Decorating a Christmas tree with a canine resident in the home: insights from a cinematographer
In the festive season, decorating the Christmas tree is a beloved tradition for many households. However, if you share your home with a furry friend, it's essential to consider their safety when adorning the tree. Here are some tips to help you create a pet-friendly Christmas tree.
Firstly, opt for ornaments made from natural materials like silk, wood, wool, paper, or papier-mâché. These alternatives are safer options as they are less likely to cause harm if ingested or broken [1].
Secondly, ensure that your Christmas tree does not contain accessible electrical cords from lights. Pets, particularly dogs, can accidentally come into contact with these cords, potentially leading to accidents [1]. Instead, consider using battery-operated or automatic lights that turn off when chewed [3].
Tinsel, ribbons, and angel hair should be avoided, as they can be swallowed, causing a blockage in the digestive tract [1]. Edible ornaments should also be off-limits, as they can lead to digestive issues in pets [1].
Family heirloom ornaments should be placed at the top of the tree, out of the dog's reach. Glass and plastic ornaments within a dog's reach can pose a risk, as they can easily break and shatter [1].
The most suitable place for the tree in the house is in a corner, away from household items. This placement helps reduce the risk of the tree being knocked over and causing injury [1].
To further ensure your pet's safety, consider anchoring and weighting the tree to prevent it from tipping over [1]. You might also want to wall off the tree with fake presents or pens or apply pet-safe deterrents around it to discourage your dog from approaching too closely [1][2].
By taking these precautions, you can create a safer environment for your pets while preserving the holiday spirit. Vladimir Golubev, president of the Russian Kynological Federation, advises securing the Christmas tree or choosing a small tree that can be placed in an inaccessible spot, such as a windowsill [2]. He also suggests using natural material garlands instead of tinsel and securing the tree to the wall or ceiling with special ropes to prevent it from falling on the dog [2].
Remember, a pet-safe Christmas tree is a happy Christmas tree for the whole family. So, take the necessary steps to ensure your furry friends' wellbeing this holiday season.
[1] PetMD. (2019). Holiday Safety for Pets. Retrieved from https://www.petmd.com/pet-safety/holiday-safety-tips-pets
[2] ASPCA. (n.d.). Christmas Tree Safety for Pets. Retrieved from https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/christmas-tree
[3] Golubev, V. (2020). Interview with Vladimir Golubev, President of the Russian Kynological Federation. Retrieved from https://www.rbth.com/lifestyle/330537-pet-safety-christmas-tree
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