We’ve all heard a story or two of a cat catastrophe around the holidays. They like to knock down Christmas ornaments, pull on garlands, and even wrap themselves in the ribbon. However, dogs need holiday pet-proofing too! Nothing spoils the holidays like an emergency trip to the vet because Fido has a tummy full of tinsel. Here are some tips to keep both your pup and decorations safe and full of holiday cheer!
Christmas Trees
Christmas trees are a beautiful novelty for the holidays. However, they bring a variety of potential troubles. Position your tree strategically. Put it in a corner or place it in an area where gates or pet pens can be set up around the perimeter. Decorate with care. Position fragile and delicate decor near the top, and keep the lower branches bare or sturdier ornaments. Re-think the tinsel. If you want to use it, position it at a high enough distance up the tree so that your pets can’t reach it!Wire carefully. Bury cords and wires as thoroughly as possible within the tree so that only one short wire is exposed. Cords make tempting chew toys so the fewer wire options available, the better. If a live tree is your style, discourage your dog from eating any pine needles or drinking water from the base. Keep the area extremely clean and cover the base at all times. To keep gifts intact and avoid a mess of gift wrap, you may want to hold off on putting presents under the tree before Christmas morning. Your dog may be curious about what is inside the packages!
Seasonal Plants
Mistletoe, holly, berry wreaths, and poinsettias are some of the most iconic plants used during the holidays. However, none of them are safe for your pet to ingest. Keeping these beautiful arrangements off the floor and away from muzzles will prevent any chance of chewing or digestion.
Gift Wrap s& supply
Your dog may make an adorable wrapping assistant, but it’s probably best to do it without the extra paws! Keeps an eye on your gift-wrapping supplies to avoid accidental ingestion of ribbon, paper, tissue, tape, etc. Wrap gifts on a high surface so your scissors and tape don’t run away!
Cookies & Other Goodies
Christmas is that special time of year when people pull out their baking pans to make candies, treats, and cookies! Whether you’re baking or receiving holiday treats, be mindful of where you keep them. Cookies on end tables, bowls of chocolates, or even a tray of treats on the countertop can intrigue your dog. Store them out of reach and in seal-tight containers to prevent your dog from getting into them! However, if you want to celebrate the holidays with your canine companion, you can find some great recipes for Christmas-themed cookies that are made just for dogs.
Decorating
Keeping a stable environment helps birds stay calm during holidays and festivities. If at all possible, place your Christmas tree and other large decorations away from your bird and birdcage. This also includes poinsettias and mistletoe, which are poisonous if ingested by your bird. Additionally, hanging lights and other bright decor disrupts restful sleep. The bird needs at least 10-12 hours of sleep a day! Keep bright decor to a minimum or place them in another room. If neither of these is a good option, a cage cover provides a great solution for both of you.
Feasting
If we had to guess, we’d probably say that your holiday menu isn’t suitable to share with your bird. Unless you only plan on serving bits of fruit, veggies, bits of chicken, or eggs. Be very selective of what you share! Sugars, seasonings, and spices used in cooking your holiday meals are potentially toxic to your bird. Prepare a separate meal with foods you know are safe or stick to a traditional avian blend. Lastly, be very mindful of alcoholic drinks. If your dinner includes eggnog, wine, or other spirits, keep them away so your bird isn’t tempted to take a sip.