Dangerous Christmas Decorations for Pets

Before we share each type of Christmas decoration and the risks they pose to pets, there are some general considerations we need to make. One of the most common decorative items during the festive period is the Christmas tree. Not only does it provide danger on its own, but it is adorned with various elements which can pose a risk to companion animals.

We need to ensure we place the Christmas tree somewhere which best prevents access. This is something which can be difficult since we like to keep both the animals and the tree in a common living area. If a dog is able to access the tree, it is possible they can knock it over, either by accident or on purpose. Their size, agility and inquisitiveness are also important risk factors.

Cats are particularly found of Christmas trees and other decorations. Cats like to be up in high places, so they will often climb the tree simply to be able to survey the area. The branches are also very appealing. Many cats will try to bat them or jump up as if they were trying to catch them. Christmas trees and other decorations often stimulate the hunting instinct of cats.

All animals are individuals and will react to the tree in different ways. Many dogs will not have any interest in the tree and will leave it alone. Others may find it fascinating and keep trying to pull at it or run around it. This is especially the case with young dogs and puppies which tend to be more curious and playful. It is very important we do not allow pets to stay in the same room unsupervised. Kittens are often too small to do much damage, but they can still put down a tree if it is light enough.

Outside Christmas decorations can also provide a safety issue for pets, especially dogs. Dogs are often very excited when they leave the home. If we keep lots of decorations outside the door or on the porch, it is possible the dog will run into them in their excitement. We may need to keep them on leash when we leave or otherwise restrict access.

Twinkling and colorful Christmas lights are some of the most popular types of Christmas decoration. They are often wrapped around the tree to mimic traditional candles. They can also be strung along the stairs or even put up along the exterior of the house. While they can be spectacular, they can also be one of the most unsafe Christmas decorations for pets.

Dogs use their mouths to interact with their environment. Many dog toys are designed with this in mind. Chew toys help to redirect destructive behavior, often being brightly colored or mimicking prey animals to make them more appealing. To a dog's mind, a string of Christmas lights can feel like the ultimate toy. They can pull or chew on it as if they would a rope toy.

Cats can also want to play with Christmas lights as if they were a toy. In the wild, cats will hunt small animals such as stoats or snakes. A string of lights can resemble these animals or at least stimulate the feline hunting instinct enough to make them want to play with them. We may associate chewing cables with dogs, but cats will do it just the same.

Since the lights are electrified, chewing on them can be very dangerous, both to the animal and other members of the home. They also contain brittle elements made of glass and plastic which can also pose significant risk. They can ingest broken pieces of sharp material which cause internal damage.

For these reasons, it is very important we keep lights out of reach of dogs and cats. In addition to restricting access to the tree, we should string them up very high. Cables and plugs should also be kept out of reach. When they are not in use, we must unplug the Christmas lights. This not only helps to keep the animals safe, but it conserves energy.

Learn why a dog keeps eating everything in sight with our related article.

Cats are particularly fond of playing with Christmas baubles, but dogs can love them too. It won't be hard to imagine if you have seen a dog with a tennis ball. Similar to twinkling lights, shiny baubles can be attractive to a pet. They may think they are a toy, taking them off the tree or other places to try to play with them.

Many baubles are made from brittle plastic, ceramic or even glass. If a dog is able to grab them with their mouth, they can shatter can cause a choking hazard. If we insist on using these types of baubles, we need to place them high out of reach of the dog. This will depend largely on the size of the dog and their ability to climb.

Alternatively, you can use other types of Christmas tree decorations which are safe for pets. These include those made from felt or cotton which can be made into various beautiful hanging decorations. You can even make your own if you have the time to get creative. While these are safer, they are often very attractive to cats since they like to scratch their claws in these types of materials.

If you are looking to give your pet a present this Christmas, learn how to make easy DIY toys for dogs with our helpful guide.

Tinsel is one of the most attractive Christmas decorations to cats. You might as well hang cat toys off your Christmas tree, such is their appeal. Many people have trouble with cats pulling down Christmas trees as they try to attack the tinsel. Since cats are more agile, they can also try to rip tinsel down if it is being used to decorate walls, shelves or similar high spaces.

Dogs can also want to play with tinsel, pulling it off the tree or treating it like a rope toy. However, they may also be more inclined to eat it. It is fairly common for veterinarians around the holidays to have to remove tinsel from a dog's stomach because they have eaten many feet of it. Ingesting tinsel not only causes a choking hazard or potential blockage, but the material from which it is made may be toxic to the dog.

Since tinsel, ribbons and similar Christmas decorations are so appealing to dogs and cats, we need to be especially careful keeping them out of reach. It is one of the most common problems that pet owners can face over the holidays. You should also check their stool regularly and monitor for any signs of intestinal blockage in the dog or cat.

While some Christmas decorations are dangerous because of choking hazards, electrical shocks or even pulling down the Christmas tree, candles can lead to a fire. Centerpieces are common on the table for Christmas dinner, but many other decorations may use candles in their design. Many cats can be very curious, evening trying to play with the flame. This can cause harm to the cat since their fur can easily catch fire.

Dogs may play with candles, but they also have an instinctual fear of fire. Instead of playing with them, they might bark at it or try to put it out. Even if they don't notice the candle, some dogs may knock over a centerpiece with a candle on it. This can create a fire hazard for the entire home and even result in a devastating tragedy.

Fire and pets do not go together. Always keep them out of reach and never leave a lit candle unsupervised. This should apply to homes with or without pets, but having animals in the home can increase the danger.

Some of the most toxic plants for dogs and cats are those which are popular during the festive season. Plants such as poinsettia, holly and mistletoe are common during Christmas, but all are toxic to cats and dogs. Their toxicity can vary for each animal and different parts of the plant may be toxic, such as leaves, flowers or berries. If the animal ingests them, they can experience severe gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting and diarrhea.

If you decide to decorate your home with any of these plants, you need to keep them out of reach of your pets. Before you bring any plant into the home, always check the toxicity for any animal with which you live.

Learn what to do if your cat ate poinsettia leaves with our related guide.

We have already explained what to do with each of these dangerous Christmas decorations for pets. However, we provide the following general tips on how to keep cats and dogs away from Christmas decorations:

• Use physical barriers: where you place a Christmas tree or other holiday decorations will be very important. You may be able to arrange the furniture or place the tree in a strategic way to limit access for pets. This may be easier for dogs than cats, but it will depend on their agility and curiosity. A pet gate may be a suitable way to prevent access. You should also anchor the tree well to help avoid it falling over.
• Training: while this is more difficult for cats, you can use behavioral modification techniques to stop dogs from trying to take decorations. Use positive reinforcement and avoid scolding for safe and effective training.
• Repellents: do not use harmful chemical repellents which can cause injury to the cat or dog. Safe repellents such as citrus sprays or vinegar solution may be helpful. Placing aluminum or even sticky tape might be effective in keeping a cat away from areas in the home with a lot of decorations. Learn about the smells cats hate the most with our related guide.
• Cable protectors: since cables and wires are particularly dangerous, you can use cable protectors to prevent the animal from chewing them.
• Alternative decorations: use pet-friendly decorations. These are decorations which are either unappealing to the animal or which will not cause any harm if they interact with them.

Ensure you consider your pets at Christmas time. Think about what dangers there may be in the home and ensure you protect any animals from them.

If you want to read similar articles to Dangerous Christmas Decorations for Pets, we recommend you visit our Facts about the animal kingdom category.