Christmas decorations are starting to appear around the nation as the holiday season approaches its peak to provide a little happiness and merriment before the big day.
Although some decorations are lovely to look at, a professional has cautioned that some could be fatal to dogs.
Dr. Linda Simon, the in-house veterinarian at Pooch & Mutt, has issued a few cautions on some decorations that could necessitate medical attention or even be deadly.
Here is a list of dangers to be aware of:
The Christmas tree
The Christmas tree may be the most significant ornament of all. For many people, buying a real tree is not an option. Thankfully, most live Christmas trees, such as fir, pine, and spruce, are safe for dogs.
Real and toxic-free trees do come with some concerns, though. The largest problem is falling needles, which can irritate your pet’s mouth, get trapped in their paws, and upset their stomach if they eat a lot of them.
Your dog could get sick or, in the worst case scenario, die if they drink poisonous water from the plant pot or plate if you water your tree with fertilizer or plant food.
If you’re unsure that you can teach your dog to avoid these risks that trees pose, it could be better to choose a fake tree. If that isn’t an option, then invest in a tree barricade to keep your dog away from trees.
Glass Baubles
Plastic ornaments might be the best choice if there are wagging tails and curious lips nearby, despite not always being the most appealing.
Fine glass ornaments provide a substantial risk if they break due to a dog’s mouthing or a fallen ornament.
For reasons, ingesting any broken parts could be uncomfortable and harmful. The least serious outcome is likely to be cut in the mouth or on the paws, with throat and internal lacerations being the worst-case scenario.
Natural Garlands
Natural garlands are another common holiday adornment and are often hung over a fireplace. Garlands may be quite alluring for a curious dog to tug or bite on if they are hanging too low.
While the majority don’t provide a significant risk, remember that holly and mistletoe are toxic to dogs and can be lethal if fed in huge amounts.
Fake Snow
Many artificial trees come with a picturesque sprinkling of fake snow, but if it gets into your dog’s stomach, it’s not so nice.
Although the components of fake snow vary, some of them can be poisonous to dogs, therefore stay away from artificial trees that are “snow-covered” and opt instead for trees with bare branches.
Edible Decorations
Children love chocolate Christmas ornaments, but beware—your four-legged pals might also want to take a peek.
It is crucial to make sure your dog doesn’t get their paws on any chocolate because it is well-known that dogs cannot tolerate it.
Source: Irish Mirror
