The holiday season is a time of joy and time to deck the halls, but some decorations are not pet-friendly if you're a pet parent. It's important to consider their safety and well-being before decorating your home. In this article, you will find tips to ensure your furry friends enjoy the holidays as much as you do.
Consider an Artificial Christmas Tree
Choosing and decorating your Christmas tree is one of the best parts of the holiday season. However, if you have a pet at home, the needles shed by real Christmas trees or the water they sit in can harm your pet. Consuming these needles or drinking the water may lead to gastrointestinal problems for your furry friends. To prevent such issues, opt for an artificial Christmas tree. Additionally, consider placing a pet gate around the tree to establish a physical barrier between your pets and the tree. This is especially beneficial if you have a tree-climbing cat or a young puppy who has a taste for chewing on inappropriate objects.
Use Pet-Friendly Ornaments
To keep fragile ornaments out of harm's way, especially those with sentimental value, avoid placing them near the tree's base. Mischievous cats may be tempted to play with them, and energetic dogs can accidentally knock them over. Consider putting these types of ornaments up high, out of reach or temptation. For the lower part of the tree, look for shatterproof ornaments. This way, even if your dog or cat gets ahold of the ornaments, you can avoid a shattered mess on the floor or injury to your pet.
Another item you should avoid during the holiday season is tree tinsel, ribbons, and string garlands. Even though these items help ring in the holiday cheer, if a cat or dog were to eat a ribbon, tree tinsel, or string garland, it could get wrapped around their tongue or intestines. Instead of garland, ribbon, or tinsel, add a paper chain around the tree. To do this, you need to cut strips of red and green construction paper, then create a circle and glue either side together. Next, loop another piece of paper and staple it. Continue the process until you have a paper chain, then wrap it around the tree.
Avoid Seasonal Plants
Regarding seasonal plants, it's important to be mindful of their toxicity to cats and dogs. Plants such as poinsettias, mistletoe, and holly can be harmful. Instead, opt for pet-friendly alternatives like Christmas cacti or artificial holiday plants.
Don't Leave Candles Unattended
Even though candles add a warm, festive sparkle to your home, a wagging tail could easily knock them over, spilling wax or starting a fire. To avoid this happening, switch out your candles with battery-powered candles. If you would like to use real candles for your menorah, be sure to place the candles up high on a sturdy piece of furniture and supervise your pets.
Hide Your Electrical Cords
Many of us bring out festive lights to decorate our homes and trees during the holidays. However, it's important to keep your pets' safety in mind. Hide and secure the electrical cords to prevent your cat or dog from chewing on them. When placing lights on the tree, ensure they are fully wrapped around, and the plug is positioned at the back. Remember to tape loose light strings to the wall if you hang lights around your windows, mantle, or doorway.
Avoid Using Food as Décor
Enjoy the holiday season to the fullest by savoring delicious food. However, being mindful of your furry friend's well-being is important. Keep your pet safe by avoiding popcorn garlands and gingerbread houses, which can lead to upset stomachs and expensive vet visits. When baking, remember to store chocolate and other baking supplies like baking soda in a secure container, as they are toxic to both cats and dogs.
Give Your Pets Distractions
Even after these tips, if you are still struggling to keep your pet away from the Christmas tree or any other holiday décor, it might be time for a distraction. Buy your pet a puzzle toy where they can use their nose to move parts and find various treats. If your cat keeps scratching your tree skirt, place a new cat scratcher in the same room to distract them. Be sure to take your dog on plenty of walks or maybe take them to a dog park to let their energy out before heading inside to enjoy the holiday cheer.
It is possible to deck the halls while keeping your pets safe and happy. Go for pet-friendly ornaments and artificial trees, and be mindful around candles. After all, we want our furry friends to enjoy the holiday season just as much as we do, don't we? So here's to a jolly and pet-friendly holiday season!
