Whatever might be said about Christmas trees, theirs is undoubtedly among the best-known symbols of the holiday season that bring light, warmth, and cheer into our homes. The presence of a furry companion in the household may imply the existence of unsuspected hazards posed by the very festive tree. One needs to consider various things before going about setting up the tree, from the needles to the decorations.
With this in mind, we will look at the potential hazards for your pets, ensuring that the holiday season stays merry and bright for everyone—both the two-legged and the four-legged!
Threats Related to Real Christmas Trees
Of course, the beautiful aroma of real Christmas trees may be just that, an aroma; their presence manifests a medley of threats toward pets. The very first threat arises with the pine needles. Should your dog or cat venture to convert them into a chew toy or, worse, a source of appetizers, it can cause sharp-pointed irritation of the gastrointestinal tract, leading to excessive amounts of drool, vomiting, or diarrhea. Even worse, many swallowed needles may cause obstructions in intestines or possibly even perforate the lining of the digestive tract. These are certainly not risks to be taken lightly!
In these waters, another hazard lurks that are hidden from view-the contents you place in the tree stand. Many Christmas trees are treated with preservatives, fertilizers, and even with chemicals such as pesticides or aspirin. These are meant to keep the Christmas tree in full freshness. But, sadly, the water collected in the tree stand could be deadly for pets if they drink it up. The chemicals could range from mild upset stomachs to more severe reactions to pets. It would be wise to cover the tree stand with a tree skirt/collar that denies pets access to the water.
Other than the Christmas tree, one should also watch over other holiday plants like poinsettias, mistletoe, and holly. All these can be dangerous for pets when ingested, so it’s best to keep them out of reach or consider false ones. Are Christmas Trees Fake Safer?
They pose other hazards, too. While the artificial trees wouldn’t have the issues associated with pine needles and tree water, they are not without their dangers. One of the key dangers related to artificial ones is having sharp plastic needles that might pose dangers if your pet chews on them. If your dog or cat ingests any needles, clinical signs of gastrointestinal distress like vomiting or possibly severe clinical signs like blockage may be noticed.
The other danger that could come with the artificial tree is its instability. Cats, in particular, are known for their curiosity and their propensity to climb and explore. Should your tree be poorly anchored, it only goes down, and quite literally so, potentially hurting your pet in the process. This especially holds for cats that would try to leap or scamper on their branches. To remedy this, secure your faux tree well, and consider placing it against a wall or otherwise in a position that it will not be brushed up against.
Christmas Ornaments: Glitzy but Deadly
Christmas ornaments are captivating and delightful additions to any holiday decoration, but unless you take care to choose and place them well, they can potentially become dangerous to your pets. Glass ornaments, in particular, are a problem because they are potentially dangerous if broken and can cut the paws and mouth of the pet or injure the internal organs if swallowed with some very sharp shards.
Even plastic ornaments are dangerous if not well-anchored to the tree. Pets love nothing better than to bat at the decorations, and if the hooks are not tightly fastened to their respective ornaments, their precious hanging decorations could come crashing down. The same goes for flexible hooks, which can pose a choking hazard if your pet tries to ingest them. To keep your furry friend safe, buy shatterproof ornaments that won’t break when knocked down, and hang them higher up on the Christmas tree where the pets can’t reach them.
Lights, Cords, and Tinsel: Electrical and Choking Hazards
Christmas lights may beautify the season, but, being electrical, they pose problems of their own. If a pet chews on the electrical cord, the risk of shock exists, which can present in many forms, whether with burns in the mouth or far more serious internal injuries or even fatal injuries in some rare instances. Furthermore, some lights become extremely hot, and should any curious pet decide to interact with the lights using their paws or nose, the lovely heat may become an awful burn. To avert these dangers, check the cords regularly for wear and tear, and ensure they are out of reach of your pets.
Tinsel may be beautiful and fun to look at but constitutes an extreme danger for pets-think cats. Cats, along with other pets, are known to bat at shiny objects-the reflective surface of tinsel should be bordering on irresistible. However, ingesting tinsel can result in horrible internal blockages; getting caught somewhere in the stomach can lead to excruciating but possibly deathly conditions like bowel obstruction. To keep your pets safe, shun using tinsel completely or use it only in places inaccessible to your pets.
Guard Against Potential Injury from Tree Decorations
Train your pets to stay away: If you have a curious dog or cat who loves to explore, training your pet not to bother the tree may help. Positive reinforcement with treats and commands like “leave it” or “stay” should help.
Decorate safely for your pets: Choose the items you will use to decorate the tree that do not pose a choking hazard. In particular, ban the use of popcorn garlands or anything else your pet could eat. Ornaments made for pet use would also be a good option.
Secure the tree: Securely anchor the tree, whether it is live or artificial. A toppling tree may injure your pet and leave you with a jumbo mess!
Cover the tree stand: Cover up the stand, as previously advised, to avoid giving your pet access to potentially toxic drinking water. Using a tree skirt or decorative collar can help keep the tree stand covered and out of reach.
Keep an eye on your pets around the tree: While giving your pets their holiday festivities is delightful, always be sure to be close enough to supervise them. You can never tell when they might get into something harmful.
Final Thoughts
While Christmas trees fill our houses with charm during the holiday season, dangers do await our beloved furry family members. The good news is if we control the risks and take preventive measures, our pets will remain safe-happy, and healthy, allowing everyone to partake in the holiday cheer. After all, what better gift can there be than a stress-free and happy season for every deserving member of your household, including the pets?
We wish you a paw-some holiday with all love, joy, and safety!
