The holidays are here, and for many pet owners, that means the house is bursting with festive decorations, twinkling lights, and sparkling ornaments. While it’s a time to celebrate, it can also be a tricky season for anyone with a curious cat, dog, or other furry friends. Pets are naturally drawn to the colorful, shiny, and sometimes even edible-looking decorations we love to put up. But, as cute as that may seem, it can also lead to accidents, damage, or even dangerous situations. So, how can you enjoy a beautifully decorated home while keeping your pets safe? Here are some practical tips for keeping your pets out of holiday decorations.
Understand Pet Behavior and Holiday Decorations
Before we dive into solutions, it’s important to understand why pets are so attracted to holiday decorations in the first place. For many pets, especially cats and dogs, the holiday season brings an exciting shift in their environment. New smells, sights, and textures trigger their natural curiosity. They may see a Christmas tree as a new “jungle gym,” or the shiny ornaments might look like the perfect toy. And let’s not forget that many holiday decorations are placed just within reach!
But some of these decorations—like glass ornaments, electrical wires, or toxic plants—pose potential hazards. Keeping your pet’s safety top of mind is crucial when you start decorating your home.
Secure Your Christmas Tree
If you have a Christmas tree, you’re probably already familiar with the temptation it presents to pets. Dogs may be drawn to the scent of the pine, while cats are notorious for climbing trees or swatting at dangling ornaments. Here are some strategies to secure your tree:
- Anchor the Tree: The most important step in preventing tree-related accidents is to secure the tree to a wall or ceiling using a tree strap or fishing line. This will prevent it from tipping over if your pet decides to investigate.
- Use Pet-Safe Ornaments: Stick with unbreakable ornaments made of fabric, plastic, or wood to avoid sharp shards if the decorations get knocked off. Steer clear of glass or ceramic ornaments if your pet tends to knock things down.
- Keep Ornaments Higher: While it may be tempting to cover the entire tree with decorations, consider placing ornaments only on the higher branches. Leave the lower branches free or decorate them with less tempting items, like ribbons or faux berries.
- Tree Skirt Tactics: A tree skirt can help conceal the base of the tree, keeping curious paws from investigating the area. Consider using a weighted tree skirt to prevent it from being easily moved around.
Keep Holiday Lights and Wires Out of Reach
Holiday lights are beautiful, but they can be particularly tempting for pets. Cats, in particular, love batting at the dangling cords, and dogs might chew on electrical wires if they’re not properly secured. Here’s how to keep lights safe:
- Secure Loose Wires: Make sure all electrical cords and light strands are out of reach by securing them to the wall or using cord covers. You can also hide them under furniture or along baseboards.
- Use Wireless or Battery-Powered Lights: If you’re worried about your pet getting into the wires, consider switching to wireless or battery-powered string lights. These are safer alternatives that can add a festive touch without the risk of electrical accidents.
- Keep Lights Away from Play Areas: Avoid draping lights in places where your pets tend to spend a lot of time, such as around couches or under tables. Consider placing decorations in more restricted areas of the house.
Avoid Toxic Holiday Plants
Certain holiday plants, such as poinsettias, holly, mistletoe, and lilies, are toxic to pets if ingested. To avoid a trip to the vet, it’s best to either keep these plants out of your home altogether or ensure they are completely out of your pet’s reach.
- Identify Common Toxic Plants: Many pets find the bright berries and leaves of plants like holly and mistletoe irresistible. Poinsettias, while less toxic, can cause mild digestive upset if chewed on.
- Use Pet-Safe Alternatives: Consider using artificial plants or opting for pet-safe varieties of holiday plants, like safe ferns, spider plants, or even pet-safe poinsettia alternatives.
- Pet-Proof Your Plant Displays: Place plants high up on shelves or in hanging planters where your pets can’t reach them. This will help keep them safe while still enjoying the festive greenery.
Use Pet-Specific Decor Items
While decorating for the holidays is a lot of fun, it’s also a good opportunity to think about your pet’s experience during the season. By providing pet-friendly decorations, you can help distract them from your more fragile or hazardous decor.
- Pet-Friendly Ornaments and Toys: Consider hanging a few pet-safe toys on your tree or using pet-friendly garlands made of soft, chewable materials. You could even gift your pet a new holiday-themed toy to enjoy while you decorate.
- Pet Holiday Bedding: Another way to incorporate your pet into the festivities is by providing them with a special holiday-themed bed, blanket, or set of toys. This gives them a designated, cozy space to retreat to while the house fills with holiday cheer.
Training and Behavioral Solutions
Sometimes, the best way to keep your pet out of the holiday decorations is through training. Simple commands and deterrents can help your pet learn to leave the tree and other decorations alone.
- Teach “Leave It” and “Stay”: One of the most effective commands for keeping pets away from dangerous or delicate items is “leave it.” With practice, you can teach your pet to understand that certain objects or areas are off-limits.
- Use Deterrents: If your pet is persistent, safe deterrents such as citrus-scented sprays or bitter apple can be applied to objects they tend to chew on. The unpleasant taste or smell will discourage them from going near the area.
- Positive Reinforcement: Reward your pet with praise or treats when they behave around the decorations. This encourages them to associate calm behavior with positive outcomes.
Supervision is Key
Even with all the preparation, sometimes pets need a little extra supervision during the holiday season. When the tree is first set up or new decorations are introduced, keep a close eye on your pet to ensure they don’t get into trouble.
- Supervised Playtime: During the first few days of the holiday season, supervise your pet closely while they explore the new decorations. This will give you a chance to correct any unwanted behavior early on.
- Pet-Free Zones: If certain areas of the house are particularly tempting, like around the Christmas tree or near lit candles, consider using baby gates or closing off rooms to create pet-free zones.
The holidays should be a time of joy for both you and your pets. With a little planning and a few simple precautions, you can create a festive home that is both beautiful and safe for your furry friends. By securing your tree, keeping lights and wires out of reach, and providing your pet with their own holiday fun, you’ll ensure that everyone—pets included—can enjoy the season.
Happy holidays, and may your decorations stay intact while your pets stay safe!