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Five dangers for pets in the Advent season - from the poinsettia to chocolate

2022-12-06T10:15:36.799Z


Pet owners should be careful around the Christmas tree and also keep popular plants, decorative elements and sweets away from their four-legged friends.


Pet owners should be careful around the Christmas tree and also keep popular plants, decorative elements and sweets away from their four-legged friends.

The Advent season is associated with many beloved customs and traditions.

This begins with the festive Advent decorations and ends with a Christmas tree in the living room, which is often lavishly decorated.

However, if you have a pet, you should take a few precautionary measures to be able to enjoy the contemplative time and, above all, to protect the animal.

It is not for nothing that animal experts warn of the possible dangers that typically lurk in the home for four-legged friends every year at Christmas time.

The animal protection organization "Four Paws" pointed out such danger spots in an earlier communication - here are the most important tips and help for pet owners at a glance.

Dangers for pets in the Advent season - from the poinsettia to chocolate

1. Keep poinsettia, mistletoe and holly away from pet

Indoor plants such as holly, mistletoe and poinsettias are particularly popular during the Christmas season.

But the animal protection organization "Four Paws" warns: These plants can cause poisoning in pets if "nibbled".

The experts advise hanging the plants in places that are inaccessible to four-legged friends and never leaving animals unattended in the affected room.

"It is best, however, to completely avoid poisonous Christmas plants." The Animal Welfare Association has also listed a few examples on its website of houseplants that are "toxic to dogs, cats, rabbits, birds and rodents such as guinea pigs and hamsters" - including the poinsettia for example cyclamen, amaryllis, begonia, Christ's thorn, Dieffenbachia, ivy, coral trees,

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Be careful that the Christmas tree or decorations do not become toys for your pet.

(icon picture)

© Cavan Images/Imago

2. Gift ribbons and bows can be dangerous for animals

Be careful with all the decorative elements in the apartment and when hiding gifts.

Gift ribbons and bows would be very attractive to young pets, but also to adult cats.

“The danger of strangulation should not be underestimated.

If parts of it are eaten, intestinal obstruction can occur," the animal welfare organization said in a statement.

3. Paws away from scented oils in the apartment

"Scented oil liquids can lead to poisoning in pets," warn the experts.

You should therefore make sure that the corresponding scented oil containers are inaccessible to the animals and you should never leave them alone in the room with the containers.

That being said, pets have a much keener sense of smell than humans.

What people perceive as pleasant can be tormenting for them.

4. Be careful with chocolate - what pet owners need to know

Dangers also lurk with sweets that the animal may steal from the plate at an unseen moment.

"Unfortunately, the danger of pets eating chocolate is still underestimated," says the Four Paws statement.

“Most types of chocolate contain theobromine, an ingredient that can be fatal to dogs and cats.” Gingerbread can also be harmful to four-legged friends.

You can find even more exciting animal topics in the free newsletter from Landtiere.de, which you can subscribe to right here.

5. Christmas tree stands and tree decorations are not always animal-friendly

Last but not least, there are some dangers lurking around the Christmas tree for pets.

So that the tree does not fall over, it should stand in a heavy tree stand and, cat and dog owners in particular are addressed here, additionally secured to the walls, according to the advice of the animal experts.

Because many a Christmas tree has already been brought down by the climbing skills of cats - or when dogs jump.

"Caution," the statement continues: "Drinking water from the tree stand can have harmful consequences for pets." Fresh water should be within reach for them.

Young animals in particular, but sometimes adults too, like to confuse glass balls or tinsel on the Christmas tree with toys.

But watch out:

"Tinsel is poisonous due to a residual lead content and can also lead to a life-threatening intestinal obstruction if swallowed," warns the animal welfare organization.

Glass balls can also shatter easily.

The animals could be injured by the shards.

"Wooden or natural jewelry is less dangerous for animals, but there is also a risk of swallowing here," is the important note according to the message.

And: "Make sure that the jewelry does not have metal hooks to hang it up."

Plant eaten: Please vote.

Basically, if the animal has been exposed to a possible danger and, for example, has eaten something suspicious, you should consult a veterinarian immediately.

New Year's Eve also means stress for many pets - find out here how you can calm your four-legged friend.

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According to animal rights activists, you should definitely refrain from giving a pet for Christmas.

Because in quite a few cases, the animals would then be handed over to the animal shelter or even abandoned because the recipient quickly loses interest.

Rubric list image: © Cavan Images/Imago

Source: merkur

All life articles on 2022-12-06

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