Holiday Puppy Proofing

“Ahh… the Christmas tree… a giant stick! And it even has balls hanging on it! It’s the dog toy of my dreams!” This is likely how your puppy or young dog views this central holiday decoration that graces your home.

However, aside from the obvious fact that you don’t want your dog to knock over the tree, chew it, or destroy the ornaments, there is also the issue of it being dangerous for dogs to ingest things such as metal ornament hooks. They could also get hurt with pieces of broken glass, or electrocuted from chewing the wires from the lights.

So what’s a pet owner to do? You certainly wouldn’t want to consider not having a tree at all, and you’re likely not going to want to “gate off” the room to prevent the dog from getting in there. Following are some tips to protect your tree, your home, and your pet:

• Attach the top of the tree to the ceiling using clear fishing line. This way, you don’t have to worry about it being knocked over.
• Use plastic ties instead of wire ones to attach ornaments. Place breakable glass or special ornaments toward the top.
• Put a plastic “playpen” around the tree and decorate it by draping with festive fabric. This is a bendable gate that can be configured around the tree. It will protect your tree as well as the gifts under it and if you decorate it, it won’t look so bad. And of course, you’ll be working with your puppy this holiday season so next year it won’t be an issue at all.
• Train your dog! This is the most important thing you can do. Put on your dog’s leash and practice obedience commands near the tree. Allow him to get close enough to sniff it, but if he tries to chew it or jump on it, correct “no,” and place into a “down/stay.” Follow with praise.
• Supervise or confine your dog. If you are not home, your dog should be kept somewhere safe, such as a wire dog crate. Chances are, if your dog is still in the stages of wanting to chew the tree, he probably should be crated anyway so he doesn’t chew other things. When you are home, supervise your dog so that if he attempts to play with the tree, you’ll be there to teach him not to.
• Most Christmas plants are poisonous to dogs (and also cats, babies, etc.). Keep poinsettia, Christmas cactus, and mistletoe far from dog’s reach.
• Food dangers: Chocolate is also poisonous to dogs. Keep candy bowls out of his reach and also be aware if placing cakes and other foods on low tables. Bones, such as those found in chicken and pork can splinter and cause serious intestinal problems for your pet.
• Place candles carefully… out of the way of inquiring noses or wagging tails.
• Don’t let your dog “overdo it.” One special treat on Christmas is enough. Don’t go overboard and let your dog eat a giant pile of treats, or give him a ton of “people food” just because it’s a holiday. The last thing you need on Christmas is a dog who has diarrhea or is throwing up.

By being proactive and taking steps ahead of time to prevent problems, you can enjoy your home, your decorations, and your puppy this holiday season with much less worry!