Christmas Tree Catastrophe: What Your Dog Can Choke On This Festive Season

As the festive season is here, many of us are excited to decorate our homes with beautiful Christmas trees. However, as pet owners, we must remember that while Christmas trees and decorations may bring joy to us, they also pose a significant threat to our furry friends. Every year, many pet owners take their pets to the vet due to various accidents and injuries caused by these festive decorations. To keep your furry friend safe and happy this Christmas, here are a few hazards to look out for.

Electrical Cords: One of the biggest hazards to your pet during Christmas time is the electrical cords that power all the festive lights and decorations. Curious puppies love to chew on anything, and these cords can be particularly tempting to them. Chewing on electrical cords can cause electrical shock and even lead to death. Make sure to keep all cords and wires out of your pet's reach, or better still, secure them with cord organisers or zip ties.

Bright and Colorful Ornaments: We all love decorating our Christmas trees with shiny ornaments, but these can also pose a threat to your pet. The sparkling ball ornaments and glass icicles can be easily knocked off and broken, causing sharp glass to scatter all over the floor. This can cause severe injuries to your pet if they step on the broken glass or ingest it. To keep your pet safe, make sure to hang these ornaments on higher branches of the tree that are out of reach for your pet.

Water in the Christmas Tree Stand: The Christmas tree stand holds water that is meant to keep the tree fresh throughout the festive season. However, this stagnant water can be contaminated with bacteria and plant sap, making it toxic to your pet. Ingesting this water can cause severe vomiting, diarrhea, and even abdominal pain in your pet. To keep this water out of reach for your pet, consider covering the tree stand or placing it in a room where your pet is not allowed.

Chocolate Decorations: Chocolates and sweets are an essential part of our festive celebrations, but they can be hazardous to our pets. Ingesting chocolate can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and an increased heart rate in your pet. Make sure to keep all the chocolate decorations out of reach for your pet, and store them safely in a cupboard or sealed container.

Evergreen Plants and Poinsettias: Evergreen plants and poinsettias are popular festive plants that many of us have in our homes. However, they are toxic to our pets and can cause nausea, vomiting, and salivation if ingested. If your pet is prone to eating plants, make sure to keep these plants out of reach for them or choose a pet-friendly alternative.

Christmas is supposed to be a joyful time for us and our pets. By being aware of these festive hazards, you can take the necessary steps to keep your furry friend safe and ensure a happy and healthy festive season for everyone.