Peterborough West’s Christmas Decorating Tips

Holiday decorations add extra cheer to the home, but it’s important to keep pets safe while celebrating. With twinkling lights, dangling ornaments, and festive foliage around every corner, your furry companions can get into mischief if you’re not careful. That’s where these pet-friendly Christmas decorating tips come in. By choosing non-toxic plants, placing breakable items out of reach, and securing cords, you’ll preserve the magic while preventing accidents. According to recent findings from veterinary experts, certain seasonal plants like poinsettias and mistletoe can pose health risks, so substitutions such as faux versions or hardier alternatives are wise options. Additionally, opting for plastic or shatterproof ornaments and sturdy tree stands reduces hazards for curious pets. In this guide, you’ll discover how to transform your home into a safe and cozy holiday haven without compromising on style or tradition. Embrace a stress-free season that pleases both you and your beloved four-legged friends.

In November and December every year, many houses are decorated for the season. Christmas trees, be they artificial or real, are often among these decorations and add a special touch to our homes. Unfortunately, they can also be a source of problems for our pets. For a comprehensive guide on keeping your pets safe during the entire holiday season, check out our article on “Holiday tips!“. Now, let’s focus on Christmas decorating safety. Make sure your tree is well secured. Cats can often climb into trees and topple them over with the possibility of injuring themselves not to mention breaking those precious ornaments.

When discussing pet-friendly Christmas decorating tips, consider positioning breakable ornaments higher on the tree, where they are out of your pets’ reach. This strategy helps minimize the risk of breakage and prevents injuries from shards, ensuring both the safety of your decorations and your beloved animals. All decorations should be nontoxic and preferably not edible. Remember dogs can smell 100 times better than we can so that edible tree ornament, even placed up high, is extremely tempting for

Atticus (Ashley’s dog)! A Labradoodle was presented to an emergency clinic because she ate a gingerbread house during the holidays. Unfortunately, the house was put together with metal pins. An initial examination was performed, radiographs (X-rays) were taken, abdominal exploratory surgery was performed and 60 to 80 pins were removed from her stomach.

Another case of 2 dogs in the same household that ate ornaments that were made at school from marshmallows and straight pins required emergency surgery to remove the straight pins. Luckily, all went well for all 3 dogs and they were sent home the day after their surgery and were able to enjoy Christmas with their families

If you ever suspect your pet has ingested something harmful or is experiencing a medical emergency, don’t hesitate to seek immediate help. Learn more about our Emergency Veterinary Care services, which are available when you need them most.

Tinsel and/or ribbon can be a fun toy, but a few minutes of fun can result in severe consequences for your cat or dog. Many times, you may not know what your pet ate until you see it coming out of its back end. And, if you do see it, never pull it out. You don’t how much or how long the foreign body is, and if you pull on it, it could tangle or tear the colon or intestines.

The electrical cord that supplies power to your tree can be hazard for some pets that like to chew with “shocking“ results that can cause much damage to the oral cavity and in the worst case death. Hide the cord if possible.

Some people add preservatives etc to the Christmas tree water. If it is accessible to pets, it may be toxic. Keep it covered.

To ensure a joyful holiday season for everyone, including your furry friends, consider these pet-friendly Christmas decorating tips when setting up your tree. Christmas trees are a wonderful addition to our homes, and the ornaments often carry sentimental value, evoking cherished memories. Just remember to arrange them in a way that keeps your pets safe!

Pet-Friendly Christmas Decorating Tips for 2025: Keeping Your Holiday Safe for Pets

Where should the tree be positioned in relation to other furniture?

Position the tree in a stable spot with minimal surrounding furniture to deter pets from climbing. By keeping couches and tables at a distance, adventurous cats or dogs won’t have an easy launchpad onto branches or ornaments. Ensure the area allows access for secure anchoring, so sudden pet movements won’t topple it. Avoid placing the tree near frequently used furniture, especially if it might be bumped during holiday activity. A corner location often provides stability and reduces temptation for exploration, helping protect ornaments, decorations, and inquisitive pets from unnecessary hazards.

What are the safer alternatives to traditional decorations?

Safer decorations can be plush, felt, or fabric-based ornaments with hidden fasteners. Shatterproof bulbs reduce the risk of broken glass, while homemade salt dough shapes without pins and glues offer a fun, pet-friendly option. Ribbon or tinsel can be replaced with sturdy cloth garlands to minimize ingestion hazards. Battery-operated LED lights can limit electric cords that might tempt chewing. Decorative bows and non-toxic paper trimmings can replace sharp hooks or metallic pieces. And tree water kept free of preservatives and securely covered lowers the risk of toxic exposure. By choosing these alternatives, households can enjoy festive cheer without endangering curious pets.

How can pet owners use natural deterrents?

Citrus scents, such as lemon or orange peels, can serve as gentle deterrents because cats usually dislike them. A few peels near the tree or ornaments can remind pets to stay away. Similarly, diluted vinegar or peppermint-based sprays are often unwelcome to curious noses, though care should be taken to confirm there’s no adverse reaction for those in the household. Applying these natural mixtures around tree skirts or baseboards can discourage chewing or climbing. Another idea involves strategically placing cotton balls soaked in mild essential oils, ensuring they’re inaccessible to pets’ mouths. These methods can help promote a safer holiday space.

What are the safety considerations for gift wrapping?

Gift wrapping materials can pose various hazards for pets if not handled carefully. Loose ribbons, bows, or twine may tempt curious animals to chew or ingest, potentially leading to digestive blockages. Foil or cellophane wrappings can create sharp edges that injure the mouth or gastrointestinal tract if swallowed. Tape and adhesive substances might stick to fur or cause irritation. It’s beneficial to store unused wrapping supplies in sealed containers and promptly discard scraps so they’re out of reach. Opt for sturdy paper wrapping that won’t tear easily or contain small choking-hazard pieces.

How should holiday plants be managed?

Holiday plants, such as poinsettias, holly, mistletoe, and certain lily varieties, can create gastrointestinal or cardiovascular concerns in pets who might nibble on them. Placing them out of reach or using faux options helps minimize risks. Any leaves or berries that drop onto the floor should be promptly removed to prevent accidental ingestion. If a pet shows drooling, vomiting, or unusual behavior after contact, prompt veterinary attention is advisable. Keeping plants away from water dishes and play areas also reduces temptation. By managing the display of these plants, homes can remain festive while protecting pets from potential harm.

……Have a very Merry Christmas From the Team at Peterborough West Animal Hospital

Contact us, your local animal hospital in Cavan Monaghan, ON!