Pets and Christmas trees can be a bad combo. Here are four tips to keep your dog or cat safe this month . . .
1. Get an artificial tree instead of a real one. Fake trees don’t have the same appealing scent, and they don’t shed. Which is good, because pine needles can cause diarrhea and other issues if eaten.
2. Put the fragile ornaments on higher branches. And attach ornaments with ribbons or twist ties to make them more difficult to knock down. Those metal hangers can become a choking hazard if your dog or cat tries to eat them.
3. Use cord covers or organizers to keep electrical wires out of sight. Pets may try to chew on the wires or can get caught on them, knocking the tree over. And always keep the lights OFF if you’re not home.
4. Cover the water container. And if you’re still not confident your dog or cat will leave the tree alone, put up a pen or fencing around the base of the tree to add an extra layer of protection.