
Pine needles from Christmas trees can cause gastrointestinal problems in dogs. Throat issues and vomiting can result from a dog eating pine needles, and the needles can get trapped in a dog’s paws. Christmas tree water can also be harmful if drunk by a dog.
What to do if your dog eats pine needles?
🐶 What to do if dog eats pine needles?
- What happens if a dog eats pine nuts?
- What happens if my dog eats pine nuts?
- Are pine needles bad for dogs?
Can dog get sick from eating pine needles?
Pine needles do not do permanent damage to dogs if ingested in small amounts. That being said, pine needles are intestinal irritants and can make pets sick i.e.vomiting, diarrhea, etc) and when they dry out, can do damage to the intestinal tract.
Why do dogs eat pine needles?
Dogs eat pine needles often because they have nothing better to do, and as the saying goes "idle paws are a devil's workshop." In other words, it's not like when your dog is bored he can make Play-Doh sculptures or draw murals on a sidewalk with colored chalk.
Are pine needles poison to dogs?
Pine needles are not particularly toxic, and a large number of them would need to be ingested, which is unlikely, before toxicity would be a concern for your pet. If your dog has ingested Pine needles, he may vomit them up or have mild diarrhea.

What if my dog eats pine needles?
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.
Are pine trees toxic 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.
How do you keep dogs out of pine straw?
Add Wire You can add chicken wire or a wire net just below the surface of the mulch. Bury the wire approximately 1 inch below the surface. Plants can still grow through the holes, but the wire should prevent your dog from walking over the spot.
What do you do if your dog eats a Christmas tree?
First, know that artificial trees are made of plastics. Obviously, your dog won't have much of a taste for plastic pine needles, but puppies are known to chew and swallow some strange things. If you find that your dog has eaten any part of an artificial Christmas tree, take them to the pet hospital immediately.
Can dogs chew on pine tree branches?
One of the wood types that can pose a problem for dogs is pine since it can contain both natural and artificial toxins, depending on its source. Additionally, there is always the risk of gastrointestinal injury if there are broken bits of wood that get ingested.
Are pine needles poisonous?
The needles of some pine trees, such as ponderosa pine, and other evergreens that are not actually pines, such as Norfolk Island pine, may be toxic to humans, livestock and other animals.
How do I stop my dog from eating my outdoor plants?
Monitor your dog closely while he is outside to make sure he does not eat any plants. If your dog begins to show interest in a particular plant, shout "No" to deter him and reward him when he moves away. You can also spray your dog with the garden hose to deter him from eating your plants.
What if my dog eats mulch?
It's best to supervise your dog and prevent it from eating any amount of mulch, no matter the type. If you think your dog has eaten mulch, call the Animal Poison Control Center at 855-764-7661.
What plant do dogs hate?
Prickly plants such as aloe, agave, prickly pear, hollies, barberries, and huckleberry are plants that deter dogs and cats and that can be used as borders around garden areas to physically block access. Dogs don't enjoy strong odors such as garlic, onion, or citrus.
Is pine straw toxic to dogs?
Pine cones and pine straw can be dangerous for dogs. Pine oils are known toxins for canines, and pet owners need to use care with these materials in their home and yards. If you suspect your dog has ingested pine oil, pine cleaning products, or pine cones, needles or straw, contact a veterinarian immediately.
Do needles hurt dogs?
Some can be mild, but some can be life-threatening, so it's always important to pay close attention to your doggo after his shots. Some common, less scary reactions would include things like discomfort and swelling in the spot where your dog got his vaccine. This is pretty normal and also relatively harmless.
Are Christmas trees toxic for dogs?
They are not digestible and can be mildly toxic depending upon your dog's size and how much she ingests. The fir tree oils can irritate your dog's mouth and stomach and cause her to vomit or drool excessively. Tree needles also can obstruct or puncture her gastrointestinal tract.
What is Healthy Paws Pet Insurance?
Healthy Paws Pet Insurance & Foundation is the brand name for the program operations of Healthy Paws Pet Insurance, LLC. Healthy Paws Pet Insurance, LLC is a licensed producer in all states (TX license # 1636108); operating in California as Healthy Paws Pet Insurance Services, LLC (CA license #0H16053), and in New York as Healthy Paws Pet Insurance Agency, LLC.
Why does my dog throw up after taking Christmas tree needles?
For any of the reasons above, but also because needles are not easily broken down, your poor pet might throw up a lot after taking any of them in. If you observe vomitingor any other sign that your dog ingested any Christmas tree needles, fake or real, seek emergency veterinary care for the pup. Note, too, that Christmas tree needles are also problematic for felines.
Can a dog's throat be blocked by Christmas tree needles?
Just as needles from Christmas trees can lead to intestinal blockage, they can also do the same to the throat. Due to the small pointy nature of Christmas tree needles, your pet consuming them can sometimes cause throat obstruction. This is definitely not something you want on Christmas or any other day of the year, for that matter. If this happens to your dog’s throat, you might notice him experiencing problems swallowing.
Is Christmas tree dangerous for dogs?
In particular, the needles of Christmas trees, while festive, can be hazardous to pets — and can indeed make your furry guys ill.
Can dogs chew on Christmas trees?
Because of this, it’s important to always make sure that your pup never chews on your Christmas tree, and never gets the opportunity to put tree needles that might have dropped to the floor in his mouth. If your pet ingests these needles, they could bring upon a couple of serious gastrointestinal problems. The tree needles are capable of triggering digestive blocks and puncturing the intestines. Fake Christmas tree needles are just as perilous, so be careful.
Can dogs chew on Christmas tree needles?
Dogs can be highly inquisitive and exploratory creatures, and as a result often love putting their mouths on new things. Because of this, it's important to always make sure that your pooch never chews on your Christmas tree, and never even gets the opportunity to get his mouth on any tree needles that might have dropped to the floor. If your pet consumes these needles, they could bring upon a couple of serious gastrointestinal problems. Not only are these needles capable of triggering blockage of the digestive system, they also can make tiny holes in the intestines, too. Christmas tree needles don't have to be "real" to be a problem for dogs. The fake ones can actually be just as perilous, so be careful.
Can a dog eat a Christmas tree?
Needles from Christmas trees can lead to intestinal blockage, and also can do the same to the throat. Christmas tree needles are extremely pointy and are often extremely small, too. As a result, your pet consuming them can sometimes cause throat obstruction -- definitely not something you want on Christmas or any other day of the year, for that matter. If this happens to your dog's throat, you might notice him experiencing problems swallowing.
Who is Naomi Millburn?
About the Author. Naomi Millburn has been a freelance writer since 2011. Her areas of writing expertise include arts and crafts, literature, linguistics, traveling, fashion and European and East Asian cultures. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in American literature from Aoyama Gakuin University in Tokyo.

Digestive Tract Issues
Throat Issues
- Just as needles from Christmas trees can lead to intestinal blockage, they can also do the same to the throat. Due to the small pointy nature of Christmas tree needles, your pet consuming them can sometimes cause throat obstruction. This is definitely not something you want on Christmas or any other day of the year, for that matter. If this happens to your dog’s throat, you might notic…
Vomiting as A Symptom
- For any of the reasons above, but also because needles are not easily broken down, your poor pet might throw up a lot after taking any of them in. If you observe vomitingor any other sign that your dog ingested any Christmas tree needles, fake or real, seek emergency veterinary care for the pup. Note, too, that Christmas tree needles are also problematic for felines.
Christmas Tree Needles and Paws
- Christmas tree needles aren’t only hazards for dogs’ mouths, but also for their paws. Needles can get trapped in or on your pet’s paws, a seriously uncomfortable and painful situation for him. Be sure to sweep near the tree regularly to help avoid such issues.
Not Just The Needles
- In addition to the needles causing harm for your pet, other parts of the Christmas tree can also cause issues. Avoid allowing your pet to lap up the water that is situated at the bottom of the tree. This water, which is sometimes full of bacteria, can lead to possible throwing up, diarrhea, oral sores and decreased appetites in dogs. Also, the wate...