This is the first Christmas we'll be celebrating with our newly adopted dogs (Chi & Westie). Traditionally I have always purchased a 6" fresh Noble Fir, but since adopting the girls I've read (and unfortunately had experience) with the toxins of pine trees (the Westie took a bite out of a freshly fallen green pine cone - the vet loves me).
Are Christmas trees toxic? Could their fallen needles be toxic? Should I skip the tree altogether because they're just going to want to eat my Great Grandmother's handmade ornaments anyway?
I'd love to have a tree, but not at the expense of my dogs. Any suggestions?
2006-11-26 15:35:42 · 14 answers · asked by ? 4 in Pets ➔ Dogs
I am ABSOLUTELY alpha in my home. No worries there. As I said, this is the first Christmas with the dogs, and because my Westie mix became ill from playing with the pine cone (because I didn't know better), I was attempting to educate myself. Not bend to the will of my animals. It's called being a responsible pet owner!
2006-11-26 16:13:03 · update #1
My neighbor put up her tree as usual, then surrounded it with a "playpen"... looks kinda nice...
2006-11-26 16:15:04 · answer #1 · answered by MotherBear1975 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The only way a real tree can be toxic is if you use the fertilizer stuff to put in the water for the tree. A lot of dogs like to drink the water and if it has the fertilizer then your pup will get sick.
And if you're worried about eating the ornaments then keep a very close eye on both of them.
Good luck! =D
Merry Christmas, hope you have a GREAT first Christmas with your dogs! Congrats on adopting them ^_^ You saved their lives!
2006-11-26 15:51:06 · answer #2 · answered by Danny 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
First thing to think about, is whether or not you have already trained your dogs. Are they puppies? You need to train your dogs anyway, why not start now? If you haven't already. The tree may not be toxic, but could make them sick. Puppies like to chew on anything. Not only that, but if they do swallow the needles and then they dry, the needles could puncture the inside of your dogs stomach. You could put the tree a little up off the ground if you don't want to skip it altogether. Talk to your vet, they should know more. Good luck, God bless, congratulations on the adoptions and Merry Christmas!
2006-11-26 16:03:38 · answer #3 · answered by *Balanced*Sweetheart*Always* 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This Site Might Help You.
RE:
First Christmas with dogs. Could a fresh tree be toxic?
This is the first Christmas we'll be celebrating with our newly adopted dogs (Chi & Westie). Traditionally I have always purchased a 6" fresh Noble Fir, but since adopting the girls I've read (and unfortunately had experience) with the toxins of pine trees (the Westie took a bite out...
2015-08-10 20:53:53 · answer #4 · answered by Griff 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
christmas dogs fresh tree toxic
2016-01-28 03:15:21 · answer #5 · answered by Sandra 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I always put up a real Christmas tree and have had no problems. My chihuahua couldn't be bothered with it...except for the lights and ornaments he can grab so they're put up a bit higher. But I don't think the tree is toxic to them.
2006-11-26 15:46:55 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
As far as I know, I dont believe they are toxic. I've never had a problem with any of my dogs drinking the tree water or eating the needles. So I think its safe to say its ok to get a tree.
Now, if these dogs are playful puppies and you DO get a tree, be sure to keep your ornaments up high so they can't get to them.
I would also recommend keeping their water bowl full so they wont have to go to the tree to get water..oh, and give them plenty of food so they dont need to eat the tree! lol
hope this helped!
=]
2006-11-26 15:42:48 · answer #7 · answered by Hannah 3 · 4⤊ 0⤋
the fallen needles could get stuck in paws or the throat. pine sap mixing with the water in the tree stand is also toxic...As you have experienced, certain plants, trees, etc. are toxic to pets...
Some helpful sources online include:
http://www.wagntrain.com/holidays.htm
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=2&cat=1674&articleid=932
http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=pro_apcc&JServSessionIdr011=c2yl3yqt11.app27b
2006-11-26 15:53:43 · answer #8 · answered by kewtber 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Stick with an artificial tree and hang the ornaments and lights above their reach. The needles are toxic and they would think the ornaments were toys hung just for them.
2006-11-26 15:40:46 · answer #9 · answered by ESPERANZA 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Train your dogs to leave the tree and ornaments alone. Several people have posted similar questions on this site recently. The solution ranges from placing foul tasting substance on the tree/ornaments to various training devises.
But the main problem with all of these posts on this site is the dog owner not the dog. You will have to invest some time and love to train your dog in proper behavior. You can eschew the Christmas Tree if you like but that is only allowing the dogs to run the show. You should be in charge not the dogs. If they are allowed to do as they please then you and your dogs are going to be very unhappy all year long for dogs have a way of playing both ends against the middle. They are very adapt at spotting our weaknesses and taking advantage of them. Who is in charge of your household? You or the dogs?
Remember a disciplined dog is a Happy Dog. An undisciplined dog is a VERY UNHAPPY DOG.
2006-11-26 16:10:25 · answer #10 · answered by Ted 2 · 0⤊ 5⤋