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Tips on having a Dog Proof Christmas Tree
Christmas time can be quite overwhelming for our pets. There is also the hazard that the Christmas tree and other holiday plants can be entirely toxic for our dogs. How harmful these trees and plants depend on the amount that the dog eats, but symptoms can vary from mild to extreme.
Positioning The Christmas Tree
Even a dog not interested in your Christmas tree might inadvertently knock a poorly positioned tree over as he runs past it. If possible, make sure your tree is in a room you can close off to your dog when you can’t supervise him. Place the tree in a corner, ideally secured to the wall (or to the ceiling – you can use an invisible fishing line to do this!). It is much better if it can be close to a power source to reduce trailing electric cables.
Pine Needles and the dangers to dogs
Pine needles can get stuck in unsuspecting paws – or even in a dog’s throat or intestines if they get that far, so if you have a real tree, sweep dropped needles up regularly. The oils from the fir tree can irritate your dog’s stomach and mouth. This will cause either vomiting or drooling, which is not something you want to face on Christmas morning.
Choose the tree ornaments carefully.
Avoid anything that may shatter easily if it falls on the floor. This includes glass and other fragile ornaments. If you have some delicate ornaments, ensure they are securely fixed to the tree.
However, nowadays, you can get some great shatterproof ornaments to put on the tree, or why not get the kids joining in the spirit of Christmas and making some out of paper – just like when I was a child. These paper decorations can help to have a dog-proof Christmas tree.
Cables from tree lights
Dogs, and especially puppies, are curious creatures. As a result, when they suddenly see bright lights that are possibly dancing appear, they are very likely going to investigate
If you have lights on the tree, ensure they are not on the lower bunches. It is also essential that any cords and cables are stuck down with electrical tape or, ideally, hidden out of the way. If a dog manages to get hold of them, it could cause an electric shock or burn their mouth.
If you are looking to make your tree dog-friendly and safe, then why not buy battery-powered lights, which are a much safer option
Have a festive room.
Many pet owners have a festive room’ area. One idea is to have a puppy playpen. Using a puppy playpen can create a barrier between your dog and the Christmas tree, making it harder for your dog to access the tree while you are in the room.
If you are busy around the house or going to leave the dog alone whilst you go shopping, I recommend you shut the door to the room with the Christmas tree. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Other tips
Hanging chocolate on the tree is probably inviting disaster. Not only might an eager dog knock the tree over on himself, trying to reach tempting treats, but if he gets to the chocolate, he could poison himself. Remember the other plants you had around your home at Christmas time. Although very decorative, Holly and Mistletoe are poisonous to our pets.
Finally, while you may be able to resist opening the presents till Christmas morning, your dog may not be so restrained – avoid putting the presents under the tree until you are there to supervise – especially if he’s going to be allowed to look for his own dog-friendly Christmas treat in a pile.
Simple when you know how! With a few simple precautions, your dog and your Christmas tree will enjoy a wonderful Christmas. And a safe Christmas
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