Want to keep your pets safe this Christmas?
The holidays are a great time of year full of lights, decorations, and… potential disasters for pets. According to ValuePenguin, 72% of pet owners have experienced Christmas tree disasters during the holidays.
A pet knocks over a tree or damages ornaments.
Your pet is curious and eager to explore the sudden decorations in your home.
With your guidance and these tips, pet-friendly Christmas trees and smart decorating will have your home decked out and safe.
Pets and Christmas Trees: Not a Great Combination
It’s no surprise that cats and dogs explore new objects in their environment.
A sparkling tree covered in fragrant ornaments appears in your living room overnight… of course they’re going to check it out.
But Christmas trees are more dangerous than people realise.
From sharp needles, toxic tree water, electrical cords, and ornaments that shatter into razor-sharp shards, holiday trees pose a huge threat to pets.
Did you know that real fir trees are mildly toxic to cats, dogs, and rabbits?
The oils in tree needles and branches usually aren’t deadly. But they can irritate mouths and stomachs when chewed on by pets. The water in Christmas tree stands often contains preservatives, fertilizers, or bacteria that cause serious digestive upset.
This is exactly why pet-inclusive decorating has taken off in recent years. Thoughtful holiday setup can avert accidents before they happen.
How to Choose the Perfect Pet-Friendly Christmas Tree
The first question: what type of tree should you get?
Real and artificial Christmas trees can both be safe… but each have their own pros and cons. Let’s break it down.
Real Christmas Trees:
If your pet has an accident in your home, needles from real trees can pierce paws and cause intestinal obstructions if swallowed. The American Veterinary Medical Association has this advice:
Fir, spruce and pine needles can irritate the mouth, stomach and intestines if chewed on or swallowed.
Needle retention is important. A “non-drop” variety like Nordmann Fir tree will keep its needles better than other trees.
Artificial Christmas Trees:
Fake trees solve the needle-drop issue. However, older artificial trees become brittle over time. Pieces of plastic can break off and cause intestinal blockages if ingested by a curious pet.
Whether real or fake, here’s how to keep a Christmas tree pet safe:
- Anchor the tree to the wall or ceiling with fishing line
- Invest in a sturdy, wide-based tree stand
- Put a physical barrier around the base
- Cover the tree water reservoir completely
Simple, right?
Safe Decoration Tips That Work
Something that most people don’t think about…
Decorations can be more dangerous than the tree. Glass ornaments, tinsel, and electrical cords are hazards that demand smart solutions.
Ornament Safety:
Glass ornaments are a definite no-go in pet-friendly homes. Glass baubles can cause deep lacerations if broken and stepped on. According to CNN analysis of CPSC data, roughly 22% of emergency visits involving Christmas decorations were from cuts from sharp objects.
Here are some solutions:
- Fragile ornaments go on high branches only
- Skip the hooks. Use ribbon or yarn instead
- Avoid small decorations that can be swallowed
- Skip chocolate ornaments entirely
The Tinsel Problem:
Tinsel looks pretty. But it’s potentially deadly for cats. If ingested, tinsel can cause serious intestinal damage. The metal saws through intestinal walls as the digestive system contracts. Veterinarians recommend staying away from tinsel altogether if you have cats in your household.
Electrical Cord Safety:
Christmas lights are irresistible to curious pets who love to chew. Electrical shock can cause burns, breathing difficulties, abnormal heart rhythms, and even death.
Cover exposed cords with PVC pipe or electrical cord protectors. Consider battery-operated lights to completely remove the electrical shock risk.
Holiday Plants that are Toxic to Pets
And here’s a final twist that many people miss…
Several common holiday plants are toxic to pets. Learning which plants are safe and which are not can head off a trip to the emergency vet.
The Dangerous List:
- Mistletoe: Can cause vomiting, difficulty breathing, cardiovascular problems, and death within a matter of hours
- Holly berries: Severe gastrointestinal issues
- Amaryllis: Toxic if eaten
- Lilies: Highly dangerous for cats
Wait, what about poinsettias?
Poinsettias have a bad reputation. But the sap in poinsettias causes only mild irritation, drooling, or vomiting. While not a great idea for pets, poinsettias are far less toxic than mistletoe or holly.
Artificial plants are always a great alternative to real plants.
The Best Solution: Pet-Safe Zones for the Holidays
Here’s the most effective tip of all:
Create pet-free zones during the holidays. It might seem extreme… but sometimes physical barriers are the only way.
Barrier Options:
- Baby gates around the Christmas tree
- Pet playpens that create a buffer zone
- Closing doors to rooms with decorations
- Pet cameras to monitor them when away
Emergency Preparedness:
Have your veterinarian’s number and the closest emergency clinic readily available. The ASPCA Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) and Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) are essential numbers to keep on hand.
Making It All Work Together
Pet-safe Christmas decorating isn’t about taking all the fun out of the holidays.
It’s about making smart decisions that protect our furry family members while still having a great time. Let’s do this.
Quick Reference Checklist:
- Anchor the tree
- Use only shatterproof ornaments
- Skip tinsel
- Cover the tree water and electrical cords
- Remove toxic plants
- Create barriers if necessary
- Keep emergency numbers handy
The reality is that a few simple changes can prevent emergency vet visits during the holidays. Taking time to make your home and decorations pet-safe is always worth the time and effort.
Wrapping It All Up
Pet-safe Christmas decorating isn’t hard… it just takes forethought.
Pet owners face real risks during the holidays. From toxic tree water to electrical cords to breakable ornaments, Christmas decorations are an accident waiting to happen for pets. But with the right approach to pet-friendly Christmas trees and decorating, we can have the best of both worlds.
The best thing to do is prepare before the holidays begin. Anchor that tree to the wall. Select safe ornaments and skip tinsel. Choose pet-friendly decorations and remove toxic plants. Put up barriers if necessary.
Pets bring joy to our lives all year long. They deserve a holiday environment that keeps them safe while we all celebrate.
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