Pet Proof Your Holiday Decor

Keeping Your Pets Happy and Healthy During the Holidays

Pet-Proof Your Holiday Décor: Tips for a Safe and Joyful Season

The holidays are a time of cheer and celebration, but they also come with unique safety concerns for your furry friends. The glow of candles, the sparkle of lights, and the tempting scents of festive foods can all pose risks to your pets. Here’s how to pet-proof your holiday décor to ensure everyone enjoys a safe season.

1. O’ Christmas Tree

Your Christmas tree is likely to catch your pet’s attention, especially if you have a curious dog or cat. To prevent your tree from tipping over or your pet from getting hurt, try these precautions:

Anchor the tree: Secure your tree with fishing wire or tie it to a nearby doorframe or ceiling to avoid toppling accidents.
Barriers: Use a playpen or baby gate around your tree to keep your pet away from it.
Pine needles: Falling needles from a real tree can be dangerous if ingested. Ensure your pet stays away from them by blocking access or using a tree skirt.
Water safety: If you’re watering your live tree, be cautious about what’s added to the water. Some preservatives are toxic to pets. Cover the tree’s water base with plastic wrap, foil, or a tree skirt to prevent your pet from drinking it.

For ornaments, consider non-breakable, nontoxic ones. Avoid food-based or edible ornaments like popcorn strings or candy canes that may tempt your pet to munch on them.

2. Beyond the Tree: Risky Decorations

Certain holiday decorations can pose significant threats to pets:

Tinsel: This shiny string can cause serious intestinal obstructions if ingested. It’s best to skip tinsel if you have pets.
Candles: While festive candles create a cozy atmosphere, they pose a fire hazard. Always supervise pets around candles and never leave them unattended when lit.
Twinkling Lights: Pets may chew on light strings or cords, which can cause burns or electrical shock. Position lights higher on the tree or along door frames, out of reach.
Holiday Plants: Popular plants like poinsettias, holly, and mistletoe are toxic to pets if ingested. Keep them out of your pet’s reach, or opt for pet-safe alternatives like artificial plants or non-toxic holiday décor.

3. Party Time: Pet-Proofing Food & Drinks

The holiday feast can be just as tempting for your pet as it is for you. To keep your pet safe:

No table scraps: Avoid feeding your pet leftover holiday food. Rich foods, fatty meats, and bones can lead to digestive issues, choking, or even pancreatitis.
Alcohol safety: Keep alcohol, including eggnog and wine, out of your pet’s reach. Even small amounts can be harmful.
Trash security: Make sure your trash is securely closed so pets can’t scavenge for scraps.
Candy precautions: Keep candy bowls (especially chocolate or sugar-free candy) far away from your pets. Chocolate is toxic to dogs and cats, and sugar-free candy often contains xylitol, which is highly toxic to pets.

By taking a few extra precautions this season, you can enjoy the festivities without worrying about your pet’s safety. Happy holidays, and here’s to a joyful and safe season for both you and your pets!

See our other great holiday safety tips here, https://www.kindnessoftulsa.com/halloween-safety-for-your-pet/