Tips to Dog-Proof your Christmas Tree
Dogs and Christmas trees do not go together. Decorated trees with their breakable ornaments and electric lights can be hazardous to dogs and also… curious dogs can be a hazard to Christmas trees.
Don’t worry, you can still have a Christmas tree! You just need to take some precautions.
Your dog with his/her wagging tail can be dangerous to delicate Christmas decorations. Broken decorations may be a choking hazard or cause paw or mouth injuries.
Bright, shiny lights are hard to resist, but they can be dangerous to your dog. Not only can your dog get tangled in the wires, but if she’s a chewer, there’s a risk of electrical shock. If you put lights on your Christmas tree, leave the bottom branches bare.You should also secure cords leading to and from the tree. Hide cords with the tree skirt or decorative package, or use adhesive-backed cord clips to keep them off the floor and out of reach.
No food on the tree. Popcorn, chocolate ornaments and sweets make beautiful decorations but they are a no-no for dogs. Chocolate is among the most dangerous foods causing vomiting, diarrhoea, increased thirst, restlessness and an increased heart rate for dogs. During the holidays, it’s important to keep sweets completely out of reach of your dog which may mean leaving it off the tree.
