Holiday Hazards: Keeping Our Furry Friends Safe Around Christmas Decorations
As the holiday season approaches, it's time to deck the halls with boughs of holly, twinkling lights, and an array of ornament-filled Christmas trees. However, amidst the festive cheer, we at The Hungry Puppy urge you to remember the safety of your beloved pets. Christmas decorations, while beautiful, can pose several hazards to your furry friends. Here are some tips to keep them safe and sound this holiday season.
First and foremost, keep your Christmas tree secure. Dogs, especially puppies, are often fascinated by the twinkling lights and the shiny ornaments. Cats are known climbers and may be tempted to scale your beautiful tree. To avoid any accidents, ensure your tree is stable and consider using a pet gate to restrict access.
When it comes to ornaments, we recommend placing the fragile or valuable ones out of reach or skipping them entirely. They can easily break, posing a risk of injury to your pets. Instead, opt for pet-friendly ornaments made from materials like wood or felt. Brands like HuggleHounds offer a fantastic range of pet toys that can be used as safe decorations. Their holiday-themed plush toys, available on our website, double as perfect playthings for your pets and adorable ornaments.
Tinsel and garland are other common holiday hazards. Pets, especially cats, are attracted to these shiny, dangly decorations. But if ingested, these can cause serious digestive issues. Try using pet-safe alternatives or keep them out of your pet's reach.
While we all love the glow of festive holiday lights, they can pose a risk of electric shock or burns if your pet chews through the wires. Try to keep cords and plugs hidden or covered. Consider investing in chew deterrents such as Grannick’s Bitter Apple Spray, a non-toxic but bitter-tasting spray that can discourage curious pets from chewing on electrical cords.
Christmas plants like poinsettias, holly, and mistletoe can be toxic to pets if ingested. Opt for pet-safe plants or artificial versions to keep your home festive and your pets safe.
During the holiday season, don't forget to maintain your pet's regular feeding and exercise routine. Overindulgence in holiday foods can lead to upset stomachs and unwanted weight gain. At The Hungry Puppy, we provide a wide range of top-quality pet foods from popular brands like Taste of the Wild, Blue Buffalo, and Merrick, ensuring your pet's diet stays balanced even during the festive season.
Remember, the holiday season is all about spending quality time with our loved ones, and that includes our pets. Keeping these safety tips in mind will ensure that your furry friends can join in the fun without any risks.
Here at The Hungry Puppy, we strive to provide the best for your pets. Whether you need pet food, supplies, or advice, we're here to help. With options for in-store shopping, curbside pickup, FREE Local Delivery, and Nationwide Shipping, we're your one-stop-shop for all your pet needs. Have a safe and merry holiday season!
And for those who have lost their furry friends, we invite you to our Rainbow Bridge Pet Memorial Park. Here, you can paint a memorial rock to place in our rock garden, a beautiful way to remember your pets during the holiday season.