6 Holiday Decorations That Are Dangerous To Dogs

With the holidays approaching, you are likely in the process of decorating your house. However, if you are a pet parent, you should be aware that some common winter decorations can be potentially harmful to your furry friend. Here are six items you should consider keeping out of your home during the holiday season. 

Tinsel

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Tinsel can make any room look festive. Unfortunately, our canine companions may be overcome with the desire to munch on the decor, which can lead to serious health issues like an intestinal blockage. 

Mistletoe

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If you have a furry friend, you’ll need to ditch the mistletoe this year. According to the FDA, if Fido consumes the plant, he will experience gastrointestinal upset, breathing issues, and slowed heart rate. 

Don’t fret though, it’s not like you’ll need mistletoe anyway. I'm sure your dog will always be down for a smooch!

Poinsettias

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Poinsettias are quintessential flowers during the winter months. That being said, pet parents should refrain from purchasing the gorgeous plant, as its sap is toxic to our furry friends. 

Salt Ornaments

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If you have an elementary school-aged child in your household, you likely have a salt ornament or two adorning your tree. Unfortunately, this ornament looks very similar to a tasty treat. If eaten, the hardened salt dough will cause water deprivation poisoning. 

Glass Ornaments 

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Glass ornaments can also be an issue if they fall and break, as your furry friend may either ingest or step on the pieces. 

Christmas Trees

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Christmas Trees are a staple in many households during the holiday season. While natural trees are gorgeous and smell incredible, they may not be suitable for families with pets. While speaking to THV11 in 2019, veterinarian Janine Oliver explained that Christmas tree pine “can be very irritating” to our canine companions. 

“It is not considered deadly but it is considered irritating to the GI tract of animals, anything especially a dog chews on can become a foreign body,” said the vet. 

Oliver recommended that pup parents keep their dogs out of the room where they have put up the Christmas tree.