Is Christmas tree water bad for cats and dogs?
2 min read · Published
Why the water in a Christmas tree stand can make pets ill, why you shouldn't add anything to it, and how to stop cats and dogs drinking it.
It can be. Plain tap water in a tree stand starts out harmless, but it then sits at room temperature for weeks with the cut trunk standing in it. PDSA lists Christmas tree water as both toxic and hazardous to pets (PDSA).
What’s wrong with tree water
PDSA says that even with nothing added, stagnant water “is still a breeding ground for harmful bacteria” and can upset a pet’s stomach (PDSA). The RSPCA says tree water can become contaminated (RSPCA). Petplan names gastrointestinal upsets in cats as the usual result (Petplan).
PDSA singles out cats, which may be tempted to drink from the tree pot.
Don’t add anything to it
Sugar, aspirin, lemonade and shop-bought “tree food” all turn up in online advice for keeping trees fresh. PDSA tells pet owners not to add chemicals, fertilisers or preservatives to tree water, because many of them are toxic to pets (PDSA).
A cut tree needs plain water and a fresh cut on the trunk. London Fire Brigade says a tree can drink up to two pints a day (London Fire Brigade). Most of the work is keeping the stand topped up. See How to keep a real Christmas tree fresh for a month.
How to stop pets drinking it
- Cover the reservoir. A tree skirt, netting or a cardboard collar cut to fit round the trunk all work (PDSA).
- Put fresh water elsewhere. PDSA says pets should always have access to clean water. A full bowl in the usual place makes the tree stand less tempting.
- Keep pets out of the room when you can’t supervise them.
- Top up with a jug or watering can with a long spout, so you can reach under the cover without lifting it off.
If your pet has drunk it
If you had added anything to the water, or your pet is vomiting, has diarrhoea or seems unwell, phone your vet. Tell them what was in the water (RSPCA).