The last thing you need this holiday season is a trip to the emergency vet with your cat or dog. However, Christmas is one of the most dangerous times of year for your furry friends. You need to be careful when you set up decorations so that you don’t put your animal at risk.

3 Decorations That Could Send Your Pet to the Emergency Vet

1. Christmas Tree

As beautiful as a Christmas tree is, it can be dangerous for your pets. The main reason is that dogs and cats are interested in and want to play around with them. This can make the tree fall over, possibly hitting or crushing them. This might mean a visit to the emergency vet for broken bones. To ensure your Christmas tree won’t fall over, use fishing wire to secure it to a door frame or wall.

2. Ornaments & Tinsel

The tree isn’t the only danger to animals—it’s the decorations you hang on it. Broken ornaments can cause cuts on their paws or intestinal blockages if they ingest them. Tinsel is beautiful and looks like a cat toy. This shiny decor can cause intestinal blockages as well, which may require an emergency vet to perform surgery. Strung lights can also cause burns if your pet chews on them, and they could start a house fire if your animal leaves a short in the cord. Put breakable ornaments and tinsel out of reach, and turn lights off when you can’t supervise your pet.

3. Flowers & Holiday Plants

There are many plants associated with the holidays that can make your pets very sick. These include amaryllis, mistletoe, balsam, pine, cedar, and holly. Many people think poinsettias are toxic to animals, but they’ll just make your dog a little sick. Put these plants high up where your pets can’t get to them, and don’t hesitate to call an emergency vet if you discover that your furry friend has gotten into something they shouldn’t have.

Animal Health Center in Enterprise, AL, offers emergency vet services to protect your dog during the holidays. The animal hospital has been serving pets in the community for over 50 years. If your pet needs a checkup during the holiday season, they offer wellness and preventative care visits. Visit their website to see pet-parent testimonials, or call (334) 347-0544 to schedule your pet’s first appointment.