The holiday season is a time for family, friends, fur babies, and firs.
But it can also be a time of stress and danger for your pets.
From the excitement of guests to the tempting array of holiday displays, there are many hazards that can threaten the health and safety of your furry friend.
Many pet parents everywhere are wondering how to keep their Christmas trees safe for their cats and dogs. Here are a few tips to help you out.
Tips to pet-proof your Christmas tree
- Keep the fir fake
- Shore up your shrub
- Cordon off the conifer
- Keep the fern treat free
RELATED: A guide for taming your pet's stress and excitement levels this festive season.
How to keep your Christmas tree safe for cats & dogs
So... your fur thing is giving puppy dog eyes to the fake fir standing star-spangled in the middle of your living room. What now? Well, there are some safety measures you can put in place to keep things jolly and stop this love affair from ending in tears for both you and your fur baby.
While there are a few different ways to do this, we've compiled some of the best tips to help make sure your tree is safe for all your furry friends:
- Keep the fir fake
Consider getting an artificial tree. While people, dogs, cats, and Grinches all love the real thing, the deep forest greens of real Christmas trees can be toxic (or even prickly) to your pet.
- Shore up your shrub
Make sure your tree is sturdy and won't tip over easily. Especially if you have a rambunctious doggy or kitty who likes to climb on things.
- Cordon off the conifer
Place your tree out of reach of playful pets or use a baby gate to keep them away from it altogether. But if you don’t want your beautiful Christmas tree cordoned off like some crime scene, keep it in a separate room that you can lock.
- Keep the fern gift free
Avoid using tinsel, garland, lights, or ornaments. These decorations can be tempting for pets to play with, but some of them can easily become tangled and cause harm if swallowed. Edible treats on your tree may also lead to many unforeseen dangers for your pet.
If you're planning on getting a real Christmas tree this year.
There are a few things you can do to make sure it's safe for your pets. First, make sure to keep it well-watered so the needles don't dry out and fall off easily. You'll also want to avoid putting any decorations on the lower branches where your cat or dog could reach them and accidentally swallow them. Keep the needles away from your pet. Tree water can be toxic for your pet. To ensure safety, use a covered tree water dish.
Conclusion.
If you're planning on adding a Christmas tree to your home this holiday season, there are a few things you can do to make sure it's safe for your furry friends. Avoid adding any decorations that could be harmful if ingested, such as tinsel or glass balls. You should also keep an eye on your pet around the tree and make sure they don't drink the water, which can contain chemicals from the tree. By following these simple tips, you can help ensure that your Christmas tree is both safe and festive for everyone in the family!
- Unplug the lights when nobody’s home
- Decorate with bells so that you will be alerted – by their chiming – when your pets go exploring
- Keep the breakable objects higher up on the tree
Remember, this blog is intended for informational purposes only. dotsure.co.za is not responsible or liable for any advice or any other information provided herein. You should always consult your vet if you’re unsure about your Christmas tree.
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