BRITS have been issued an urgent warning over Christmas decorations that can kill your dog.
With festive decorations returning to British homes this year, many will be shocked to learn that some holiday staples can be detrimental to their pets.
GettyPet owners are urged to be on the lookout for these dangerous decorations[/caption]
Every year people have dome sort of festive ornaments in their home, whether that be Christmas trees, glass baubles or natural garlands.
However, pet owners should be aware as some festive displays could be lethal if your dog has a nibble.
Luckily, vet experts have compiled a list of the most common Christmas decorations that can cause put four-legged friend to have a negative reaction.
Christmas trees
Trees are one of the most usual decorations during the festive month.
But those who decide to put up a live one, should be aware of the risks.
Although most live trees such as fir, pine and spruce are non-toxic to dogs, their falling needles can become a big issue for your furry friend.
They can get stuck in paws, irritate their mouth and cause tummy upset if digested in large quantities.
Instead, experts recommend to opt out for a fake tree or a barricade.
Fake snow
Some Christmas trees are decorated with artificial snow – which can contain some toxic ingredients to pets.
To be on the safe side, Pooch and Mutt’s veterinary Dr Linda Simon advised to avoid “snow-covered” artificial trees and stick to the ones with bare branches.
Edible decorations
While the little ones love to see the chocolate decorations hanging on their tree, they could be dangerous for dogs.
To stop your dog from eating them, you can hang them out of your pet’s reach at the top of the tree.
Or you can even train them to “leave it” so that they aren’t tempted to take them.
Natural garlands
Some decorative plants have varying toxicity levels, but, if consumed, your dog could have an upset stomach, at the very least.
Experts added: “Be careful with certain festive plants – poinsettia, holly, mistletoe and ivy can cause varying degrees of stomach upset if eaten by a curious dog.”
Glass baubles
Fine glass baubles can pose a serious risk if they break or are smashed from falling.
Ingesting any broken pieces could be painful and dangerous.
They risk causing a cut in the mouth or on the paws – with throat and internal lacerations being as the worst-case scenario.
To avoid a scare this Christmas vet experts recommend to take your pet out on a walk and keep dinner the same time.
Experts said: “Make sure they still have their normal space and bed so they can retreat and settle in their usual spot if and when they want to.
“Everyone is busy at Christmas with many spending more time away from home, but don’t forget about your four-legged friend or leave them alone for more than four hours.
“While this Christmas might be more restrictive for us, our dogs may still be noticing quite a change.”
Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
