Can Pets Chew Through Plastic Christmas Ornaments And What To Do Instead

Every year, millions of households across the world bring home a Christmas tree adorned with colorful ornaments, twinkling lights, and festive decorations. For pet owners, however, the holiday season introduces hidden dangers—especially when curious cats and dogs encounter fragile or tempting-looking plastic ornaments. While many assume these decorations are harmless because they’re not edible, the reality is far more complex. Pets can and do chew through plastic Christmas ornaments, leading to serious health risks including intestinal blockages, chemical exposure, and choking hazards.

Understanding why pets are drawn to these decorations, recognizing the potential consequences, and knowing how to protect both your pet and your holiday spirit is essential. This guide provides practical solutions, expert insights, and actionable steps to help you enjoy a joyful—and safe—holiday season with your furry family members.

Why Pets Are Drawn to Plastic Ornaments

Cats and dogs perceive their environment differently than humans. What looks like a simple red ball to you may resemble prey, a toy, or even food to your pet. The movement of ornaments swaying on a tree, their reflective surfaces, or dangling ribbons can trigger a pet’s instinct to bat, pounce, or chew. Dogs, especially puppies and young adults, explore the world with their mouths. Chewing is a natural behavior used to relieve teething pain, reduce anxiety, or simply pass the time.

Plastic ornaments, particularly lightweight or hollow ones, are easy for pets to knock down and carry off. Once in their mouth, the texture and sound of crunching plastic may encourage further chewing. Some ornaments also retain scents from manufacturing—such as mold release agents or dyes—that can be appealing to animals with sensitive noses.

Tip: Monitor your pet closely during the first few days after setting up the tree—this is when curiosity peaks.

The Risks of Pets Chewing Plastic Ornaments

Chewing plastic may seem like a minor behavioral issue, but it carries significant health risks:

• Intestinal Obstruction: Sharp or large pieces of plastic can become lodged in the digestive tract, requiring emergency surgery.
• Toxic Exposure: Many plastic ornaments contain phthalates, lead-based paints, or other harmful chemicals that can leach into the body when chewed.
• Choking Hazard: Small parts such as hooks, glitter, or broken fragments can be aspirated or block airways.
• Dental Damage: Hard plastic can crack teeth, especially in strong chewers like German Shepherds or Labradors.
• Gastrointestinal Irritation: Even if swallowed whole, indigestible materials can cause vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation.

A 2022 report from the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center noted a 27% increase in calls related to ornament ingestion during November and December compared to other months. Veterinarians confirm that holiday-related foreign body cases spike every year, with plastic ornaments ranking among the top culprits.

“Pets don’t distinguish between toys and decorations. To them, anything within reach is fair game. Prevention is always better than emergency surgery.” — Dr. Lena Torres, DVM, Emergency Veterinary Specialist

Safer Alternatives to Plastic Ornaments

You don’t have to skip decorating to keep your pet safe. With thoughtful planning, you can maintain festive cheer while minimizing risk. Consider replacing traditional plastic ornaments with safer, pet-friendly options:

1. Natural Material Ornaments

Ornaments made from wood, felt, or fabric are non-toxic and less likely to cause harm if chewed. DIY options like salt dough shapes (unsalted and unseasoned), knitted animals, or dried citrus slices add charm without danger.

2. Edible Treat Ornaments (Pet-Safe)

Create ornaments using ingredients your pet can safely consume. Examples include:

• Peanut butter-oatmeal bones hung with twine
• Apple slice garlands (ensure no seeds)
• Pumpkin puree cookies shaped like stars or paw prints

These double as gifts—if your pet gets one, it’s a tasty bonus, not a medical emergency.

3. Reinforced or Non-Chewable Decorations

Use sturdier materials like glass (if pets are fully supervised) or metal, but place them high on the tree—out of jumping or stretching range. Avoid anything with small detachable parts.

4. Interactive Distraction Ornaments

Incorporate pet-safe toys into the decor. Hang durable rubber toys or braided rope knots from lower branches. This redirects chewing behavior toward appropriate items.

Ornament Type	Risk Level	Pet-Safe Alternative
Plastic balls with hooks	High	Felt balls with secure stitching
Glitter-coated shapes	High	Matte wooden cutouts
Light-up figures	Extreme (batteries + plastic)	LED string lights (secured out of reach)
Homemade dough ornaments	Medium (if contains salt/onion/garlic)	Pet-safe recipe versions only
Stuffed animal ornaments	Medium-High (stuffing hazard)	Knitted fabric with no loose fill

Tip: Test any homemade ornament by placing a small piece where your pet can access it. If they show interest, reconsider its placement or material.

Step-by-Step Guide to Pet-Proofing Your Christmas Tree

Protecting your pet doesn’t mean sacrificing tradition. Follow this timeline to create a safe, joyful environment:

1. Week 1: Plan Your Decor Strategy
   Select only pet-safe materials. Inventory existing ornaments and set aside any plastic, breakable, or toxic items for higher placement or storage.
2. Day of Setup: Secure the Tree
   Anchor the tree to a wall or ceiling using fishing line or a tree stabilizer. Use a heavy base filled with water and rocks to prevent tipping. Keep electrical cords taped down and out of reach.
3. First 48 Hours: Supervise Constantly
   Allow pets to investigate under direct supervision. Use verbal cues like “leave it” when they approach the tree. Reward calm behavior with treats.
4. Ongoing: Create a Barrier
   Use baby gates or playpens around the tree if unsupervised access is unavoidable. Alternatively, close the door to the room when no one is present.
5. Nightly Routine: Inspect for Damage
   Check the area around the tree daily for fallen ornaments, chewed twine, or spilled water. Replace damaged items immediately.
6. Holiday Morning: Manage Excitement
   On Christmas morning, keep pets in another room during gift opening. The noise, movement, and discarded wrapping materials increase the risk of accidental ingestion.

Real-Life Example: Bella the Curious Kitten

Maria, a cat owner in Portland, decorated her living room tree with colorful plastic snowmen and tinsel. Within two days, her 8-month-old kitten, Bella, knocked down an ornament and began chewing the base. Maria noticed the missing decoration and found plastic shards near Bella’s bed. Though Bella showed no immediate symptoms, a vet visit revealed a small piece lodged near her stomach lining. Surgery was required to remove it.

After recovery, Maria redesigned her holiday setup: she used only wooden ornaments above 5 feet, added a felt gingerbread cat at ground level for Bella to interact with, and installed a mesh gate around the tree stand. That year, Bella batted at her own toy under the tree—safely and happily.

This case highlights how quickly accidents happen—even with attentive owners—and how simple changes can prevent trauma.

Checklist: Pet-Safe Holiday Decorating

Use this checklist before and during the holiday season to ensure safety:

• ✅ Remove all plastic, glittery, or small-part ornaments from low branches
• ✅ Anchor the Christmas tree securely to prevent tipping
• ✅ Use pet-safe, non-toxic materials for handmade decorations
• ✅ Keep tinsel, ribbon, and electrical cords out of reach
• ✅ Provide alternative chew toys near the tree
• ✅ Supervise pets during initial tree exposure
• ✅ Install physical barriers (gates, pens) if needed
• ✅ Have your vet’s emergency number and nearest animal hospital saved
• ✅ Know the signs of ingestion: vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, straining to defecate

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if my pet eats a plastic ornament?

Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by a veterinarian. Contact your vet or an animal poison control center immediately. Provide details about the ornament (size, material, sharp edges) and monitor your pet closely for symptoms like drooling, retching, or abdominal pain.

Are “pet-proof” trees really effective?

No tree is completely pet-proof, but risk can be drastically reduced. A secured tree with safe decorations, barriers, and supervision makes accidental ingestion unlikely. The goal is risk mitigation, not elimination.

Can I use fake snow or spray-on flocking around pets?

No. Most artificial snow products contain formaldehyde and other respiratory irritants. Ingestion or inhalation can cause coughing, nausea, or chemical burns. Opt for cotton-based “snow” or avoid flocking altogether.

Conclusion: Celebrate Safely, Not Sacrifice Joy

The holidays are meant to be shared—with family, friends, and yes, even your pets. While plastic Christmas ornaments pose real dangers, awareness and preparation make it entirely possible to enjoy a festive, beautiful home without compromising your pet’s safety. By choosing smarter materials, rethinking placement, and staying vigilant, you create an environment where joy and well-being coexist.

Start today: audit your current decorations, involve your household in pet-safe choices, and prioritize prevention over reaction. A little effort now ensures your pet stays healthy, your tree stays standing, and your holiday memories remain joyful—not stressful.

💬 Have a pet-safe holiday tip or story? Share it in the comments below and help other pet parents celebrate responsibly!