Pet-Friendly Holiday Decorations

The holiday season is upon us and many people have started to decorate their homes with festive holiday decorations. Whether you are pulling out last year's decorations and dusting them off before putting them up around your home, or going shopping for brand new holiday decorations this year, you will need to keep your pets in mind and choose holiday decor that is pet-friendly.

Here are a few great pet-friendly holiday decorating ideas:

*Mind the Plants

During the holidays plants, such as mistletoe and poinsettias, are commonly used to decorate hallways, entrance ways and even the dining table as a centerpiece. However, poinsettias are extremely toxic to cats and should be avoided. Mistletoe is toxic to dogs and can cause severe upset tummy problems. Opt instead for fake mistletoe or poinsettias.

*Out of Reach

When setting up your holiday decorations, keep in mind that your pet will most probably be safer if he or she cannot reach the decorations at all. Therefore it is advisable for your to hang your decorations as high as possible so that they are out of your pet's reach. Avoid placing ornaments around the bottom of your tree or on shelves that are too easy for your cat to jump on.

*Decorating the Tree

Place more valuable ornaments and other decorations toward the top of your tree, or at least above your dog's snout! Swallowing any tinsel or other type of tree trimming could cause an intestinal blockage in your dog.

If you are using a fresh cut tree or a living tree, make sure that your pet does not drink from the tree water. The longer the tree sits in water, the more bacteria it will attract. Some trees even have pesticide residue that can cause serious harm to a thirsty pet. Always keep your pet's water bowl fill with fresh water.

*Power Cords

Because of all the extra twinkling lights, there will be extra power cords and extension cables around your home during the holidays. Carefully inspect them and throw away any that have exposed or frayed wires. Dogs, especially puppies, love to chew and an extension cord, or any other type of electrical cord, is a big temptation for them. But they are an even worse hazard if they are chewed on. Your dog, or any other pet, can become electrocuted if they were to chew on an electrical cord. Be sure to place cords out of reach and use electrical outlets that are as high up your wall as possible.

*Avoid Edible Decorations

The holidays are a great time to make edible decorations, such as gingerbread houses, especially with young children. However, dogs have a keen sense of smell and once they realize that a decoration is actually food, they will most certainly try to eat it. Skip putting popcorn string on your tree this year, or at least place them high enough that your pet cannot reach them.

Consider making special holiday cookies just for your dog or cat to enjoy!

*Decorations

When choosing how and where to put up other decorations around your home, try to use ornaments and decorations that are made from solid wood, plastic or metal. Avoid decorations that have tiny parts that can fall off. Watch out for those small light bulbs and hooks. Pets are usually very curious creatures and they certainly don’t take the holiday off!

*Don't Forget your Pet's Decorations!

Walk into any pet store during the holiday season and you will find holiday toys, decorations and attire especially for pets. Buy a few toys for the dog or cat in your life and give it to them to play with whilst you are busy hanging up the decorations around your home. As soon as you notice your pet trying to play or eat a decoration, quickly give him one of his special holiday toys to play with instead.

Photo Credit: Emery_Way