Christmas
trees, holiday lights, candles, tinsel, poinsettias; the holidays are a magical
time with decorations galore! Knowing what can harm your pets is important when
deciding how to decorate your home for this wonderful time of year. There are
certain decorations that should be avoided completely depending on the pet you
have, so educate yourself and avoid having a giant holiday mishap this year!
Christmas
trees are a staple in many homes during the holiday season. Our Christmas trees
sit in stagnant water throughout the season so they do not go bad. This water
is a breeding ground for bacteria and should not be ingested by your pet. Keep
your pets away from this water as it could cause an upset tummy with diarrhea
or nausea. Using a tree skirt to cover the water may help keep them away from
the threat. Other plants like holly and mistletoe can cause gastrointestinal
upset and cardiovascular problems in dogs and cats. Many varieties of lilies
can cause acute kidney failure in cats if ingested. Instead, opt for artificial
plants made from silk or plastic.
Tinsel
is a very common decoration used during the holidays. This beautiful, sparkly,
light weight decoration is especially enticing to our feline friends. While
they may look cute playing with tinsel, it can be extremely dangerous. Playing
can lead to chewing, which can then lead to swallowing. If your cat ingests
tinsel it can cause a life threatening obstruction in the digestive tract.
Avoid using tinsel if your share your home with felines.
Holiday decorations warm
our homes and hearts. Knowing what can be potentially dangerous to our furry
companions means a happy and healthy holiday season for all!
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