Dogs and Holiday Decorations
The holiday season also presents some new safety concerns that you should keep in mind. Festive trees help make the season bright, but care needs to be taken to be sure it isn’t a hazard for your dog. Some dogs like to hide under or play around the tree as this can become a den-like area for them.
Decorations like flashing lights, tinsel, shiny objects, presents and even extension cords can be mistaken for toys by your dog. Not only are ribbon, tinsel, lights and ornaments choking hazards, ingesting them can cause intestinal blockages. Chewing on decorations can result in mouth injuries, and a nibble on an extension cord can lead to an electric shock.
How to Keep Dogs Safe from Holiday Hazards
Luckily, there are some tips you can follow to prevent dogs from potentially dangerous decorations and other holiday temptations. For starters, are three things you can do to keep your dog’s curiosity at bay when it comes to the tree:
- Limit Access: Keep your dog out of the room where the tree located or use a barrier in front of it. If you have a live tree, remember that if you put any chemical additive into the water to keep the tree fresh, this can be toxic to your dog so don’t give them access to the solution.
- Make it Stable: Keep in mind that a tree can fall over on your dog so make sure that it is secure by using a sturdy stand and affixing your tree to a wall or the ceiling.
- Trim with Caution: While some dogs may not take interest in ornaments or tinsel, it is always a good idea to keep all decorations out of your dog’s reach to prevent choking and other dangers.
Keep any presents, especially those that might contain food, away from your dog and be sure to put away all ribbon after it has been used. If you suspect your dog has ingested any of the things discussed in this article, you should contact your local veterinarian or emergency hospital immediately.
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