Why Does My Dog Chew On Christmas Tree Ornaments How To Stop It Safely

Dogs and Christmas trees often don’t mix well. While the twinkling lights and festive decorations bring joy to humans, they can turn a curious or playful dog into an ornament-destroying machine overnight. If you’ve come home to find shattered glass baubles, tangled tinsel, or a half-eaten garland, you're not alone. Thousands of pet owners face this seasonal challenge every year. The good news is that with understanding, preparation, and consistent training, you can enjoy a beautiful tree without risking your dog’s safety or your holiday peace of mind.

Understanding Why Dogs Chew on Ornaments

Dogs are naturally inquisitive creatures. Their world is experienced largely through their mouths—chewing helps them explore, relieve stress, and satisfy instinctual behaviors. When a Christmas tree appears in the living room, it introduces a sudden change in the environment: new scents, dangling objects, reflective surfaces, and movement from lights. All of these elements can trigger a dog’s curiosity or predatory instincts.

Puppies and younger dogs are especially prone to chewing due to teething, which typically occurs between 3 and 6 months of age. But even adult dogs may chew out of boredom, anxiety, or lack of mental stimulation. The ornaments, with their varied textures and movements, act like toys hanging just within reach. Some dogs may also associate the tree area with attention—if they get a reaction (even a negative one) when approaching it, they may repeat the behavior for engagement.

“Dogs don’t see holiday decor as ‘off-limits.’ To them, anything that moves, dangles, or makes noise is fair game.” — Dr. Laura Bennett, Veterinary Behaviorist

The risk isn’t just about broken decorations. Many ornaments contain toxic materials, sharp edges, or small parts that can cause intestinal blockages if swallowed. Tinsel, ribbon, and string-like items are particularly dangerous, as they can cause linear foreign body obstructions—a life-threatening condition requiring emergency surgery.

Tip: Supervise your dog closely around the tree, especially during the first few days after setup. Most incidents occur when no one is watching.

Safety Risks of Ornament Chewing

Beyond the mess, there are real health dangers when dogs chew on Christmas tree decorations. Understanding these risks underscores the importance of prevention.

• Choking hazards: Small ornaments, hooks, or broken pieces can be inhaled or lodged in the throat.
• Internal injuries: Sharp glass or metal fragments can puncture the digestive tract.
• Toxicity: Some ornaments contain lead, antifreeze-like substances (in liquid-filled bulbs), or chemical coatings that are poisonous if ingested.
• Intestinal blockage: Long, stringy materials like tinsel or ribbon can bunch up in the intestines, requiring surgical removal.
• Electrical hazards: Chewing on light cords can lead to electrocution, especially in puppies.

A study published in the Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care found that emergency vet visits spike by nearly 30% during the holiday season, with ingestion of foreign objects ranking among the top causes. Many of these cases involve Christmas-related items.

Step-by-Step Guide to Prevent Ornament Chewing

Preventing your dog from chewing ornaments isn’t about punishment—it’s about management, redirection, and consistency. Follow this practical timeline to create a safe and stress-free holiday environment.

1. Week 1: Prepare the Environment
   Before setting up the tree, assess your space. Choose a location that can be physically restricted—ideally near a wall or in a corner. Install a baby gate or use a freestanding playpen to create a barrier around the tree. This allows visual access while preventing direct contact.
2. Day of Setup: Use Dog-Safe Decorations
   Replace fragile, tempting ornaments with pet-friendly alternatives. Opt for large, lightweight decorations made of felt, fabric, or unbreakable plastic. Avoid anything small, shiny, or noisy that might attract attention. Keep all ornaments above knee height—dogs are less likely to jump for items placed higher up.
3. First 3 Days: Supervised Exposure
   Allow your dog to sniff and observe the tree under close supervision. Use a leash indoors if needed. Each time they approach, redirect with a toy or command like “leave it.” Reward calm behavior with treats or praise.
4. Ongoing: Train the “Leave It” Command
   This essential cue teaches impulse control. Practice daily:
   • Hold a treat in a closed fist.
   • Let your dog sniff and paw at your hand.
   • When they back away, say “leave it” and reward with a different treat.
   • Gradually increase difficulty by placing the treat on the floor.
   Once mastered, apply the command near the tree.
5. Daily Maintenance: Manage Access and Stimulation
   When you’re not home, confine your dog to another room or crate with plenty of chew toys. A tired dog is a well-behaved dog—ensure they get adequate exercise and mental enrichment each day.

Tip: Rotate your dog’s toys weekly to maintain novelty and reduce interest in household objects.

Do’s and Don’ts of Christmas Tree Safety for Dogs

Do	Don’t
Use a sturdy tree stand to prevent tipping	Place the tree where your dog can easily reach it
Choose shatterproof ornaments and natural fiber garlands	Hang edible decorations like popcorn strings or candy canes
Secure electrical cords with cord covers or tape them flat	Leave loose wires exposed or dangling
Provide alternative chew toys near the tree zone	Scold your dog after the fact—this creates fear, not learning
Use bitter apple spray on low-hanging branches (non-toxic deterrent)	Use essential oils or homemade sprays—many are toxic to pets

Real Example: How One Family Saved Their Tree and Their Dog

The Thompson family in Colorado adopted a 10-month-old border collie mix named Luna just before the holidays. Excited to include her in traditions, they set up a full tree in the living room. On the second night, they returned from dinner to find glass shards everywhere and Luna chewing on a red bulb.

They immediately took her to the vet, who confirmed she hadn’t swallowed any sharp pieces but warned about future risks. The family regrouped: they bought a collapsible pet gate, replaced all ornaments with soft fabric ones, and began daily “leave it” training. They also gave Luna a stuffed Kong every evening near the tree as a positive association.

Within two weeks, Luna stopped approaching the tree altogether. By Christmas morning, the decorations were intact—and Luna was peacefully sleeping beside her empty Kong, surrounded by praise and belly rubs.

Checklist: Dog-Proof Your Christmas Tree in 7 Steps

Follow this actionable checklist to ensure a safe and joyful holiday season:

• ✅ Choose a stable tree stand and anchor it to the wall if necessary
• ✅ Install a physical barrier (gate, pen, or screen) around the tree
• ✅ Replace breakable ornaments with pet-safe alternatives
• ✅ Hang high-value or sentimental ornaments out of reach (above 5 feet)
• ✅ Cover or secure all electrical cords
• ✅ Train and reinforce the “leave it” command daily
• ✅ Provide engaging chew toys and rotate them regularly

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use citrus spray to deter my dog from the tree?

While many dogs dislike citrus scents, spraying essential oils or concentrated citrus directly on the tree or nearby surfaces is not recommended. Some citrus compounds are toxic if ingested or absorbed through the skin. Instead, use commercially available, pet-safe bitter sprays labeled as non-toxic.

What should I do if my dog eats an ornament?

Stay calm and remove any remaining pieces. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by a veterinarian. Contact your vet or an emergency animal poison control hotline immediately. Have the ornament’s material, size, and time of ingestion ready for assessment. Even seemingly harmless items can cause complications.

Is it okay to let my dog near the tree if I’m watching?

Supervised access is acceptable, but only if you’re fully attentive. Avoid distractions like TV or phone use. Use these moments as training opportunities—reward calm behavior and redirect interest early. Never leave a dog unattended with full access to the tree.

“The best prevention combines environmental management, training, and enrichment. A dog who is mentally and physically satisfied has little reason to seek entertainment in forbidden places.” — Sarah Kim, Certified Professional Dog Trainer

Conclusion: A Safe and Joyful Holiday Starts with Planning

Your Christmas tree doesn’t have to become a battleground between tradition and pet safety. By understanding your dog’s motivations and taking proactive steps, you can preserve both your holiday spirit and your pet’s well-being. Prevention is always more effective than correction—invest time in training, choose safe decorations, and manage access wisely.

Remember, this season is about joy, connection, and celebration—not stress over chewed tinsel or midnight vet runs. With thoughtful preparation, you and your dog can coexist peacefully with the holiday centerpiece. Start today: inspect your tree setup, gather pet-safe ornaments, and practice one training command. Small actions now lead to a safer, happier December.

💬 Have a tip that worked for your dog? Share your experience in the comments and help fellow pet lovers enjoy a worry-free holiday season!