How to Puppy Proof Your Xmas Decorations: Protect Your Pooch
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! While nearly everyone loves the howliday season, it’s important to make sure your pooch is properly prepared for the decorations that come with it. Below, we’ll share some key tips on how to puppy proof your Xmas decorations to keep your dog safe. This way, festive Fido will be safe and secure.
Make Sure Your Dog Understands “Off”
If at all possible, try to make sure your dog understands the “off” command in preparation for Christmas. This way, you can deter your dog from interfering with the tree or other holiday decorations on a moment’s notice. If your dog knows that whenever he follows through with “off” he gets a tasty treat, your Christmas decor has a much greater chance of making it through a canine catastrophe.
Mind Your Tree Placement
When hanging up the Christmas tree, try to do so in a corner or against a wall where it’s well-anchored. That way, if your mischievous mutt starts to poke around the tree, it’s less likely to fall and potentially hurt your furry best friend. You might also want to consider not decorating your tree with twine or tinsel as ingesting lights can be dangerous for any pooch who’s prone to chewing.
Decorate Strategically
To puppy proof your Christmas decorations, try to see things from your dog’s point of view. What can you eliminate from his range of motion to keep him safe? For example, you might place your more delicate decorations higher up in the tree or keep the base branches more bare. Keep any decorations you can off of the ground if possible.
You can also refrain from putting presents out until Christmas eve to proactively prevent any unwanted snooping from Spot. Keep snow globes far out of reach from your pets as the inner liquid is extremely toxic if ingested, even in small amounts.
Opt For Faux Plants
Unfortunately, holly, lilies, and mistletoe can be toxic to dogs, so it’s best to opt for faux plants in your fur-friendly household. Additionally, artificial trees might be more sturdy and less enticing to your pooch, so they’re definitely worth considering.
Start With A Bare Tree First
You’ll want to give your dog time to acclimate to the new decor, so try to introduce decorations slowly and steadily to give Fido time to adapt. Additionally, you can start with a bare tree and wait for your furry friend to get a firm understanding of its role in the home. Once he’s learned to only admire it from afar, you can begin adding decorations.
Use A Doggie Deterrent Spray
If nothing else works, you can pick up a doggie deterrent spray like this one that may prevent your dog from chewing on or coming near treated decor. Keep in mind that sprays like this one don’t work for all dogs, but it’s worth a try if you have a super chewer at home.
Restrict Access When Needed
All in all, don’t be afraid to restrict your dog’s access when needed. It’s important to keep your dog safe at all costs, even if that means enjoying the holiday fun from afar. You can also make independent time exciting for Fido by offering up tasty treats, fun toys, or complicated puzzle toys to keep him entertained.
Dogs are key furry family members so the holidays simply wouldn’t be the same without them. Hopefully, these tips make it a little bit easier to keep Spot secure throughout this holiday season. Enjoy the most wonderful time of the year with your furry BFF!
