When the weather outside is frightful, home décor often becomes delightful. While there are many exciting decorations to put on display over the winter season, some of the most popular items can be dangerous for pets. If you own a cat or dog, here are five common winter decorations you should avoid if you want to steer clear of emergency vet visits.

What Types of Winter Décor Should Pet Owners Avoid?

1. Candles

Candles are an excellent way to bring warmth and light into a home. However, if your cat or dog gets too close to the open flame, they may suffer burns that require treatment from an emergency vet. In other cases, animals may knock lit candles over and spark a fire. To keep your home fire-free, opt for battery-powered candles.

2. Mistletoe and Holly Berries

Mistletoe and holly berries are extremely dangerous to animals. Commonly found in wreaths, these poisonous plants can cause a variety of adverse—and potentially life-threatening—reactions—including respiratory problems, digestive distress, decreased blood pressure, and seizures. Rather than putting your pet at risk, keep this festive foliage out of your home and decorate with safe alternatives that look similar—such as Christmas cactus and autumn olive.  

3. Poinsettias

When it comes to winter pet care, poinsettias are notoriously bad choices for interior decor. While these bright, red flowers aren’t as dangerous as some may believe, your cat or dog still shouldn’t eat them. When ingested, this plant can trigger allergic reactions around the mouth, as well as digestive discomfort. This can lead to an accident in the house and a pet that is cranky or aggressive. To avoid stomach troubles, try decorating with seasonal flowers that aren’t toxic to animals—such as roses or petunias.

4. Holiday Lights

If you brighten your home with electric string lights, take care to keep them out of reach of your four-legged friend. Curious pets will often chew on these cords, putting themselves at risk of electrocution. This tampering could also increase the risk of an electrical fire. Keep them out of highly-trafficked areas, or choose cords that are braided and harder to chew on.

5. Fake Snow

Imitation snow is often used to give wreaths and trees an extra-special winter touch. Unfortunately, many animals will chew on branches and end up ingesting the fake snow in the process. If your pet eats too much of it, this synthetic substance could prove toxic. A buildup of plastic in their stomach could lead to blockages that might need to be addressed through surgery. For this reason, you should avoid this decorative product altogether.

If you’re worried about your pet’s health this winter, Clermont Animal Hospital is prepared to help. Located in Batavia, OH, this veterinary clinic is equipped to handle urgent matters—such as poisoning, injuries, and burns—with confidence. In addition to emergency vet services, this animal hospital provides routine wellness exams and pet vaccinations to optimize your companion’s health, no matter the season. To learn more about their state-of-the-art resources and compassionate care, visit this Clermont County veterinarian online. For appointments, call (513) 732-1730.