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Colorful lights are strung along the roof, inflatable snowmen are set up in the yard, and a beautiful wreath is hung neatly on your front door. While these holiday decorations certainly add to the joy and celebration of the season, they can also pose a threat to your pet’s safety. Let’s take a moment and discuss some of these potentially harmful holiday decoration dangers.
Tree Ornaments
- Fragile ornaments – Glass ball ornaments that have been used for generations hold a certain appeal for playful cats and dogs. However, these fragile decorations can have terrible consequences if shattered and ingested by your pet.
- Eye-catching decorations – Low-hanging ornaments and flashing lights can be too tempting to resist, so be mindful of where you place these attractive decoration dangers.
- Lights – Although modern lights are low voltage and rarely deadly to humans, they still represent a threat to pets who have a habit of chewing on bright, sparkly items.
- Tinsel – Although less commonly used in decorations today, tinsel can be a flashy temptation that wreaks havoc on a pet’s digestive system.
Table Top and Desk Set Decorations
- Candles – Scented candles and their flickering flame might lead to a burnt paw or worse, so keep all candles out of your pet’s reach.
- Ribbons – Ribbons are a choking hazard when swallowed or tangled around the neck.
- Table runners – Tablecloths, runners, and centerpieces sometimes contain chemically treated items that are poisonous or harmful if chewed or swallowed.
Holiday Plants and Poisons for Pets
- Christmas trees – The needles of christmas trees can be irritating for pets who decide to nibble on them.
- Tree stand water – Although not all christmas tree water is dangerous, some substances may be added to enhance longevity, so exercise special care to avoid poisoning.
- Sugar-free treats – Sugar-free candies generally contain Xylitol (a common sugar substitute), which can be lethal to cats and dogs.
Prevent Harmful Holiday Accidents
Avoid accidents by carefully choosing your holiday decor. Although pretty, many seasonal items can pose hidden decoration dangers, so it’s important to take the time to consider all the risks in your home. The bright colors, flashing lights, and festive music can be too much for a playful pet to handle, so keep these festive accessories out of reach and always use pet-safe products.
We wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season!