Christmas: the dangers of the tree for our animals

Our pets are curious by nature: they like to snoop around and discover their environment.

But what usually amuses us can turn out to be painful, even dangerous, during the holiday season when the Christmas tree arrives at home.

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Is the Christmas tree dangerous for our animals?

Christmas means for many the arrival of the king of the forests in the living room.

However, this tree can cause many harms to your pet.

Indeed, it can fall and cause injuries, bruises or even fractures to your cat or your dog.

For your pet, decorations and ornaments are toys: they can therefore chew on them or even ingest them accidentally.

Small balls, garlands, figurines, angel hair, ribbons can be responsible for choking and digestive occlusions.

Attention should also be paid to delicate decorations.

Your dog or cat can easily injure his paws by stepping on a broken glass ball that has fallen from the tree.

Traditional garlands pose a strangulation hazard.

Indeed, by wishing to play with it, your pet can quickly find itself trapped.

Finally, electric garlands can cause electric shocks and burns.

Read alsoChristmas: how to protect your tree from the attacks of your cat?

Is the fir tree toxic for our animals?

Natural fir is not known to be toxic.

Nevertheless, its needles, if they are ingested during the holiday season by dogs or cats, can cause many more or less serious disorders such as:

• Stomach irritation

• Excessive salivation

• Vomitings

• Diarrhea

• An intoxication

• An intestinal obstruction

Read alsoPets: what are the most common domestic accidents?

As for the artificial tree, it can cause some damage.

Very often made of a plastic material, sometimes artificial snow, it can be toxic for our pets.

In addition to the fir tree, some Christmas plants such as holly, mistletoe, yew branches, poinsettia or Christmas star are known to be toxic to pets.

To know

In the slightest doubt or symptoms, consult your veterinarian quickly.

Christmas tree: how to protect our animals?

To prevent your cat or dog from getting hurt with the Christmas tree during the holiday season, there are several solutions.

The first is to shake the tree to knock down the flying thorns.

Pick them up and then throw them away.

Perform this maneuver regularly during the holidays to prevent the thorns from ending up on the ground.

To prevent your pet from getting too close to the tree, spray the branches and trunk of the tree with a mixture of citrus fruits (orange, lemon, grapefruit) and water or even essential oil.

Promote solid decorations that are safe for your animals.

It is recommended to secure the tree by stabilizing it well and limiting its access.

Keep it away from furniture, armchairs, bookcases and sofas to prevent your pet from climbing on it.

Finally, to be sure that your companion does not access the tree, it is possible to install baby fences or other obstacles, but the best option is to avoid leaving him alone with the tree.

Christmas: what other dangers for your animals?

Chocolate, foie gras, smoked salmon and other foods are harmful to our animals.

… The accidental absorption of one of these dishes can cause indigestion, intoxication or even intestinal obstruction.

Read alsoEnd of year celebrations: pay attention to what your dog or cat ingests

Finally, Christmas gifts are also to be watched.

Ribbons and wrapping paper can pose a significant hazard if chewed or swallowed.