Brits have been decorating their homes with Christmas trees since the 19th century - but this doesn't mean they have become any less of a hazard to our pets. Vet Sean McCormack has explained how Christmas trees can cause injury to our four-legged friends - and how you can protect them from dog -related damages so that your baubles survive at least until Boxing Day.
The expert warns some real Christmas trees are sprayed with preservative chemicals, which could give your dog an upset stomach if ingested or irritation in the mouth if they consume them from licking or chewing on the tree branches.
Sean said: "If you suspect your dog has eaten something toxic over the Christmas period, it's important to contact your emergency vet to seek advice.
"Your tree can actually be harmful to your dog if they get too close to it. The pine needles present potential choking hazards, as they are nearly impossible to digest and can get clogged in your dog's throat or intestines, and can get trapped in your dog’s paws.
"If you’re worried about your four-legged friends getting access to your Christmas tree, make sure your dog is never alone with the tree, or at least not for a prolonged period of time. Pups are far more likely to get up to mischief without their owners around to tell them off."
As this may not be an option for some, putting a gate or some kind of border around your tree will also prevent your pup from getting too close to it.
While twinkling fairy lights are the perfect addition to any tree, the dancing colours and glowing lights will naturally make your pet curious.
However, if your pooch gets too close or begins to chew on them, the hot lights may burn or give them an electric shock, not to mention the potential risks of getting their noses burnt on the hot lights and the chance that they may harm themselves if they get tangled up between the wires.
To make sure your dog doesn't get too close to your fairy lights, tightly secure them inside the branches of the tree, or hide any loose wires under a rug out of sight, so that they aren’t exposed or tempting for your pooch to chew on.
But lights are not the only decoration that could harm your pet as baubles can be especially dangerous to your dog, particularly glass ornaments, as they can smash and cause injury to your dog's paws.
Tightly fasten any baubles to your Christmas tree to prevent your dog from getting their paws on them. If you’re worried about your pet exploring your tree, hang your ornaments higher up so they are out of reach.
Sean added: "If you know your dog is particularly excited when it comes to food, then giving the edible decorations on your tree a miss this year might be the safest option to prevent any upset tummies.
"If you still want to treat your family and kids to edible gifts and snacks this year, avoid putting them on the tree and put them out of reach of your dog."
