Expert shares ways to pet-proof your Christmas tree – including scented pine cones

Sometimes, when the Christmas decorations go up, it can send our pets into an adorable frenzy – but there are ways to prevent them knocking down your tree and ripping the presents up

We’ve all seen the hilarious videos online of cats and dogs reacting to Christmas trees – from innocently sniffing around it, to brazenly biting it, and even climbing up it. Sometimes it seems as though our furry friends simply cannot be tamed when it comes to the festive period.

But, there are ways to take the excitement out of the tree for your pets – and take the danger away as well, which is good news for you and your four-legged friend.

Needles and pines from real trees may puncture a pet’s digestive tract when swallowed, which can create chaos, and decorations could burn, electrocute or puncture tiny sensitive paws.

Nic Shacklock from Online-Bedrooms.co.uk explained: “The last thing families want to do is spend the whole month of December trying to get their cat off the tree or their dog away from the presents underneath it.

“Things like avoiding stringing lights near the base of your tree and avoiding breakable baubles may seem obvious – but can quickly be forgotten when caught up in the festive spirit.

“However, it is super important with all decorations during Christmas to ensure you are not posing any danger to your four-legged friends.”

To keep pets away from the tree, Nic recommends using scented pinecones. They may smell fine to us, but to pets, they can be really off-putting.

He suggests adding some deterrent decorations by spraying some apple cider vinegar on a few pinecones and placing them at the base of the tree. The smell will keep pets away without the need for any physical barriers, which may not fit in with the rest of your festive decorations.

It is also recommended that if you have pets, you leave tinsel off your tree. It’s far too enticing, especially to cats, and may encourage them to climb, jump, and attach themselves to your tree, causing a higher risk of smashed baubles.

If you have smaller dogs, you may want to consider a small tree you can isolate on a table, for example. It may just be enough to keep their pup away from causing any damage to the decorations or themselves.

Also – if you want your gifts to be intact on Christmas morning, put them out as late as possible. Teeth and claws may have ruined them by the big day if you peak too soon.

How do you stop your pets from going near your tree? Let us know in the comments.