Setting up a tree that you can enjoy with your whole family, including pets, is a Christmas tradition. However, a tree can harm a curious cat or dog if you’re not careful. Follow these safety guidelines to avoid needing emergency trips to an animal clinic this holiday season. 

Do: 

Choose the tree carefully. 

You may love the look and smell of a real tree, but the pine needles can be toxic to cats and dogs and scratch their skin. An artificial one is a safer alternative. Also, choose a medium-sized tree, as it’s less likely to get knocked over on top of your animal companion.

Keep it stable. 

To keep the tree upright, tie some fishing line around it, then attach that to a bolt in the wall. Ideally, place the tree in a corner where there will be two walls for it to lean on. Also, get a firm tree stand. 

Wait to put out presents. 

Wrapping presents and placing them under the tree well in advance of Christmas creates a charming aesthetic. However, your pet might be tempted to nibble on the wrapping and whatever it contains. Hide the presents elsewhere and put them under the tree on Christmas Eve instead to keep them intact. 

Don’t: 

Decorate immediately. 

After setting up the tree, wait a few days before decorating it to give your pets time to get accustomed to it. By the time you decorate, they may already be bored with it and won’t be tempted to get into mischief. 

Use toxic ornaments. 

It may be fun to decorate with cookie ornaments, candy canes, and popcorn garlands, but all of these foods are poisonous to cats and dogs. Avoid using traditional plants, like poinsettias, holly, mistletoe, ivy, and lilies, for the same reason. 

Leave easy access to hazardous objects. 

If you put lights on your tree, your animals might try to bite through the cords, so either use battery-powered models or hide the wires. Plastic ornaments are less likely to shatter than glass versions, but if you still want glass anyway, hang them at the top of the tree.  

Resist the temptation to use real candles, as a curious animal may play with the flames and sustain burns or start a fire. Opt for artificial candles instead.

If your pets get into trouble during the holidays, take them to Ohana Veterinary Hospital in Honolulu, HI. With a commitment to comprehensive and affordable pet health care, their veterinarians are happy to help cats, dogs, and exotic animals. They even offer emergency care after hours. To check their availability, call them today at (808) 845-1762, or check out their service list online.