Dogs and Christmas Trees

The holiday season is officially up on us! Are you planning to put up a tree this year? If you have a dog, you may want to take some precautions to keep your pooch safe. Trees can definitely make your home look cozy and festive, but they can also be quite dangerous for pets! Here, a Pickerington, OH vet discusses dogs and Christmas trees.


Ornament Hooks

It’s very easy to overlook an ornament hook that has fallen to the floor. You definitely don’t want Fido stepping on an ornament hook! After you have finished putting up the tree, check the floor beneath it thoroughly to be sure there are no wayward hooks lying about.

Water

If you get a real tree, be sure to cover the water bowl, so Fido can’t drink from it. The tree water could contain sap and/or residue from pesticides or fertilizers.

Lights

Fido could seriously hurt himself if he gets entangled in lights, or chews through a live wire! If your pooch tends to gnaw on things, treat any exposed wires with taste deterrent.

Tinsel

If your pup swallows tinsel, he could get a serious intestinal blockage! If you use tinsel, keep it on the top part of the tree, and make sure no stray pieces have fallen to the floor.

Ornaments

Fragile ornaments are very dangerous to our furry friends! Fido can not only cut his paws by walking over shards, he could also try to play with one, and could end up ingesting pieces. Use sturdy ornaments. If you do have fragile ones, put them on the top of the tree, out of Fido’s reach.

Ribbons

Ribbons are also dangerous for dogs. Fido could seriously hurt himself if he tries to eat or play with a ribbon or bow!

Plants

Poinsettias, mistletoe, holly, and many other seasonal plants are toxic to dogs. Be sure to keep these things in secure places your canine pal can’t reach!

Tips

When it comes to keeping pets safe, prevention is always the way to go. Get Fido some fun new toys, and take time to play with him every day, so the tree won’t seem quite as tempting. You can also use a baby gate to keep your pooch away from the tree.

Happy Holidays! Please contact us, your local Pickerington, OH pet hospital, with any questions about your dog’s health or care.

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