Christmas Trees and Pet Safety

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Christmas trees may attract more than ornaments at times. Remember that many cats are fascinated by an indoor tree and may even try to climb on, so keep it securely anchored so that it doesn't tip over and fall, causing possible injury to your pet. Make sure that your cat is supervised around the tree to avoid any possible entanglement with the lights or tinsel. That goes for puppies and kittens too.

If you choose a live tree, keep your pets clear of the entire area since it's possible that the tree water may contain fertilizers that can cause stomach upset if ingested. Also, stagnant tree water can harbor bacteria, causing vomiting, nausea, loss of appetite, and diarrhea. You may want to cut a piece of screen around the area to keep curious noses away. Clean up any fallen tree needles frequently as they can cause internal injuries if ingested.

Avoid using glass ornaments as they can easily crack with sharp edges posing serious hazards to your pet. Never use food such as candy canes or popcorn for decorations as this may just be too tempting for many dogs and even cats to resist. Unplug your tree lights whenever you go out and make sure that there is always supervision whenever the tree lights are plugged in.

Reported By Nan Talleno, KYW Newsradio