Testimonials
We all enjoy the beauty of a Christmas tree during the holidays with the bright lights and, if real, the smell of pine throughout the house. Our pets usually enjoy this just as much as we do but there are some very serious dangers lurking for our pets in the beauty of the season.
Probably one of the most common dangers of the season is gifts being broken in to by a certain four-legged family member. Our puppies are not aware that all these enticing presents are not for them or must wait to be opened on Christmas morning. The perfectly curled ribbon, smells of food inside or treats for themselves wrapped up is just too much to resist. Ingesting ribbon and/or bows can cause digestive problems such as vomiting or intestinal blockages. It will be best for you and your puppy to keep these presents out of sight until it is closer to the holidays. Or to be sure your pup is always supervised when the presents are within reach.
The twinkling tinsel and shiny bulbs are also a big temptation for our pets, especially cats. Ingestion of tinsel can be especially dangerous as this can cause intestinal blockages and may require surgery. Try replacing tinsel with ribbon to avoid possible ingestion. For the bulbs, try placing breakable or glass bulbs higher on the tree and out of reach for your pets. Dogs may confuse these with balls or chew toys, causing the bulbs to break in their mouth cutting their lips, mouth, tongue and throat. The hooks attached to these ornaments can also be a threat. Dogs can ingest these or step on them cutting their feet. Replacing these metal hooks with ribbon or clear thread is a safer option for your furry family members.
Many pets are injured by trees falling on top of them during romping and playing. Try placing your tree out of the main traffic areas in your home such as against a wall or in the corner and away from the most common hangouts for your pets. Inserting hooks in to the walls and tying fishing wire around the tree is also a great support system. With a little tension, your tree will be secured in place and the wire is invisible!
Puppies are accident prone, we all know it. And most commonly because they are so curious. Electrical and extension cords are especially dangerous around this time of year for our puppies. Try placing these in an area your pup cannot get to such as behind furniture or under carpeting to avoid chewing and accidental shock which can cause electrocution, serious injury or death. With these cords out of sight and out of mind, everyone will be at ease!
Another, often overlooked danger, is fallen pine needles. Dogs can easily eat these up and suffer from vomiting and intestinal problems. Be sure to vacuum or sweep up any loose needles each day to avoid ingestion by your pet. Puppies, cats and older dogs that seem to love the tree more than life itself can be deterred from chewing by spraying the lower branches with bitter apple spray. One taste of that and your pet will be sure to ignore the tree for the rest of the season.
The holidays are a time of happiness and family. Decorations and trees make the holidays even brighter but be sure these are safe for all in the family, including the furry ones that make our hearts go “ra-rump-pa-pum-pum” the most!
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