Christmas tree shopping? If you have a pet at home, keep these tips in mind
The ASPCA has outlined tips to keep your pets safe after you bring home a Christmas tree.
Jasmine Vaughn-HallIt's likely that your pet is a member of the family, but they probably weren't there when you picked out the Christmas tree and they don't know the potential risks of housing with one.
That's your job, so with help from the ASPCA, here are a few things you should keep in mind when you're bringing a Christmas tree into your home with a four-legged buddy around.
Secure your Christmas tree
Make sure your Christmas tree is securely anchored so that you don't risk it falling on your pet.
According to the ASPCA website, "This will also prevent the tree water—which may contain fertilizers that can cause stomach upset—from spilling."
Avoid Mistletoe and Holly
You can still pucker up underneath the mistletoe, but keep it out of reach from your furry friend.
"Holly, when ingested, can cause pets to suffer nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Mistletoe can cause gastrointestinal upset and cardiovascular problems," the ASPCA website says.
Don't go overboard with the tinsels
Cat lovers and owners, this one is especially important for you. If you've ever played with your cat with a laser pointer, you know they love bright and shiny things.
According to the ASPCA,"...a nibble can lead to a swallow, which can lead to an obstructed digestive tract, severe vomiting, dehydration and possible surgery."
Watch those wires
A bright, ornate Christmas tree is a lovely addition to a living room, but keeping those lights powered is going to take some kind of wiring and batteries.
The ASPCA website says," A wire can deliver a potentially lethal electrical shock and a punctured battery can cause burns to the mouth and esophagus, while shards of breakable ornaments can damage your pet's mouth and digestive tract."
You can contact Jasmine Vaughn-Hall by calling (717) 495-1789 or follow her on Twitter @jvaughn411.
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