Yes, christmas trees are mildly toxic to dogs
Real Christmas trees are mildly toxic. Tree oils irritate the mouth and stomach, and needles are hard to digest. Tree water can contain fertilizer, preservatives and bacteria, and ornaments, tinsel and lights are often a bigger risk than the tree itself.
Christmas Trees and dogs: key facts
| Toxic to dogs? | Mildly toxic |
| Toxic to cats? | Mildly toxic |
| Scientific name | Abies (fir), Picea (spruce) and Pinus (pine) spp. |
| Also called | fir, spruce, pine |
| Toxic compound | Pine oils and resin |
| Toxic parts | Needles and sap; also the tree water |
| Signs usually start | Within hours |
| Plant type | Holiday plant |
Symptoms of christmas trees poisoning in dogs
- Drooling
- Vomiting
- Mouth irritation
- Rarely: a blockage or puncture from swallowed needles
Why christmas trees are toxic to dogs
Tree oils and sap irritate the mouth and stomach. Needles are sharp and indigestible, and tree water can contain fertilizer, preservatives and bacteria.
What to do if your dog ate christmas trees
- Remove plant pieces from your dog's mouth and move dogs away from the plant. Wipe sap or pollen off the fur and paws with a damp cloth.
- Call your vet or animal poison control for advice: ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 · Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661.
- Identify the plant. Take a photo or bring a piece (or the plant label) to the vet, and estimate how much was eaten and when.
- Do not make your dog vomit unless a vet tells you to. Home remedies such as hydrogen peroxide or salt can cause serious harm.
- Watch for drooling, vomiting, mouth irritation. Go to a vet if signs are severe, last more than a day, or your dog has trouble breathing or swallowing.
Treatment and outlook
Most pets need only monitoring. See a vet if your pet keeps vomiting, stops eating or has a painful belly, which can mean a blockage.
How to keep your dog away from christmas trees
- Place christmas trees on high shelves or in hanging planters out of reach of paws and tails, or in a room your dog cannot enter.
- Give your dog something better to chew: chew toys and puzzle feeders reduce boredom chewing.
- Pick up fallen leaves, petals and pollen promptly, and empty vases where pets can reach them.
- Holiday decorations add extra risks: tinsel, ribbon, ornaments and light cords. Supervise dogs around the tree and table.
Pet-safe alternatives to christmas trees
If you love flowers, these are listed as non-toxic to dogs by the ASPCA:
- Christmas CactusNon-toxic
- LiliesNon-toxic
- RosesNon-toxic
- OrchidsNon-toxic
- SunflowersNon-toxic
- Gerbera DaisiesNon-toxic
- Spider PlantsNon-toxic
- Money TreesNon-toxic
See the full list of plants safe for dogs.
Christmas Trees and dogs: FAQ
Are christmas trees poisonous to dogs?
Christmas Trees are mildly toxic to dogs. Pine oils and resin can cause drooling and vomiting, but serious poisoning is uncommon.
What part of christmas trees is toxic to dogs?
Needles and sap; also the tree water.
Can dogs die from eating christmas trees?
It is very unlikely. Christmas Trees usually cause mild, short-lived signs. See a vet if signs are severe or your dog has trouble breathing or swallowing.
How long after eating christmas trees will my dog show symptoms?
Within hours.
Are christmas trees toxic to cats too?
Yes, christmas trees are mildly toxic to cats.
Is tinsel dangerous for cats?
Yes. Swallowed tinsel can cause a linear foreign body, a surgical emergency. Skip tinsel in homes with cats.
Other plants toxic to dogs
- Peace LiliesMildly toxic
- Calla LiliesMildly toxic
- TulipsMildly toxic
- HyacinthsMildly toxic
- CarnationsMildly toxic
- DaisiesMildly toxic
- ChrysanthemumsMildly toxic
- Baby's BreathMildly toxic
Sources
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control: Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants for Dogs
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Poisonous Plants
Toxicity ratings follow the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center plant lists. Severity depends on the amount eaten, the part of the plant and your dog's size and health. When in doubt, call your vet.