Christmas trees seem to be a magnet for dogs. They simply go nuttier than an elf drunk on hot cocoa. But there’s science to their Christmas tree attraction.
Why Dogs Love Christmas Trees
1. It’s basically a giant scent stick in your living room
Your tree is the sniffing equivalent of winning the holiday jackpot for your pup. Real trees smell like sap, bark, soil, woodland critters, and fresh air. Even fake trees have their own scent of attic dust, garage vibes, or that weird scent of your holiday bin. It’s a festive nose party for your buddy.
2. It’s new, exciting, and suddenly important to everyone
Dogs notice house changes. One day, the house is normal, and the next day, there’s a giant pine tree in the living room. Then you cover it with twinkly lights and shiny ornaments. That can entice the chillest dogs. My dog Henry even naps behind our artificial tree like it’s his personal holiday fort.
3. It’s in your dog’s DNA to sniff, explore, and mark it (maybe not in that order)
Outdoors, trees can trigger the need to sniff and leave a peemail for other critters. That’s natural for all dogs. When a tree comes inside, that instinct doesn’t get switched off.
4. Ornaments look suspiciously like toys
Ornaments dangle, bounce, and shine with their holiday tree dance. can equate to a dog toy. Honestly, if I thought someone brought a big tree inside and hung toys on it, I’d be curious.
How to Let Your Dog Be a Dog Without Destroying the Tree
1. Give them early access
Before the lights and ornaments go on, let your dog sniff the “big stick” with your supervision. Once the novelty wears off in a day or so, they generally become less interested.
2. Keep fragile and enticing ornaments out of reach
Place fragile ornaments high enough that your pup can’t pull them down. Also, avoid placing food like fruit or popcorn on your tree. It can seem like a holiday buffet to your dog. Skip the tinsel, which can be a choking hazard. Even if your dog isn’t interested in the tree, tinsel can become ingested while they groom or play with a toy.
3. Use a sturdy stand
Even if you have an artificial tree, use a sturdy base so that it’s not easy to tip over by your four-pawed friend. No one wants the holidays to be remembered for tree-destroying zoomies.
4. Establish a boundary zone for your dog
Baby gates can work great for curious canines. But you can also train your dog to “leave it” or “go to bed” as a way of establishing a tree boundary.
5. Increase enrichment activities
Generally, a tired dog means a safe tree. You can add more puzzle toys, increase sniffing walks, or give your buddy a festive chew.
Fun Dog Holiday Fact: Surprisingly, it wasn’t until the 1970s that giving a gift to a beloved pet became mainstream. Today, more than half of pet parents buy their buddy a holiday gift. Iknow my Henry loves his gifts.
This year, don’t get frustrated with your dog’s tree obsession. It’s really not a naughty behavior. Your pup is just celebrating the holidays in the best canine way, with curiosity and lots of sniffs.
What’s next?
Find more fun dog trivia articles in this curated list.
