It’s the most wonderful time of the year—but if you’ve got curious pets, the holiday season can also be one of the most challenging.
Any of the glittery, dangly decorations around the house can become canine and feline targets, but of course the Christmas tree is especially interesting to our pets. It’s a little bit of the great outdoors brought inside the house, which might lead to everything from marking to climbing to toppling the whole thing over. But with proper planning and holiday safety precautions, you can keep your tree and your pets safe this season.
Tree Planning & Placement
Before you even bring your Christmas tree into the house, make sure you’ve selected the right spot for it. Placing the tree near favorite “kitty climbing areas” like shelves and countertops can accidentally invite exploration, so try to find a location without easy cat access. And keep in mind that a tree in the center of the room invites 360-degree inspection, so consider placing it in a corner to limit interaction.
Select your core Christmas tree equipment with pets in mind. Use lights with minimal excess cord to avoid playing, or use cord covers. Make sure that your tree stand is sturdy enough to withstand accidental grazes and worst-case scenario climbing. It might help to anchor your tree to the wall with an eye hook and fishing line, just in case.
Pet-Friendly Decorating Tips
Before adding the decorations to your Christmas tree, give your dog or cat time to acclimate to the strange new addition to the home. Take dogs out for a quick potty trip before letting them examine the tree to prevent marking, then praise your pet as they do a little low-key tree exploration.
When you’re ready to decorate, be strategic about ornament placement. Hang keepsake and delicate ornaments at the top of the tree and opt for sturdy plastic ones at the bottom. If you have particularly playful pets, consider keeping the lower few inches of the tree free of ornaments, especially the underside area.
Remember that the sweep of a happy tail or a tip-toe sniff can be enough to knock ornaments down, so consider your dog’s full body reach when decorating.
Dangerous Décor: What to Avoid
Some popular Christmas tree décor can be dangerous to pets. Avoid the following if you have pets in your home: * Tinsel: Swallowed tinsel can be a choking hazard and might lead to an intestinal blockage. * Flocking: This shimmery self-adhesive snow contains flame retardant; eating it might cause intestinal distress. * Popcorn garlands: If ingested, the string presents a choking hazard and blockage risk. * Candy canes: Snacking on this décor could cause gastrointestinal issues. * Handmade clay-dough ornaments: These keepsakes might not seem appetizing to us, but many pets can’t resist taking a bite—which could lead to an upset stomach.
Keep in mind that the tree itself can be dangerous for pets. Sweep up dropped needles to prevent snacking and injured paw pads, and keep the water container covered so your pets don’t mistake it for a new drinking station.
If trying to manage your pets around the Christmas tree proves to be too much, opt for a multi-fold gate to keep them from getting up close and personal. That way, you can stop worrying about broken ornaments and safely enjoy the beauty of the season together.