Christmas trees indoors can be toxic to pets and children – what to avoid in your home

Christmas trees indoors can be toxic to pets and children – what to avoid in your home

12/02/2020

We will use your email address only for sending you newsletters. Please see our Privacy Notice for details of your data protection rights.

As Christmas rolls around once again, many Britons are gearing up to put Christmas trees in their homes. While some people prefer the artificial variety, real Christmas trees can feel more traditional to some people. There are several varieties of Christmas tree available in the UK with the Nordmann fir and “king” being the most popular in the UK.

However, certain Christmas trees can be better suited to certain homes depending on what you want.

The Noble Fir, Nordmann Fir and Lodge Pole Pine have a low needle drop.

But the Norway Spruce loses needles more quickly in warm environments.

The Noble and Nordmann are also more fragrant while the White Spruce is almost scentless.

What many Britons aren’t aware of is that some Christmas trees are mildly poisonous.

Why are Christmas trees dangerous?

Christmas trees such as firs, pines and cedar can cause drooling in pets and vomiting in children.

Although this may sound alarming, a child or pet would have to consume a considerable amount to get sick.

According to HousePlant411, trees can become more toxic if they are sprayed with a fire retardant.

DON’T MISS
Monty Don health: Star’s ‘strange’ feeling before having a stroke [INSIGHT]
Frances Tophill: Gardener shares autumn gardening tips [UPDATE]
Monty Don: Gardener’s heartbreaking ‘outrage’ at funeral laid bare [ANALYSIS]

Are pine needles from my Christmas tree dangerous?

Pine needles can pose a particular risk to pets and small children.

Pets At Home has said that pine needles can harm dogs’ digestive systems if they swallow too many of them.

As pine needles are hard to digest, they could lead to a punctured intestinal tract or obstruct the intestine in pets and children.

Pine needles, which fall under and around the Christmas tree, can also get stuck in dog and cat paws.

You should also be aware that pine needles can also potentially poke children and pets in the eye.

If you want to avoid lots of pine needles all over the floor, it’s best to choose a Christmas tree with a low needle drop.

Is watering my Christmas tree dangerous?

It’s important to keep your Christmas tree looking fresh so regular watering is necessary.

However, the water a tree is sitting in could contain preservatives, pesticides and fertilisers that can be harmful to some children and pets.

Keep the water dish covered so your pets don’t drink from it and children don’t put their fingers in it.

If parents are worried about children or pets touching or playing with their Christmas tree, they could use a gate.

Child-safe indoor fencing or baby gates are the best way to keep them away from your tree.

Source: Read Full Article