Are Artificial Flocked Trees Safe For Dogs?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Flocking is pretty, but it’s

mildly toxic to pets if consumed

. Falling trees: Cat and dog owners should anchor their real or faux tree to the ceiling to prevent their pets from knocking it over.

Are artificial trees toxic to dogs?

Artificial trees: Be extra vigilant if you use an artificial tree, especially as it becomes more brittle with age.

Small pieces of plastic or aluminum can break off and cause an intestinal blockage or mouth irritation if ingested by your dog

.

Is flocking non toxic?

“Angel hair, flocking, and artificial snow are

mildly toxic

,” according to Peteducation.com. “If consumed in larger amounts, however, they could cause blockage of the intestine.” Glass ornaments are fragile and bright baubles tend to fascinate cats and kittens.

Are flocked artificial Christmas trees toxic?

Toxic Chemicals in Artificial Christmas Trees

The majority of artificial trees are made using a not-so-great plastic called polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

PVC is a major source of phthalates, one of the better known endocrine disrupting chemicals

(they upset how hormones are made and distributed throughout our bodies).

Are artificial trees toxic?

Artificial trees are typically made with PVC (polyvinyl chloride) which is extremely toxic and polluting to produce, can result in exposures to harmful chemicals when used, and are toxic to dispose of. PVC is hard and rigid, so to make it soft, pliable, and moldable, softeners like lead and/or phthalates are added.

Can you have a real tree with dogs?

While

real Christmas trees can cause dogs to have an upset stomach and irritated mouth if they decide to chew on the branches, they aren’t too toxic to dogs

. However, it’s the needles that can pose more of a problem.

What is the white stuff on fake Christmas trees?

is the

artificial snow

that is sprayed onto Christmas trees to give the effect of a white Christmas. It is often made of cellulose, however regardless of the ingredients, it is suprisingly easy to remove, often simply pulling right off with your fingers. Follow the steps below to de-flock your Christmas tree.

Is balsam fir poisonous to dogs?

Live Trees: Fir, spruce, and pine trees make excellent Christmas trees and are

generally non-toxic to pets

. The needles, however, can cause oral irritation and in excessive amounts, gastrointestinal upset.

Is flocking bad for dogs?

Flocking is pretty, but it’s

mildly toxic to pets if consumed

. Falling trees: Cat and dog owners should anchor their real or faux tree to the ceiling to prevent their pets from knocking it over.

Is artificial snow toxic to dogs?

Fake snow

It is usually made from polyacrylate or polyethylene and these substances are of

low toxicity

. If eaten fake snow could cause a mild gastrointestinal upset with hypersalivation, vomiting and diarrhoea, but the majority of animals remain well, and serious effects are not expected.

Is flocking a fire hazard?

Despite safety concerns, Christmas tree flocking is generally fine for use around children and pets, and

may actually make a tree less of a fire hazard

.

Are artificial trees safer than real trees?

Between 2013-2017, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 160 home fires that started with a Christmas tree ever year, according to data from the National Fire Protection Association. So we can Verify,

yes, a fake tree is safer

—that’s as long as your artificial tree is labeled “fire-resistant.”

Do artificial trees contain lead?


Artificial trees are made of polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, in which lead is used as a stabilizer and softener

. Research has shown that lead dust tends to leach out from fake trees over time, so if yours is more than a dozen years old, be careful.

Are PVC trees toxic?

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)


Most fake Christmas trees are made from PVC, which is the most toxic type of plastic

. PVC contains chlorine. Chlorine creates byproducts called dioxins and furans—two chemicals that can be extremely toxic.

Can dogs chew on Christmas tree branches?

Branches and Needles

A live tree can be especially hazardous.

Dogs and cats like to chew on the limbs

, and the fir tree oils can be irritating to the mouth tissue, causing such symptoms as drooling and vomiting.

What is Christmas tree syndrome?


A stuffy nose when you bring pine inside your home in December

. More frequent use of an asthma inhaler over the holidays. People who notice their allergies worsening this time of year might experience what’s sometimes called Christmas tree syndrome, or Christmas tree dermatitis if you get the rash.

Can I have a Christmas tree with a puppy?


You Can Do it!

Having a Christmas tree and holiday decorations as well as a puppy will require a bit of thought. You may need to change your traditional decorations or placement of those decorations. You may even need to restrict the puppy’s access to the decorated room but that’s okay. Keeping him safe is important.

How do you keep flocking from falling off?

Try to

minimize walking around the house as you put up the tree

, to minimize flocking falling off everywhere! Plug extension cord and timer into wall socket. Set the timer how you’d like. Pull the flocked tree in its box as close to the location you are going to place your tree.

Does flocking fall off?


Whenever you move the tree, some of the flocking will flake off and land on the floor

. But since it is now dry, it will basically be like white dust falling off the tree. It is very easy to clean up with a broom or vacuum and once the tree is decorated and just hanging out in the corner, it will stay fairly neat.

What can I put around my Christmas tree to keep my dog away?


Use gates, exercise pens, or even larger presents

to wall off your tree. Using an exercise pen, a baby gate, or anything else fence like, protect Christmas tree from dog. This barrier will keep your pets from climbing up, bumping into, and getting underneath your tree.

Is pine tree toxic to dogs?

Whether they are on your Christmas tree, a wreath or some garland,

pine needles can be a problem if ingested

. The needles can puncture or irritate the lining of your dog’s stomach, and the oils can irritate the mucous membranes. The needles may not kill your pet, but they can make him really uncomfortable and ill.

How do I get my dog to stop chewing the Christmas tree?

David Martineau
Author
David Martineau
David is an interior designer and home improvement expert. With a degree in architecture, David has worked on various renovation projects and has written for several home and garden publications. David's expertise in decorating, renovation, and repair will help you create your dream home.