The holiday season brings festive decorations that transform our homes into sparkling wonderlands. While these adornments add cheer, they can also pose hazards to our pets. Curious cats and playful dogs might see shiny ornaments and dangling tinsel as new toys, leading to potential accidents or health risks. To ensure a joyous and safe holiday for every family member, consider these pet-proofing tips.
1. Secure Your Christmas Tree
- Anchor the Tree: Use a sturdy stand and consider anchoring the tree to the wall or ceiling to prevent it from tipping over if climbed or bumped by a pet.
- Choose Safe Tree Options: If opting for a real tree, regularly clean up fallen needles, which can be sharp or toxic if ingested. Artificial trees eliminate this risk but still need to be secured.
- Block Access: If your pets play with or around the tree a lot, considering using baby gates or decorative fencing around the tree to keep pets at a safe distance.
2. Be Cautious with Lighting
- Hide Cords: Electrical cords can be tempting to chew. Use cord protectors or tape them securely against walls.
- Avoid Blinking Lights: Flashing lights might intrigue pets. Opt for steady lights to reduce interest.
- Unplug When Unattended: Always turn off lights when you’re not around to supervise.
3. Choose Pet-Safe Ornaments
- Avoid Fragile Decorations: Glass ornaments can shatter, causing potential injuries. Use shatterproof ornaments instead.
- Skip Edible Decor: Decorations like popcorn strings or candy canes can attract pets, posing choking risks to your pets. Keep them out of reach or avoid them altogether.
- Secure Ornaments: Hang ornaments higher up and ensure they’re firmly attached to branches.
4. Beware of Toxic Plants
- Avoid Certain Plants: Poinsettias, mistletoe, holly, and certain lilies are posionous if ingested.
- Opt for Pet-Friendly Greenery: Choose non-toxic plants like Christmas cactus or rosemary, or use artificial plants.
- Place Plants Out of Reach: If you must have traditional plants, keep them in areas inaccessible to pets.
5. Mind the Tinsel and Garland
- Limit Use of Tinsel: Tinsel can cause intestinal blockages if swallowed. Consider alternatives like ribbon or paper garlands.
- Secure Decorations: Ensure garlands and ribbons are well-secured and not trailing where pets can reach or pull on them.
6. Safe Candles and Scents
- Use Flameless Candles: Pets can knock over candles, causing burns or fires. Battery-operated candles provide a safer ambiance.
- Beware of Toxic Essential Oils: Many essential oils that are popular during the holidays can be harmful to pets if inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin. Oils such as tea tree, peppermint, cinnamon, citrus (lemon, orange, grapefruit), pine, eucalyptus, wintergreen, and clove are toxic to pets. Cats are particularly sensitive because they lack certain enzymes needed to safely metabolize these substances. Keep essential oils out of reach or avoid them.
7. Protect Wrapped Gifts
- Watch for Small Parts: Ribbons, bows, and small toy parts can be choking hazards. Keep an eye on pets around gift-opening time.
- Store Gifts Safely: Don’t leave wrapped food items or scented gifts under the tree where pets can access them.
8. Create a Pet-Friendly Space
- Designate Safe Areas: Provide a comfortable space away from the hustle and bustle where pets can retreat.
- Provide Distractions: Offer new toys or treats to keep pets occupied and less interested in decorations.
9. Educate Guests
- Inform Visitors: Let guests know you have pets and ask them to be cautious with doors and not to feed pets human food.
- Watch the Exits: With frequent comings and goings, ensure pets don’t slip out unnoticed. Consider signs or reminders by the door.
10. Be Prepared for Emergencies
- Know Emergency Contacts: Keep your veterinarian’s number and the nearest emergency vet clinic information handy. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) is also a great resource for any animal poison-related emergency, available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you think your pet may have ingested a potentially poisonous substance, call (888) 426-4435. A consultation fee may apply.
- Recognize Signs of Trouble: Familiarize yourself with symptoms of poisoning or distress in pets, such as vomiting, lethargy, or unusual behavior.
The holidays should be a joyous time for the entire family, including our beloved pets. By taking proactive steps to pet-proof your decorations and homes, you can prevent accidents and ensure a safe environment. With careful planning and a watchful eye, you and your furry friends can enjoy all the warmth and wonder of the season together.
