Christmas Trees

PAWSITIVELY HELPFUL PET TIPS

WITH DR. DEB

"CHRISTMAS TREE"

^SECURELY ANCHOR your Christmas tree so it doesn't tip and fall.  A corner location away from close furniture may make the new indoor playground more difficult to reach for cats and small dogs.  You can try tethering the tree to the wall or ceiling using fishing line and eye hooks.

^Consider using dog pen panels to BARRICADE THE TREE from young pups.

^Some types of pine needles or cones from live trees can cause mouth or stomach irritation if ingested by cats or dogs.  Even needles, wires, and tips of artificial tree limbs can lead to GI UPSET AND INTESTINAL BLOCKAGE.

^Remember to COVER WATER RESERVOIRS FOR LIVE TREES.  The tree water may contain sugary preservatives that attract pets.  The standing water can also be a breeding ground for bacteria, as well as possibly containing fertilizers, insecticides or flame retardants toxic to pets.

^LIGHTS placed on the tree should be unplugged at night, and when they're on, check them often to be sure there are no damaged areas from pets' chewing.  Electric shock can occur, with signs of salivation, pawing at the mouth, and/or signs of mental or physical impairment.

"TINSEL, ANGEL HAIR, FLOCKING, EDIBLE GARLAND (popcorn, cranberry, or raisin strings) and ARTIFICIAL SNOW"

^AVOID THESE ALL TOGETHER in households with pets.  These items can lead to mouth and stomach irritation, and tinsel ingestion commonly results in intestinal obstructions and/or choking.  The tree can also be toxic.

"ORNAMENTS"

^SECURE ALL ORNAMENTS to the tree so they can't easily fall if the tree is shaken.

^Fabric-type ornaments can pose a CHOKING OR INTESTINAL BLOCKAGE hazard.

^Shards from BROKEN GLASS-TYPE ORNAMENTS can injure paws, mouths or other parts of the body, as well as causing potential intestinal injuries.