How to Make Your Christmas Tree Pet-Safe
Christmas trees pose all sorts of hidden dangers for dogs and cats. Learn how
to minimize the risks.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Christmas Tree Ornaments
- Christmas Tree Skirts
- Christmas Trees
- Puppy Gates
- Scat Mats
- Tree Stands
- Pet Treats
- Candy Dishes W/cover
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1
Cover your tree stand with a tree skirt to prevent your pet from drinking the water in the base. This liquid can make your animal sick.
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2
Have pet treats on hand to distract your pet away from the tree. The needles can easily get lodged in the animal's throat, making it hard to swallow.
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3
Place decorations that contain mistletoe, poinsettias and holly only in high sections of the tree, where your pet will be unable to get the tempting leaves and berries. They can cause heartbeat and blood pressure to drop.
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4
Remove strings and ribbons from gifts that are left under the tree. These items may seem like toys to an animal, but can easily choke him or her.
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5
Avoid using tinsel, since your dog can choke on it. Also understand that some of the older tinsel contains lead.
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6
Remember not to use chocolate ornaments if there's a chance that your pet could pull them off. An ingredient called theobromine can have a toxic effect on dogs.
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7
Tape the electrical cords of your Christmas tree lights to the wall so your pet won't chew them.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Realize that lit candles may capture the attention of your dog or cat. To avoid any accidents, leave your pets in the other room if you plan to light candles.
Keep wrapping paper out of reach since many pets are tempted to chew on it.
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Comments
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grandchef
Dec 10, 2010
Mistletoe can be lethal to animals and you should seek veterinary consultation immediately if your pet has potentially ingested any part of the plant. Vomiting, severe diarrhea, difficult breathing, shock and death can occur within hours of ingestion. Why have it in the house at all? Cats can get anywhere, and mistletoe can accidentally fall. Fake mistletoe is just a good. Poinsettias do not seem to be as toxic as once thought, nor is holly, but both can cause intestinal distress, but if you have a puppy, kitten or elder dog or cat, the results could be worse. With any of the holiday decorations, the question is which do you cherish more, your decorations or your pets? -
whatthenut
Dec 03, 2010
studies have been done that prove poinsettias are not poisonous. all parts of the plant were fed to lab rats in exorbitant amounts and the rats did not suffer anything. the amounts the rats consumed would by scale equal 500 plants for a baby to eat. it may give your animals an upset stomach, but to date, no human or animal deaths have been recorded by credible sources (i.e. police or paramedics) through the consumption of this plant.
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cwboyup05
Dec 01, 2008
People people DO NOT use citris scented things to scare your cats outta the tree. Citris is dangerous to cats and can actually kill them!
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cwboyup05
Dec 01, 2008
People people DO NOT use citris scented things to scare your cats outta the tree. Citris is dangerous to cats and can actually kill them!
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tallship57
Dec 16, 2006
I put one of those talking fishes under the tree, the cat hates it, it talks everytime she goes under it!
