![]() “There are two key strategies for a safe holiday for you and your pets: keep decorations out of reach and supervise your pets,” Myers says. Other decorations can be dangerous-for instance, snow globes contain a sweet-smelling chemical that can lead to fatal intoxication, Wismer says-but are still OK to use. “Ingested tinsel can cause severe vomiting, obstructed digestive tract, anddehydration, and it could even require surgery,” Wismer says. Some decorations should be avoided entirely if you have pets. Tinsel, Snow Globes, Lights, and Ornaments Up Next: 8 Household Items That Are Toxic to Pets “Opt for just-as-jolly artificial plants made from silk or plastic, or choose a pet-safe bouquet,” Wismer recommends. Avoid these plants if your pets tend to nibble at indoor greenery. “Cable tidies or tubes could be used around any wires that have to stay exposed,” Macmillan recommends.Ī Christmas tree isn’t the only dangerous holiday greenery: Holly, mistletoe, and some lilies can cause a range of issues, from GI distress to cardiovascular problems or kidney failure, Wismer says. You want to avoid your cat or dog chewing on the wires for lights, which could cause an electric shock or pose a tangle hazard, Macmillan says. This helps prevent pets from batting at fragile, breakable baubles on the tree. Otherwise, they “can become embedded in paws or swallowed, causing digestive issues,” says Rebecca Macmillan, veterinary advisor for The Vets, a service that provides at-home visits. “Tree water is a breeding ground for bacteria that could cause nausea, diarrhea, or stomach upset,” Wismer notes. Stop pets from lapping up the liquid in the stand with a tree skirt. First, place the tree in a sturdy base, then consider attaching it to the wall or ceiling with wire or heavy-duty fishing line to prevent tipping and falling. Keep the tree out of your pet’s reach with a tabletop version, Myers suggests. ![]() If you’re getting a tree, follow these precautions: Think: Dangling breakable ornaments, along with the possibility of the tree tipping over. “The Christmas tree happens to pose quite a few potential threats to our furry companions,” says Tina Wismer, veterinarian and senior director of toxicology at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Still, there are plenty of ways to incorporate seasonal decor while keeping your home safe for pets. Plus, there’s risk from candle flames, chocolate and other holiday foods, and the cords on fairy lights. “The list of seasonal items that are potentially dangerous when swallowed is endless: plants, lights, dried flowers, pinecones, ornaments, tinsel, and more,” she says. “Every veterinary professional working in an emergency center knows they're going to be busy over the holidays,” says veterinarian Jo Myers, an expert with JustAnswer. Festive winter and holiday decorations are beautiful, but they can be harmful to cats and dogs.
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