Christmas Tree Safety: Pet Proof Your Tree

Email this| Posted Nov 11th 2009 4:00PM by Sandy Maple

Pets love Christmas trees, too! Photo: azrainman, Flickr

As beautiful as a Christmas tree is to look at, it is also a magnet for pets. Whether they are climbing it, toppling it, or attempting to eat it, pets love Christmas trees. Live or artificial, you are going to need a plan for protecting your tree from the wild animals who inhabit your home. Here are some simple tips for pet-proofing your Christmas tree this year.

Avoid tinsel. Cats find it delicious and fun to chew, but it can cause serious damage to their digestive systems.
That pan of water that is keeping your tree from drying out can be very attractive to thirsty pets. But that sticky water can also make them very sick. Discourage drinking by cutting a piece of screen or other sturdy mesh fabric to fit and duct tape it over the pan. This will keep little tongues out while still allowing you to replenish the water supply.
Cats love to bat balls around -- especially bright, shiny ones that are attached to a Christmas tree. Prevent breakage and possible injury by decorating your tree with plastic or wooden ornaments.
That little metal stand that is holding your tree in the vertical position is no match for a rowdy pet with a running start. Get rid of it and invest in a large, sturdy tree stand. For extra protection, attach a string of fishing line from the top of the tree to a small hook in the ceiling.
Puppies like to chew on things and those lower limbs of your Christmas tree may prove irresistible even to the most well-behaved little dog. Surrounding your tree with a baby pen might not be the most attractive solution, but is surely the safest. Otherwise, don't allow your puppy to be alone in the same room as the Christmas tree.
To discourage chewing on your light cords, spray them with bitter apple. Unplug the lights when not in use.
Clean up fallen needles regularly. Some dogs will eat just about anything and these sharp pine needles can cause internal injuries if ingested.
Don't decorate with edible ornaments. If it smells like food, a determined pet will find a way to reach it.

geneskillet4 11-28-2009 @ 4:40PM

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Red 11-28-2009 @ 4:53PM

It isn't just cats and dogs that can get in trouble with a Christmas tree or destroy the tree. Do not let your ferrets around the trees. They can do just as much damage to a tree as other pets and also get very sick from trying to eat/drink things from the tree. Ferrets are much harder to catch than a dog or a cat. Ferrets love to attack plants and small trees. My ferrets do.

Mikey 11-28-2009 @ 5:13PM

Keep the varmints in the yard where they BELONG!!! I love my dog but NOT in my house with fleas and other animal parasites. Also dog/ cat hair floating around all over the place INCLUDING the kitchen table and pots on stove!. Keep'm in the yard and they won't screw up your decorations inside. :)

Jennifer 11-28-2009 @ 5:57PM

Why do you even own a dog if you don't welcome it into your home. If the dog is always outside, he or she is spending the vast majority of his or her life separated from you and your family. That is cruel. A dog should be welcomed as a member of your family, and all members of a family should be kept together. You are not a pet owner. You just bought a dog. Give him to someone who will welcome him into their family.

Tina 11-28-2009 @ 7:36PM

There is a way to solve that problem............clean your house! I have pets and I don't have that problem, so instead of kicking your pets outdoors, pick up a broom and clean!!!!!!

pattyfiv6 11-28-2009 @ 7:52PM

Obviously you do not want the responsibility of being a pet parent. A pet, dog or cat, is not supposed to be kept outside, especially in cold weather. They are to have adequate & warm shelter, plenty of food & water & love. Neither should you use a chain, collar or rope on the dog. These can become embedded in their necks & requires extensive surgery to have them removed.
As for fleas & other parasites, you must take them to a vet. This will keep the fleas, ticks & other parasites from bothering your dog. In many cases, the pet will also develop a condition called mange. Depending on the type of mange, it may or may not be treatable.
Also, you can be charged with animal cruelty for treating your pet this way. In many states, it will cost you a big fine & time in jail.
By the way, how would you like to be treated the same way you treat your dog or cat? I don't think you would like it very much.

tinkerbelle 11-28-2009 @ 9:31PM

You really aren't much of a pet lover are you? ALL my animals - 4 cats and 2 dogs stay inside - they are allowed on my furniture and in bed with me. They are all very well trained and behaved. I get lots of enjoyment out of them and the best part - unlike men I've known - they love me unconditionally.

kc6iih 11-28-2009 @ 5:40PM

The only good cat is a DEAD CAT.

laura 11-28-2009 @ 6:30PM

you poor uneducated fool

pattyfiv6 11-28-2009 @ 7:42PM

Cats make the most wonderful pets. They are loving, playful & can keep you laughing for hours.
You must have been a mouse in another life if you do not like cats. By the way, you are the one who should be dead.

TurnOffTheBoobTube 11-28-2009 @ 7:58PM

kc6iih, a creep like you deserves no pets. If you can't show some care to a poor, defenseless animal, then you are nothing but a stupid coward.

My guess is you don't like women either. They say cats are like women. I'd rather have my cats than a man like you.

sandy 11-29-2009 @ 2:43AM

you're plain mean, i have 2 cats , i love dearly, they are so much better than a man like you. get a life.

jolly 11-29-2009 @ 2:33PM

THATS NOT NICE TO SAY!!
I have a cat, he's 15 yrs old. I love him like if I had a child. He loves my Christmas Tree!
When he's in on of his cat nip moods and around the tree........watch out! It sometimes feels like the tree will topple. When I decorate, I put the non breakables with in his reaching, and the breakables up high. He loves the lights. He doesnt chew the cord, he only tries to get the lights off the tree.

Beverly 11-28-2009 @ 6:26PM

Dogs and cats are meant to be inside and cared for, If your dog has fleas and parasites you are not caring for it properly and do not deserve to have it. Please consider letting a rescue take him or her off your hands or allow someone loving to enjoy its companionship. I hope you enjoy your clean lonely house.

petfriendly 11-28-2009 @ 6:38PM

kc6iih...you make a good argument for abortion !!! Keep your mouth shut and maybe people won't realize how ignorant you are...

jbjg24m 11-28-2009 @ 6:37PM

kc6iih 11-28-2009 @ 5:40PM
The only good cat is a DEAD CAT.
--------------------------------------------
u r an idiot for making such a comment !


Tina 11-28-2009 @ 7:43PM

You are an idiot.....................did it ever occur to you that maybe its not the animals fault, but the owners????

jbjg24m 11-28-2009 @ 6:46PM

kc6iih 11-28-2009 @ 5:40PM
The only good cat is a DEAD CAT.
-------------------------------
u r a prime example of somebody who evidently was attacked by a cat and now u have hard feelings towards them ! idiot !

Kat 11-28-2009 @ 6:58PM

Last year I saved some kittens from a parking lot, and down went my tree. got a spray water bottle and sprayed them when they went to attack it. Then I went to the restroom came back the tree was down and peed on. Learned a lesson my cats rule the house and not me. I put the tree away and will not have one this year.

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