It’s the most wonderful time of the year, putting up the Christmas tree and all the fun holiday decorations! It is such a great time for families to come together and decorate for the season, and usually the pets want in on the action too.
They see the tree go up with the lights and they have to explore! Their curiosity gets the best of them, and before they know it they are being scolded.
Holiday decorations can be dangerous to your pets, keep reading to learn ways to keep your pets away from the Christmas tree and decorations:
The Tree
First things first. The big Christmas tree going up in the living room. It’s bright, tall, and definitely an eye catcher (especially to pets)!
This is why it’s important to make sure your tree is supported. By adding weights to the base or using a weighted pot to put the tree stump in, your tree will be much less prone to toppling over.
It’s also a good idea to keep your favorite ornaments out of reach of your pets, and only use fresh water with no tree-preserving chemicals when watering your tree (in case your pet drinks the water). Putting a tree skirt down can also keep your pets from reaching and drinking the water.
If your pet is persistent on getting to the tree, there are small fences that are made to block your pets from reaching the tree.
Pick Up Cords
Both cats and dogs have been known to chew on cords, such as those to lights or extension cords. If they chew the cord long enough they will get zapped, or even electrocuted.
Make sure your cords are all tied up or tucked away nicely, preventing them from slacking. It also makes things easier if you can keep the cords higher up and out of reach of your pets!
Don’t Leave Gifts Out
Although some pets aren’t concerned about the gifts under the tree, many are! If you have gifts under the tree in advance, there’s a good possibility that the gifts will either be chewed up, peed on, or all out destroyed.
If there are small pieces to the gifts, they could be choking hazards to your pet as well. It’s better to wait until the gifts are ready to be opened before bringing them out.
Watch Your Holiday Plants
If you are intending to bring holiday plants such as poinsettias, mistletoe, or holly into your home, make sure your pets cannot get them! They are extremely hazardous to your pets, both cats and dogs.
If you have cats that you can’t keep out of reach of your plants, it’s better to either have fake plants or not have toxic plants in your home at all.
Avoid Tinsel
If you have pets in your house, it’s best to avoid tinsel all around! Sure, it looks pretty on the tree or dangling around the house, but it’s harmful for pets as they are super tempted to eat it.
Their bodies can’t digest tinsel very well, which could land you in the emergency room during the holidays. Or worse, paying a large surgery bill right around the holidays. If there are pets in your house, avoid tinsel at all costs!
Conclusion
Working to avoid any dangerous situations while decorating will ensure a stress-free holiday season for you and your pet! Making sure your tree and decorations are pet friendly and safe could save you a trip to the vet.
Have a Happy Holiday with your family and friends, and take the precautions to keep your pet happy and safe for the holidays too!
