I LOVE the holidays – but we want to keep the holidays cheerful. Keeping your home pet-proofed will help you enjoy that holiday cheer, rather than worry about vet visits.
1. Opt for an artificial tree
Did you know that real Christmas trees are toxic to dogs? Additionally, the water that Christmas trees need, contain chemicals which are also toxic. Did I mention that the pine needles can puncture their GI tract?
This is why I always opt for an artificial tree. Even an artificial tree can cause stomach blockages though, so even if you buy that artificial tree, make sure your pup doesn’t eat it!
2. Say no to edible ornaments
Asking your pup to not eat edible ornaments that are at eye level is a HUGE ask. Even if you put the edible ornament at the top of the tree, they could easily fall. A lot of these edible ornaments are full of sugar, or chocolate (another food toxic to dogs). To avoid this risk altogether, I always recommend saying no to edible ornaments.
3. Place glass ornaments at the top of the tree
Dogs are curious – to avoid having them paw at a glass ornament and breaking it (which could cause glass to cut their paws or even get stuck in their paws) is dangerous. I always keep them at the top of the tree.
4. Don’t leave out gifts
This doesn’t apply to all pups, but many may try to eat/destroy wrapping paper. Additionally, if you don’t know what’s inside the content of the gifts, there could be food or candy inside which could cause a normally well-behaved pup to try to get into the contents! If this happens, the recipient may be disappointed, or worse, the contents of that food could be toxic to your pup.
5. No exposed wires
Once again, many older dogs will probably leave these wires alone, but if you have a curious young teething puppy or a bored adolescent dog, they may try to chew the wires. This could electrocute your dog which could be fatal.
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