Christmas Trees – Spruce & Fir
The most common Christmas tree species are spruce, pine, and firs, none of which pose a potential toxic threat to your dog. However, the oil in pine trees can be toxic to cats, causing liver damage or worse. If you have a feline friend and purchase a live Christmas tree, stick to the spruces and firs.
The real worry when it comes to Christmas trees and pets is the water in the plant stand, especially if you choose to use a commercial preservative to keep the tree fresh.
Mold and bacteria can grow in stagnant tree water, making your pet sick. Avoid chemical additives and consider covering your tree stand with a tree skirt so pets can’t get to the water.
A note about the English yew
One crucial distinction to make is with the English Yew. This common evergreen is a popular shrub used in landscaping nearly everywhere. While it’s never grown commercially to be used as Christmas trees, you may have it growing in your backyard, and it might be tempting to use it to decorate with.
Every part of the common yew is deadly poisonous to cats, dogs, and humans and should not be used for decorations. This is one evergreen that is best kept outside.