Christmas And Pets – The Dangers and Delights

Christmas is a fun time for the family. There are delicate ornaments, coloured tinsel, and sparkly lights everywhere. And don’t get us started on the treats and candies specific for the holiday season. All these things make Christmas fun for everyone, including our pets.

For many of us, putting up the Christmas tree is a special thing to do together. And our pets agree, especially cats who find it so much fun they may even launch themselves at the tree, which contains many of their favourite decorations. In their minds, the tree sparkles, sings, and possibly takes up some of their space.

So before you start lining up the decorations this year, take a few minutes to read these Christmas tree pet-safety tips. And, enjoy this special time with your pet. Please make sure they have plenty of water, shade and love during the holiday season.

1.     Watch your Pet if they’re Rockin’ around the Tree

Live fir trees can be dangerous for your furry companion. Dogs and cats may enjoy chewing on the tree’s branches, and the oil produced by the fir tree can irritate their mouth, causing symptoms like vomiting or drooling.

Some cats or dogs do not discriminate and chew on the branches of both live and artificial trees. If your furbaby chews on a branch, there’s a chance she or he will swallow some of the tree’s needles. Live or artificial fir and pine needles can puncture the lining of the intestinal tract or they can bunch together and cause intestinal obstructions. Both the punctures and the obstructions can have serious consequences.

While some pets aren’t interested in chewing on fake trees, they might be interested in gift wrapped food under the tree.  Make sure any food presents, like chocolate, is stored up high, out of reach of your pooch or pussycat. Remember, chocolate is toxic to pets, especially dogs. And, if you’ve put some yummy liver treats under the tree for your pet, store that up high too as we don’t want your loved one to swallow any packaging as they forage for the good stuff inside the present.

2.     Avoid Fake Snow (Flocking)

Flocking is a popular tree decoration which imitates snow. While this decoration might make your tree look great, you should know that flocking can cause serious health problems when swallowed.

So please, avoid flocking if you have curious pets in the home.

3.     Place The Christmas Lights Strategically

Christmas lights are delightful, but they’re also intriguing for our furry friends. They light up from time to time and they make noises, so our pets have to find out what’s up with them. And there’s no better way of finding out how something works than chewing it.

Electric cord injuries damage the mouth tissue, and they can lead to severe long-term eating problems. In addition, chewed electric light cords are also a fire hazard. They may also become tangled in lights as they attack the shiny objects.

You should place the lights away from the bottom of the tree so your fur baby can’t access them easily.

4.     Avoid Tinsel Down Low

Tinsel is shiny metal or plastic decoration that mimics ice. Tinsel is a very dangerous tree decoration because it’s strong and can lodge itself in the stomach or intestines, causing obstructions.

You can create an area to display delicate ornaments like tinsel somewhere your cat or dog won’t be able to reach.

What To Do If Your Pet Feels Sick This Holiday Season

Take your pet to the veterinarian as soon as you notice something is wrong.

If you’re looking for a vet in the Sydney area, you can find us at 653 Princes Highway, Blakehurst. Our phone number is 9547 2750 or you can book a consult here.

HOLIDAY HOURS

24 December – 7.30am-5pm

25 & 26 December – CLOSED

31 December – 7.30am-5pm

1 January – CLOSED

28 January – CLOSED

Otherwise, it’s business as usual.

Have a safe and happy Christmas!