10 tips to keep your pets safe this holiday season
It’s the most wonderful time of the year and everyone has gotten into that Christmas spirit! Be sure to keep your pets safe this Christmas for a happy and carefree holiday. Here are some simple tips to follow:
1. Place your tree strategically
You’re going to spend a lot of time laying out the tree evenly, setting up the lights, adding the decorations, etc. so make sure your tree stays in place and your pets can’t knock it down. Keep the tree away from other furniture that your dogs and cats might use to climb the tree. You can also try using hooks and line to secure the tree to the ceiling or walls.
2. Hide electrical wires
Curious dogs and cats will want to investigate the tree and could easily become entangled in the strings hanging from the Christmas lights. Also, pets that tend to chew on everything will be very disappointed if they chew on electrical wires and get an electric shock. Keep cables off the ground.
3. Use ribbon and tinsel sparingly
These sparkly decorations are just too tempting for your puppies and kitties! If your pets ingest these decorations, they may have intestinal blockages and require a visit to the vet.
4. Avoid hooks to hang ornaments
It is very easy for pets to remove ornaments from trees. If they try to eat the hooks used to hang ornaments, they can hurt their mouths or cause more problems if swallowed. Try using string to hang your ornaments in place.
5. Do not let your pets eat pine needles or drink tree water
I know it’s a lot of work keeping up with falling pine needles, but if your pets eat them, they could get seriously ill. Keep up with your sweep as much as possible. Also prevent your pets from drinking the tree’s water, especially if you use chemicals to preserve your tree. Cover the base of the tree with a tree skirt so your pets can’t get into the water.
6. Put gifts in a safe place
Your pets just don’t get the Christmas morning surprise! Be very careful if you are going to place your gifts under the tree early. Curious pets will try to break the packages and it is harmful to them if they ingest the string. Try to place them in a way that your dogs and cats cannot reach them.
7. Keep mistletoe, poinsettias and holly away from pets
These plants are incredibly harmful to pets that ingest them. Keep your Christmas plants off the floor and anywhere your furry friends can get to them.
8. Don’t share human treats with pets
It’s the season for cookies, cakes, candy canes, gingerbread men, shortcake, eggnog and the list goes on! Do not share these treats with your pets. Treats, especially chocolate, contain dangerous ingredients for your pet. Keep their tummies happy and don’t share your Christmas candy.
9.Fire safety drill
Make sure your Christmas candles aren’t placed anywhere where a happily wagging tail could knock them over. Keep pets a safe distance from fireplaces. And always be careful with your Christmas tree; keep it watered and don’t leave the lights plugged in while you’re not home.
10. Teach your pets how to act around the tree
Please supervise your pets when they are around the Christmas tree and other Christmas decorations. Teach them not to chew on the decorations or eat the pine needles. Do not leave them alone with the tree and present until you have taught them how to behave around the tree. And if they are puppies and kittens… you may not trust them at all!