah, the holidays! A time for joy, laughter, and… your pet plotting a full-scale attack on your Christmas tree?!
If you’ve ever woken up to find your tree toppled, ornaments scattered, and your pet munching on a candy cane, you’re not alone. But don’t fret—there are plenty of ways to keep your tree safe from your four-legged friend while still enjoying all the holiday magic. Here are some top tips for how to keep your pet away from the Christmas tree (and keep your sanity intact!).
1. "O Tannenbaum, Don’t Topple Now!" - Secure the Tree
First things first—secure that tree! The last thing you want is Fido playing lumberjack.
Consider anchoring your tree to the wall or ceiling with a fishing line or strong wire. A sturdy tree stand is also a must, especially if your pet is a bit… rambunctious. This way, your tree stays upright even if your dog decides to chase his tail a little too close.
2. Spruce Up Your Defense With Pet-Safe Deterrents
To keep your pet at bay, try spraying the tree base and branches with a pet-safe deterrent.
Products like Bitter Apple Spray work wonders for keeping dogs away from the Christmas tree, while citrus sprays are a great option for cats.
Speaking of citrus, placing orange peels around the tree base might do the trick—most cats can’t stand the smell of oranges, and it’ll keep them from turning your tree into their new playground.
3. Deck the Halls… Higher Up!
Pets are natural foragers, and a tree decorated with tasty treats is basically an invitation to feast. Keep those ornaments out of reach, especially the edible ones.
Hang the most fragile and tempting ornaments higher up where they can’t be pawed or chewed. Let’s be real—nobody wants to find their dog chomping on a candy cane or biting off a gingerbread man’s shoe at 2 a.m.
4. Present Predicament: Postpone the Pile
As tempting as it is to stack presents under the tree, it’s also an open invitation for curious pets to investigate.
Consider waiting until Christmas morning to put out gifts, or at least keep them on a higher surface where pets can’t reach. Trust us—your wrapping paper will thank you.
And while we’re on the topic of gifts, don’t forget to check out our lists of the top gift ideas for the dog lovers and cat lovers in your life!
5. Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Lights (But Out of Paw’s Reach)
Holiday lights add that magical glow, but they’re also super tempting for pets to chew on.
Hang lights higher up on the tree, out of reach of curious pups and kittens, to keep your pets away from your Christmas lights. And don’t forget to cover any exposed cords with a rug or tape to prevent your pet from turning them into their new favorite chew toy.
6. Aluminum Foil: The Holiday Moat
Who knew foil could be your best friend this Christmas?
Create a shiny moat around the tree by covering the base with aluminum foil. Most dogs and cats hate the texture and sound, so they’ll keep their distance from your Christmas tree. Plus, it adds a little extra sparkle to your holiday decor!
7. Tape and Bells: The Ultimate Pet Deterrents
Cats, in particular, love to climb anything and everything—including your tree.
To discourage this, place double-sided tape around the base of the tree. The sticky sensation will deter most cats from climbing. Putting your cat's favorite cat tower near the tree can also help.
For added security, hang some holiday bells around the base—if your pet does get too close, the jingling will alert you to the impending tree invasion.
8. Bare-Bones Christmas: A Tree Trial Run
Before decking out your tree in all its glory, give your pet a few days to get used to the bare tree.
Set it up without any lights or ornaments and let your pet satisfy their curiosity. By the time you add fragile decorations, the tree won’t seem quite as new and exciting, reducing the chances of mischief and of your pet toppling the Christmas tree.
9. Gated Community: Baby Pens to the Rescue
If all else fails, consider putting a physical barrier or gate around your tree to keep your pets away. A baby pen or a pet gate can create a physical barrier that even the most determined pet can’t cross.
It might not be the most aesthetically pleasing solution, but it’s effective—and it keeps your tree (and presents) safe.
10. Go Artificial: The Case for a Fake Tree
While the smell of a real Christmas tree is undeniably wonderful, it can also be a magnet for pets. Consider opting for an artificial tree instead.
They’re less appealing to chew on and don’t drop needles that pets might ingest. Plus, they’re reusable, so you can keep your tree—and your pet—safe year after year.
Conclusion: Peace on Earth, Goodwill to Pets
Keeping your pet away from the Christmas tree doesn’t have to be a holiday hassle. With a little preparation and these clever tricks, you can ensure a safe and merry Christmas for both you and your furry friends.
And while you’re in the festive spirit, don’t forget to check out PugMug for the perfect holiday gifts for dog and cat lovers. Whether it’s a custom pet portrait, a fun new tote bag, or a custom Christmas-themed pet bowl, we’ve got something to make every pet lover’s season bright!
Happy Holidays from all of us at PugMug! 🎄