Renovopedia

    Subscribe to Updates

    Get the latest creative articles and news from Renovopedia about Home Improvments.

    What's Hot

    Why You Need Window Blinds (Even if You Don’t Think So)

    March 28, 2023

    Trend Alert: Metallic Sheets in the Kitchen

    March 28, 2023

    Steal This Look: A Warm Tiled Kitchen in Melbourne

    March 28, 2023
    Facebook Twitter Instagram
    • About
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms
    • Contact
    Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube LinkedIn
    RenovopediaRenovopedia
    Demo
    • Home
    • News
    • Trending
    • Ideas

      7 Master Bedroom Designs With Stylish Style And Functional Features

      January 27, 2023

      Why is Garage Door maintenance essential?

      January 17, 2023

      5 Ways To Improve Your Flooring

      December 22, 2022

      Ideas to revamp and reorganise your garage

      December 22, 2022

      The Benefits Of Cleaning Your Windows Regularly

      November 30, 2022
    • Videos

      Water In Electrical Panel! Easy Fix? #Short

      March 30, 2022

      Working on My House LIVE! | Framing Door Openings

      March 23, 2022

      Framing a Wall With Angles Over Stair Bulkhead

      March 22, 2022

      Framing Bedroom/Hall Closet | Adding Basement Stair Headroom

      March 17, 2022

      Fixing Hacked Floor Framing | Straightening Kitchen Floor… Kinda

      March 8, 2022
    • Interior Remodel
    • Painting
    • Kitchen
    • More
      • Skills & Specialties
      • Exterior Remodel
      • Bathroom
      • Outdoor Building
      • Green Improvements
      • Home Services
    Renovopedia
    Home » How to Keep Pets Safe from Your Christmas Decorations

    How to Keep Pets Safe from Your Christmas Decorations

    December 8, 2021No Comments Trending
    Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn WhatsApp Telegram Tumblr Reddit Email
    Share
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

    If you have pets, you’ve likely had some Christmas tree disasters.

    But can you really blame our furry friends? All those climbable branches, swattable glittery baubles, and scented chewable branches are just too much to resist!

    Demo

    Not to mention the wonderfully crackly ribbons and wrapping paper, just begging to be ripped open before Christmas. It’s a wonder that cats and dogs can contain themselves at all!


    Orange cat stares, from a distance, at a Christmas tree, tempted to paw at it
    Look, but don’t touch! You can take steps to prevent cats and dogs from pawing at holiday decor. (©Brittany, stock.adobe.com)

    Take the “Ir” out of Irresistible

    Many an animal lover has given up on Christmas trees until their pets grow out of their curiosity, but here are some things you can try that can discourage your pets:

    Scented Repellents: Before decorating your tree, spray it with a scent or flavor that repels pets. Examples include bitter apple, clove oil, citrus oil, and vinegar — experiment to see what your pet hates (just make sure you don’t hate it too!)
    You can also sprinkle dried orange peels around the base of your tree. Avoid hot pepper — it can get into your pet’s eyes and cause severe pain.
    You may need to reapply the repellents as they wear off, just don’t spray anything wet onto your lights, or you might have more twinkle than you hoped for!

    Paw Repellents: Surround the base of your tree with something your pets don’t like to walk on. Aluminum foil is a classic cat repellent (they usually hate to walk on crackly things), and you can also purchase spiky mats that are unpleasant to animal paws. This is a good way to recycle those plastic mats that go under office chairs — turn them spiky-side-up and hide them under your tree skirt.

    Climb Blockers: Attach dark mesh or plant netting on the underside of your tree to keep your pets from climbing into the branches. You can also use netting to protect wrapped gifts or the tree itself when you’re away. To discourage climbing and scratching, wrap the base of your tree in double-sided tape.

    Training Sessions: With some diligence, you can train your pet to stay away from the tree. For safety’s sake, stay away from squirt guns, but you can try clickers, compressed air, or noisemakers to discourage unwanted behavior.

    Go High Tech: If all else fails, try a motion-activated repellent that uses compressed air to train your pet to stay away.


    Jack Russell terrier looks up at Christmas tree, tempted to paw at Christmas ornaments hanging from the branches.
    Secure your Christmas tree to the wall using fishing line — then it won’t topple over if curious pets try to climb on it (©Evrymmnt, stock.adobe.com)

    Tips for a Pet-Safe Christmas Tree

    Aside from keeping your pets in another room, there is no surefire way to keep them away from Christmas trees. Be sure to keep your pets as safe as possible by following these tips:

    • Tuck lights and cords deep within the tree — make sure there are no electrical wires dangling from the branches. Also, tape down any cords running across the floor.
    • Use the bottom third of your tree for sturdy, shatterproof ornaments (and bells!) that won’t hurt your pet if they do pull them off.
    • Don’t use additives in your tree water. You don’t need them anyway, and your pets may drink the water.
    • Use a fishing line to tie your tree to the wall so that it won’t topple over.
    • Make the tree inaccessible to pets when you’re not home to supervise. Close doors or use door gates to keep them away from danger. It’s up to you to intervene if your pet gets curious!

    Christmas candle and potpourri on display
    If you’ve got pets, avoid placing Christmas candles and potpourri anywhere within their reach. (©Silvano Rebai, stock.adobe.com)

    Keep these decorations away from pets:

    Tinsel, Angel Hair and Ribbon: These items can pose choking and strangling hazards for your pets.

    Plants and Floral Arrangements: Poinsettias, hollies and mistletoe can cause gastrointestinal upset and illness. Lilies can be deadly if eaten. Even so-called “nontoxic” plants can upset your pet’s tummy, and floral arrangements may be sprayed with preservatives.

    Potpourri, Scented Oils and Candles: can be harmful if ingested and dangerous if spilled.

    Candy and Human Treats: Common ingredients such as chocolate, raisins, alcohol and xylitol can be toxic to dogs and cats, not to mention the hazards of candy wrappers!

    Snow Globes: Imported snow globes may contain highly poisonous antifreeze (ethylene glycol).

    Bubble Lights: Contain methylene chloride, which can be harmful if swallowed or spilled on skin.


    Invite Your Pet to the Party!

    As the festivities kick into high gear, don’t forget to include your pet in the fun. Remember these tips:

    • Dogs love to unwrap their own gifts, and cats will play for hours in piles of tissue and gift paper.
    • Have plenty of pet toys on hand to encourage your pet to play appropriately.
    • Take your dog for long walks, to help dispel extra energy.
    • Reward your pet with healthy dog/cat treats rather than “people food.”
    • Also, make sure they have a familiar crate or bed nearby so that they have a place to calm down when they need to.

    A little preparation on your part will ensure that your pet enjoys the party without crashing it!

    Further Information

    Source: Today’s Home Owner

    Demo
    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email Reddit VKontakte Telegram WhatsApp

    Related Posts

    Expanding Outdoor Living Space With a Poured Concrete Patio

    March 22, 2023 Trending

    Types of Door Frames Commonly Used In India

    March 2, 2023 Trending

    Organize and Transport Tools Anywhere with This Portable Toolbox

    January 20, 2023 Trending

    Today’s Homeowner Radio Podcast | January 21, 2023

    January 20, 2023 Trending

    Ask Danny | Ep. 27: Building & Maintaining a Backyard Chicken Coop

    January 20, 2023 Trending

    Save on Energy-Efficient Upgrades with Inflation Reduction Act Tax Credits

    January 19, 2023 Trending
    Add A Comment

    Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

    Demo
    Don't Miss

    Concrete Garden Spheres: Add Some Whimsy to Your Garden

    Trending July 29, 2022

    Concrete garden spheres add curb appeal or enhance your backyard with whimsical hardscaping. Think of…

    Everything You Need to Know About a Porch

    November 29, 2021

    How to Choose a Paint Roller

    May 18, 2022

    How to Repair Leaking Air Compressor Hose

    February 18, 2018
    Stay In Touch
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Pinterest
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
    • Vimeo
    Latest Articles

    Why You Need Window Blinds (Even if You Don’t Think So)

    March 28, 2023

    Trend Alert: Metallic Sheets in the Kitchen

    March 28, 2023

    Steal This Look: A Warm Tiled Kitchen in Melbourne

    March 28, 2023

    The Brass Tacks: Cane-Wrapped Hardware from Sibella Court

    March 27, 2023

    Subscribe to Updates

    Get the latest creative articles and news from Renovopedia about Home Improvements.

    Demo
    Our Picks

    Why You Need Window Blinds (Even if You Don’t Think So)

    March 28, 2023

    Trend Alert: Metallic Sheets in the Kitchen

    March 28, 2023

    Steal This Look: A Warm Tiled Kitchen in Melbourne

    March 28, 2023
    About Us
    About Us

    Renovopedia is the premier source for home improvement news and articles. We provide the latest news and articles for homeowners looking to find inspiration, solutions, tips, and ideas to prepare your home for sale or turn it into your dream home.

    We're accepting new partnerships right now.

    Email Us: hello@renovopedia.com
    Contact: +1-320-0123-451

    Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube LinkedIn
    Popular

    Boath House: A Blank Canvas for Creatives in the Scottish Highlands

    February 23, 2023

    Could You Live in a Victorian House?

    November 26, 2021

    How to Hang a Gallery Wall

    December 14, 2021
    © 2023 Renovopedia. All Rights Reserved.
    • Home
    • News
    • Trending
    • Videos
    • About
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Contact

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.