December 21, 2011
Posted in Pet Health, Pet Supplies

Humans love to decorate for the holidays with greens, tinsel, candles and more, but many of these items can be harmful to your pooch. There are some holiday hazards that can be particularly harmful if your pooch  gets its paws on it.

Christmas trees are the top holiday hazard. Dogs that jump may leap into the tree, and others that are just plain clumsy may wag their tails and knock off ornaments or knock the entire tree down altogether. Dogs that jump on the tree or knock into it may break ornaments, which can then be sharp and hazardous. The tree can also fall on the animal, causing other injuries. If your dog cannot be trusted around the tree, you should set up pet supplies like the Wood Pet Gate 3-in-1 to keep it at a safe distance.

Imitation snow that is sprayed on the tree can also be harmful. Christmas tree branches look like any other stick to a dog, and if your pooch decides to take a bite off your tree this substance can poison it. Preservatives used in the tree water to keep it fresh can also be harmful if your pet uses the tree stand as a water dish from time to time. It is best for pet owners to do away with these types of holiday materials, the news source reports.

Ornaments are another hazard to look out for. Edible ornaments like cookies should either be avoided or placed way at the top of the tree to prevent your dog from ingesting it, because too much sugar can make it sick. In addition, sweet treats on the tree may encourage your pooch to take a leap or climb.

Other tree decorations like tinsel, lights and angel hair can also be an issue for dogs. Pet owners should keep lights away from the bottom of the tree to prevent a dog from chewing on them and getting electrocuted. Tinsel is not typically considered dangerous, but it is for pets. Swallowing a bit of this can cause a intestinal obstruction which can be fatal in dogs.

Christmas decorations are unfamiliar and exciting to dogs, so they are naturally drawn to them. To keep them focused elsewhere, offer treats like Greenies for dogs or a Dingo Holiday Cane. You can also spray certain objects with Bitter Apple so your pooch doesn't chew them. 

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