Christmas is a wonderful time. It’s time for the whole family to get together again and exchange gifts and warm words. This holiday is also a delightful event for our furry companions. There is so much to do, so many new people to play with, and so many colorful and shiny things to enjoy. However, Christmas can also be dangerous for our pets if we don’t shield them from all the hazards that might await them. Here is a list of the most essential tips from animal care professionals on how to protect your pet’s health since the moment you bring a fir tree to your house.
Christmas tree
1. Select the right tree
It’s important to buy a Christmas tree with needles that hold securely in place. If a tree sheds needles, a cat or dog may start nibbling on them. That is bad for your pet’s health since needles contain a measure of toxic substances, which may cause problems to the digestive system of your animal friend. If you’ve bought a needle-shedding tree after all, sweep the floor in the room as often as you can.
2. Find a suitable place for your tree
Try to put your Christmas tree in a room with doors that can be closed. If that’s impossible, find a place without shelves from which a cat might jump onto the tree, or remove them.
3. Keep the tree securely fixed
If your Christmas tree falls down, it may injure your cat or dog badly. Additionally, if there is tree water, it may spill and lead to stomach upset since it typically contains bacteria or fertilizers. So, you must securely fix the tree in place. To do that, you can use a heavy and wide base or attach the tree to the walls or ceiling with an unbreakable fishing line.
4. Keep pets away from the tree
You must do your best to keep your pet away from your Christmas tree. Otherwise, a cat may jump onto it and break your dangly ornaments. There are several ways to achieve that aim. You can spray some lemon juice on the floor around the tree. You can also spread aluminium foil around the base, because pets don’t like the sound that foil makes when they put their paws on it. Placing pine cones or sticky tape near the tree can help, too.
5. Avoid shiny ornaments
All animals are attracted by shiny things. So, there is a risk that your favorite gleaming sphere you’ve hung on your Christmas tree since your childhood will fall prey to your beloved cat one moment. The best way to avoid that is to replace your shiny ornaments with those made of other materials including wood, fabrics, and paper. If they have colorful patterns, they will look as festive.
Food and drink
1. Chocolate: Danger to a pet’s health
Chocolate is a very dangerous food product for your pet, especially your dog. Dogs can easily pick the smell of the chemical substance that makes chocolate so tasty. When a dog gets access to chocolate or sweets, it may start vomiting, and, in certain cases, may even die. So, don’t leave your sweets lying around. If you hang them on your Christmas tree, find the highest spot for them.
2. No alcohol
Alcohol is a pet’s enemy, too. If a dog or cat ingests champagne, for example, the consequences may be deplorable. The animal may become weak and even start gasping for breath with lethal outcome. So, put your alcoholic drinks away whenever you leave the room with your pet inside.
3. No leftovers
You should never give leftovers from your table to your dog or cat. Neither should your guests. Fat food is ruinous to a pet’s health. Meat bones are dangerous as well. They may shatter inside your pet’s intestinal tract, causing internal bleeding. Another risk is that the animal may choke on a bone too large for them to swallow.
4. Cover the garbage can
The garbage can with its delicious smell can be an irresistible attraction to your pet. However, it may contain various harmful food products including sweets, meat bones, and leftovers from fat dishes. So, make sure the garbage can is securely covered and placed where your dog or cat cannot access it.
Decorations
1. Avoid mistletoe and holly
The ingestion of holly by a pet may result in vomiting and indigestion. Problems with the heart and blood circulation are inevitable if you have let your dog or cat taste mistletoe. To save your pet’s health consider buying fake plants.
2. Keep tinsel string away from your cat
Tinsel string is one of the symbols of Christmas and New Year. Your cat, though, finds this festive object very attractive and may nibble on it thinking it is as tasty as it looks. Danger: the intestine of the pet can be blocked.
3. Don’t leave candles unattended
A lighted candle creates a very romantic and soothing atmosphere. That said, if you leave it unattended, your pet may get a burn or tip it over and cause a fire in your house or apartment. So, our advice is to extinguish your candles whenever you need to go to another room.
4. Dangerous electricity
Finally, make sure no electrical wires are accessible to your pet. A direct contact with an uninsulated wire can lead to a deadly electrical shock, and again a fire inside your dwelling. If, luckily, no death has occured, the pet’s health may still seriously suffer.
Pet care specialists recommend watching your pet for every sign of health issue during the festive period. You should always keep your vet’s phone number close on hand and call them whenever you suspect that something is wrong. We hope our tips will help your animal friend stay healthy throughout this beautiful Christmas season.
