Christmas is approaching, and many people have already decorated their trees—which is no easy task in a house with pets. However, we don't consider the following solution to be either effective or aesthetic, but it is very funny.

advertisement

Entertainment was certainly the intention of the person who made the recording, because who wants to look at (and smell) a Christmas tree wrapped in a wet diaper on Christmas Eve? However, the problem raised is valid: protecting the tree from our pets is no easy task, but fortunately, we have some useful tips. But first, let's watch the video!

Not dog toilet

Our pets love to mark poles and trees in nature, and many dogs make no exception when it comes to Christmas trees. This is understandable, as pine trees carry the same scent as outdoor trees. In fact, it is possible—albeit not very pleasant—that you might bring home a tree that has been marked by another animal (this actually happened once, and the culprit was a kitten...). But even if you don't smell anything, your four-legged friend's sensitive nose can pick up many tempting scents, so it's important not to let your dog get too close to the tree.

You can solve this problem by training your pet, telling it to leave the tree alone with the usual command (such as "no"), or you can even fence off the tree. There are dog pens available that you can use to surround the Christmas tree, but the version designed for children also works well.

Christmas trees can cause health problems

Another reason why animals should not be allowed to get too close to Christmas trees is that chewing on pine needles is dangerous in several ways. The needles can injure a dog's mouth, and if swallowed, they can cause internal problems, including, in extreme cases, intestinal obstruction or perforation. Clean up fallen needles regularly to prevent them from causing problems, either if swallowed or if they get stuck in your pet's paws.

The essential oil in pine trees can cause digestive problems, and the needles can cause serious injuries

And although most Christmas trees are not toxic to dogs, the essential oils in pine trees irritate the digestive system, causing vomiting, diarrhea, and nausea—something no one wants, especially during the holidays, when it is often difficult to find a doctor and emergency room fees are exorbitant.

If you pour water under the tree, take special care to ensure that your pet does not drink from it! Stale water, or water containing chemicals, can also cause serious problems.

Christmas tree decorations must also be handled with care

In addition, Christmas tree decorations, fairy lights, and edible treats such as candy canes and gingerbread can also cause injury or, in the case of the latter, poisoning. A broken glass ball can cut the dog, while the chocolate in candy canes and the nutmeg used to flavor honey are toxic to dogs—the former more seriously, even in small amounts, causing life-threatening conditions.

Photo: welovedogz.hu/en

Secure the tree

An additional tip, in addition to the recommended barricading, is to secure the Christmas tree to a stable point so that the dog cannot accidentally knock it over. This can happen even during play or as a result of a sudden movement.

advertisement