Keep cats and dogs away from the Christmas tree

Just like humans, cats and dogs like shiny things, wrapped gifts, and munching on snacks. At this time of year the temptations are numerous.

However, keeping them away from the Christmas tree (or any holiday decoration) can be like teaching them a new trick.

How do you keep your tree pet free? Use these 10 tips to keep everyone happy all season long.

1. Tryou fake tree You can’t just use she Year for year, but they won’t have any of those pesky pine needles that might land yours domestic animal in the pet ER when eaten. Cats are particularly curious, so they’ll look at anything worth exploring. Even the strong smells can be a problem for Their furry friends, especially if they have asthma or trachea problems (common in older dogs).
2. Prevent jumping. A tree can seem like a giant activity center for pets. Keep your tree away Furniture they could use as a starting point to get to this tree and possibly knock over. This isn’t as much of a problem with older pets, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. You can also try a smaller table tree, which is less dangerous if it tips over.
3. Secure the tree.KIDs and pets see a tree and think, “I should touch that! I should draw this!” But there are things you can do to prevent a dangerous tree from falling. Use a heavy tree base and make sure it’s safe. And aAttach the tree to hooks on the wall or ceiling wwith fishing line or ropes (decorative ones can be bought during the holiday season).
4. cover the water. not your pet know the difference between her own water bowl and the one at the foot of the tree this may have toxic fertilizers and breed harmful bacteria. TSeawater can cause nausea or diarrhea if Your pet drinks it. Cover water with a velcro or other cover so pets can’t drink it.
5. Make your tree boring and uncomfortable (for your pets!).Cats love glittery things, so skip the tinsel. It is harmful to cat stomachs. Cats and dogs don’t like the smell of citrus fruits. They also don’t like aluminum foil. A tip: wrap the base of your tree in foil and line it with orange or lemon peels. Just be wary of the strong odors if your pet has asthma or tracheal problems. Talk to your vet if you are unsure.
6. Keep your furry friends active.Make sure yours Pets have a lot to do while you do it Christmas baking and online shopping. “Keeping you [cats and dogs] – especially for the younger ones it is important to keep busy and allow them to get all their energy out,” says Kim Johnson, DVM, an emergency vet in Ventura, APPROX. andsays Johnson, despite having lots of toys and activities of your own, never leave your pet around unsupervised Tree.
7. Watch out for glass and lights. Ornaments look like fun toys to cats. Glass from a broken ornament can cut your feline family member or damage their delicate digestive tract tract when eaten. “I challenge my clients to move them about 3 feet higher up the tree,” says Johnson. They will be harder to wipe for furry paws. This also applies to lights, Johnson says, which can cause shock and organ failure if chewed by your kitty.
8. Avoid that ‘HOh Alonely‘ problem. Don’t leave your pets alone with the tree—or lit candles, unattended food, or holiday plants. “No matter how old your pet is, they have the brains of a 2- or 3-year-old toddler,” says Johnson. “Think humanly about it. You wouldn’t leave your toddler alone around the Christmas tree, so it’s the same for cats and dogs.”
9. Consider a pet fence around the tree. You can use a small indoor fence to surround that Tree to keep little paws from getting near. You can pBuy one at your local pet store or online if you don’t already have one. They come in all shapes and sizes – even clear plexiglass so pets (and kids) can see but not touch! But talk to your vet first – thesee momy not practical for particularly large or athletic pets.
10. Go wild – go treeless. You can create your own pet-safe centerpiece to replace a traditional tree. Look online for creative ideas using metal, wood or even a collection of Christmas cards arranged in the shape of a tree. It could become your tradition – and certainly a party theme – for years to come.