Christmas Tree Safety for Curious Noses
Christmas at home with a Dachshund is one of those things that looks magical… and then you hear a tiny snuffle behind the baubles.
Dachshunds are expert investigators. They can’t help it. The tree arrives, the room smells different, there are new textures, new sparkles, and suddenly, something indoors looks a bit like it belongs outside. Add in a determined little dog with a big personality, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for festive mischief.
The good news is you don’t need to turn your lounge into a no-go zone. With a few steady habits, your dog can enjoy Christmas right alongside you, without you spending the whole month saying “leave it” every five minutes.
When The Tree Goes Up, and Your Dog Has Opinions
Some dogs feel unsure when the tree appears, especially if it arrives overnight and the room changes in one go. Others decide it’s the cosiest place in the house and plant themselves right under it like they’ve paid rent.
Either way, you’re aiming for the same thing. You want the tree to become boring.
If your Dachshund is curious or a bit on edge, try putting the tree up in stages. Stand first, then lights, then decorations later on. Keep everything else normal—same walk times, same mealtimes, same bedtime routine. And when you see calm behaviour near the tree, reward it. Not a big fuss, just a quiet “good dog” and a treat, like you’re saying, “yes, this is normal life”.
If they’re itching to investigate, give them something else to do. A chew, a stuffed Kong, or a quick sniff game can work wonders, especially during that first evening when everything feels new.
Put The Tree Where It Works for Real Life, Not Just Photos
It’s tempting to put the tree exactly where it looks best, but if that spot is right on the main walkway, your Dachshund will be brushing past branches every time they trot from sofa to kitchen.
If you can, choose a quieter corner with a little breathing room around it. A heavy stand on a flat surface matters more than people realise, and it makes the whole thing feel less like a wobbly tower of temptation.
If you have a real tree, cover the water. Tree stand water can become a “new exciting drink” (because of course it can), and spills can make the floor slippery. It’s also best to avoid putting anything into the water.
Make It Steady Before You Make It Pretty
Before you hang a single decoration, give the trunk a gentle shake. If it moves, sort it now. A non-slip mat under the stand helps on smooth floors.
And if your Dachshund is the sort who gets enthusiastic around moving ornaments (or does that sudden springy bounce when something catches their eye), it’s worth adding a discreet anchor to a wall or sturdy furniture using a transparent cord. You’ll barely notice it, but it can prevent a proper scare.
Lights and Cables are the Sneaky Hazard
Fairy lights are lovely. Cables are… unfortunately also lovely, if you’re a small dog who thinks everything is for chewing.
Try to run leads along the skirting rather than across the open floor. Use cable clips or covers to keep wires close to the wall. Keep plugs and spare cable tucked behind furniture where possible.
One simple habit that helps is switching the tree lights off when you leave the room and before bed. It’s safer, and if your dog finds flickering lights exciting, it also makes it easier for them to settle in the evening.
Decorate the Bottom Like You Live with a Dachshund
The easiest way to think about decorating is this… the bottom third of the tree is the Dachshund zone.
Use shatterproof baubles, wooden ornaments, and soft fabric decorations lower down. Keep glass higher up, safely out of reach. And as tempting as it is, avoid edible decorations. Dogs can smell food from across the room, and a determined Dachshund can be surprisingly athletic when motivation is involved.
Tinsel, Ribbon and Wrapping Have a Mind of Their Own
Anything that moves like prey is instantly interesting. Tinsel and long ribbon are the main culprits, because they flutter and trail and basically invite a pounce.
If you love the sparkly look, use tinsel sparingly and keep it high on the tree. When wrapping presents, go for short bows rather than long, looping ribbons that drag across the floor.
On Christmas Day especially, keep a bin bag nearby and tidy as you go. A floor scattered with ribbon, tags and tape is where a lot of festive accidents happen, and it only takes one swallowed strip to turn a lovely day into a stressful one.
Batteries and Homemade Decorations to Be Careful With
Button batteries are a big risk. If chewed or swallowed, they can cause serious burns very quickly, so it’s worth being extra strict with them. Store spares in a closed box, check light strings for loose covers, and keep anything battery-powered out of reach.
If you’re making homemade ornaments, skip salt dough decorations. They’re often made with a lot of salt, and they can be risky if a dog manages to steal one.
If Your Dachshund Loves Sleeping Under the Tree
Some dogs treat the tree skirt like their personal Christmas den. If that’s your dog, you don’t necessarily need to stop it; you need to set it up safely.
Keep wires completely out of reach, avoid tinsel nearby, and use only soft, shatterproof decorations on those lower branches. Check the tree skirt for loose threads or glitter, and give it a quick clean after visitors, because that’s when little bits tend to end up everywhere.
A nice compromise can be putting a cosy bed just beside the tree. They still get the “I’m part of the Christmas scene” feeling, but you’ve got a little more control over what’s within reach.
A little care goes a long way. With a stable tree, tidy cables and sensible decorations, your Dachshund can enjoy the season right alongside you, without you feeling on edge every time they wander into the room.
From all of us at Coots at Eversden, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We hope you and your four-legged friends have a peaceful festive season, full of warmth, love, and small moments that really matter.
And if you fancy ending the year with a smile, we are also running a Christmas photo competition. The winner will receive a portrait of their pet. To enter, simply send your photo to Marina or Kate by 24th December. Good luck, and we can’t wait to see your lovely entries.
