This holiday season, keep your pooch in mind when decorating your home. Not every aspect of holiday decorations are pet-friendly, and the last thing you want to give your pet is a trip to the veterinarian's office. Here are some tips for dog-friendly holiday decorating that will help keep your pet safe throughout the holiday season.
Poisonous plants
Dogs love to chew on greenery, but many common holiday plant decorations are very toxic to your pet. Amaryllis, mistletoe, holly and poinsettia should all be kept far away from your dog. Place them out of your pet's reach to keep him safe.
Christmas tree dangers
A Christmas tree is a staple decoration in many homes, but it poses several hazards to your pet.
• Un-anchored trees can topple over onto curious canines, so be sure to secure your tree to the wall or ceiling.
• Never let your dog drink the water at the base of the tree. Bacteria and chemicals used to preserve the tree can make the water unsafe for your pet to drink.
• Pine needles that drop from the tree can be swallowed by your dog, leading to punctures in its intestines. Make sure you sweep the needles up regularly to prevent this.
Tinsel trouble
Pretty tinsel is irresistible to dogs and cats, but it can tangle in their intestines and cause life-threatening blockages that must be removed by a vet. Keep the sparkly stuff away from your pets to keep them safe.
No snow globes for Fido
Some snow globes use antifreeze in the water. If your pet accidentally breaks the globe and drinks the water, it could have lethal consequences. Even if the water does not contain antifreeze, your pooch could ingest broken glass or plastic that could cause internal injuries. Keep snow globes and other glass ornaments, even the ones on the tree, well away from your curious pet.
Keep cords and lights out of sight
To a curious dog, electrical cords and strings of light look just like chew toys. Keep these taped down or hidden under rugs and furniture to keep your dog from biting off more than he can chew.
With a little care and attention, your dog can have a great holiday season, too. Keep these tips in mind to keep your four-legged friend healthy and happy throughout the holidays.