paws off the pine: keeping your pet safe around holiday trees

Hi, it’s Heidi Cooley, DVM, again. In my series on holiday pet safety, I want to discuss holiday trees. 

They’re a staple in many homes during the holiday season. Whether artificial or freshly cut, they make a festive and sparkling addition to the household. But if you have pets, it’s important you understand tree safety. While it’s generally OK for your furry little elf to be around a tree, there are still a few things you need to watch out for.  

Dangers of holiday trees

While common holiday trees such as fir, spruce, and pine are nontoxic to pets, their needles or sap can cause gastrointestinal issues if ingested. Likewise, if you use a preservative in the water to keep your tree fresh, that water can cause tummy issues. Artificial trees? Same idea. Those poky fake needles can upset your dog's or cat’s stomach or intestines if ingested. Additionally, curious dogs or cats can knock trees over and hurt themselves. Whether you have a real or fake tree, consider putting a baby gate around it to keep your pet away. 

 

Other tree dangers to keep an eye out for: 

• Broken or small ornaments: The last thing you need is for your pet to step on a piece of glass or ingest a small plastic figurine. Invest in shatterproof ornaments and set them high on the tree. 
• Tinsel: These sparkly foil strands and fun-colored garlands should be kept out of reach of your inquisitive pets. If ingested, bits of foil can get stuck in your pet’s gastrointestinal tract and cause a blockage that might require surgery.
• String lights: If your dog or cat likes to nibble on wires string lights, they run the risk of electrocuting themselves. So place string lights out of your pet’s reach or cover the cord with PVC piping. 

 

Other winter plants to watch out for

In addition to holiday trees, people often decorate their homes with other winter plants. Holly, mistletoe, lilies, and poinsettias can cause serious gastrointestinal issues, seizures, and even death if ingested in large quantities. If you have a curious pup or feline in your household, it’s safer to avoid having these plants in the house altogether. Christmas cactus is a safe, nontoxic winter plant to have in your home, but that doesn’t mean you should let your pet chow down on it. If your pet chews on a plant and you’re not sure about its toxicity level, please call your vet right away.