Although beautiful and cheerful in the home, your decorated Christmas tree is a waiting hazard for domestic pets both big and small. Items such as sparkly tinsel, dangly garlands, sharp glass ornaments and artificial snow, while lovely to admire, can be dangerous gateways for pet accidents. Make sure to place larger and less "tempting" ornaments near your tree base, while the smaller, more fragile items are a safe bet at the top. If ingested, your holiday decorations can choke your special critter causing air flow blockage and suffocation. Pay special attention to your smallest of pets when around such hanging and delicate tree decor.

Lights also pose a threat as well, as they can attract the eye of a curious cat or daring dog, leaving Sparky with a bad burn. To ensure light safety with animals present, make sure to unplug your twinkling lights when not in use in conjunction with the use of pet proof electrical cords. Animals can be highly injured by cords from chewing, so practice turning lights off and using appropriate wiring to avoid burned mouths and electric shock, which can be fatal to your special pet.

Besides hanging and 3D ornamentation, your tree may be coated with harmful sprays such as fire retardant, fertilizer or insecticide. The needles and branches, which are most accessible to your pet, are toxic carriers of such coatings and can be quite harmful if ingested. For maximum safety, always make sure your pet is not chewing on branches or eating any fallen needles or leaves.

Other safety precautions for keeping your pets safe around your tree are simple and effective. Covering your tree base with a tree skirt, avoiding food based decorations and ensuring your tree is on a stable stand are all excellent measures to take when pets are running about the home. In addition to the helpful tips and precautions outlined above, always make sure your beloved pet is supervised when in a room with your Christmas tree, and you and your furry friend are sure to have a wonderful holiday.