Have a Holly Jolly (Pet Safe) Christmas
Even when our pets are naughty, we know they are the goodest boys and girls around and they deserve to have a fun (and safe) Christmas with family and friends.
Pet Safe Decorating
If you’re like me, you live to commemorate a holiday or event by expressing yourself with decorations. Unfortunately my dogs Penny and Kiki have their own ideas about “redecorating.” Living with pets means that we have to see danger in a different perspective and try our best to avoid it.
Christmas Trees: Nothing says Christmas like a perfectly placed and decorated tree. But a curious, active or clumsy pet can get into a lot of trouble if they are not properly secured.
Christmas trees can tip over if pets climb on them or try to play with the lights and ornaments attached. It is a good idea to secure the tree to the ceiling or wall with fishing wire. Lemon scented air fresheners are also known to deter cats from exploring Christmas trees. Remember, the usual “tricks” to keep your tree fresh longer, such as adding aspirin or sugar to the water, is extremely poisonous if you have a thirsty pet.
Real Trees: Don’t let your pet chew or swallow fallen Christmas tree needles from real trees. They are not digestible andcan be mildly toxic depending upon your dog’s size and how much they ingest. The fir tree oils can irritate your dog’s mouth and stomach and cause them to vomit or drool excessively.
Broken Ornaments:The glass or shattered materials can cause injuries, and swallowed fragments can be toxic, create blockage or other trauma in pets. Edible ornaments, especially those made from salt-dough can also be hazardous to pups.
