Christmas is approaching and many people have already started decorating their homes. No home is complete without a Christmas tree. Christmas trees can make great photos of your pet. But strange and new things that appear in your pet’s home, like a Christmas tree, can be prime targets for exploration spots. But what dangers do Christmas trees pose to cats and dogs?
James Witten, Marketing Manager at PetGuard, said: “At Christmas time it’s important that all dogs and cats are safe and able to enjoy the holiday season as much as the rest of us.” .
Leading pet insurance company petGuard has put together a guide on how pet owners can protect their Christmas trees from pets and minimize the risk that Christmas trees pose to their furry friends.
cat friendly christmas tree
Cats and kittens love to climb trees where they can hide. Some cats can’t help but explore inside the Christmas tree. However, the oil produced by some types of Christmas trees, such as fir, pine, and spruce, can irritate your cat’s mouth and cause vomiting. Not only that, but the needles themselves are sharp and difficult to digest, which can cause problems if your cat swallows them.
Securing decorations
In case your cat tries to climb the Christmas tree, owners should make sure all decorations are safe. It is best to avoid using breakable baubles or tinsel, as they can look like toys to many cats.
use a heavy base
If the cat decides to go exploring, owners should make sure the base of the Christmas tree is heavy enough to prevent it from tipping over. Otherwise, it is dangerous for both the cat and the owner’s belongings.
dog friendly christmas tree
If owners expect to leave their dogs alone for Christmas or to have visitors, it is essential to ensure the safety of both the dog and the Christmas tree. If it’s a dog’s first Christmas, owners should consider setting up the tree early so the dog can slowly get used to Christmas. Start with a bare tree with no decorations, and leave it alone until your dog gets tired of sniffing it and gets used to sharing the room with him. Then it’s time to decorate!
Securing the Christmas tree
Just like humans, dogs get very excited during Christmas. For owners of large dogs, tail wagging can cause problems. To solve this, attach the fishing line from the Christmas tree to the wall or ceiling and secure it in place. A heavy base is also effective.
keep snacks away
Many Christmas trees around the country are decorated with chocolates and candy canes, but it’s a bad idea to put edible treats on the tree if there are hungry pups around. Chocolate is especially recommended.
be careful of the light
Looking at the illuminated Christmas tree at night makes me feel happy. However, you should keep in mind that cords should always be kept tidy and out of reach, as curious puppies can get tangled in them. When placing lights on your tree, it’s best to avoid placing them around the lower branches where your dog can reach them.
“There’s something magical about having a Christmas tree in your home, and by taking good care of it, you can ensure that you and your pet can enjoy the holidays,” adds Witten.
Click here to learn more about Christmas tree pet protection.
https://www.petguard.co.uk/christmas-trees-pets
