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12 Ways to Keep Pet Safe at Christmas

You can keep us safe this Christmas!
JOE-3PO (Joseph Vasquez) [Flickr]
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Joseph Vasquez Photography
You can keep us safe this Christmas!

Christmas decorations really add to the festive celebration of the season, but they can become hazards to the well-being of our animal companions.  So go ahead and deck the halls, but keep your pet's safety in mind.

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This weekend is traditionally considered the official start of the Christmas season. Instead of the twelve days of Christmas, here are twelve ways to keep your pet safe this holiday.

Number one – if you put up a real tree, cover the base so your pet can’t drink the water which may contain chemicals to keep the tree green.

Number two – clean up any pine needles that may fall. They are impossible to digest and can pierce your pet’s intestinal tract if eaten.

Number three – make sure your tree is stable and will stay upright if a dog runs under it or a cat tries to climb it.

Number four – hide those electrical cords from playful paws and chewing teeth by taping them down or running them underneath a tree skirt.

Number five – if you use tinsel, keep it high on the tree and out of reach of pets. It can cut a pet’s digestive tract or cause a blockage, requiring surgery.

Number six – hang fragile ornaments high and secure them to the tree. Glass ornaments may be tempting for your pet to play with, but they shatter easily and can cut a pet’s feet or even its mouth.

Number seven – speaking of ornaments, be careful that your pet doesn’t get hold of the hooks, which can cause major problems if swallowed.

Number eight – skip the artificial snow; it can be poisonous to your furry friend.

Number nine – keep the potpourri out of reach, as it can contain oils and ingredients which could make your pet quite ill.

Number ten – garlands with popcorn and berries are another decoration which may appear edible to your pet but should not be eaten.

Number eleven – a burning candle can be a fire hazard if your pet gets curious about the advent wreath, menorah, or just a decorative candle. Stick to the flameless ones and avoid a Christmas disaster.

And number twelve – mistletoe may be fun and even romantic for us humans but its berries can be poisonous for our best friends, as can holly berries. Fake greenery can be pretty and not so dangerous for animals.

So there you have it – twelve ways to keep your furry family members safe throughout the holidays so you can both have a merry Christmas, when you’re speaking of pets.

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Mindy Norton has been “Speaking of Pets” on Alabama Public Radio since 1995.
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