Approximately 94 million households in the U.S. feature a pet, according to the American Pet Products Association. Many of those households will be decorating for the holidays and must figure out ways to keep homes pet-friendly.
•Choose shatterproof decorations such as shatterproof ornaments and other decorative items that are durable and non-toxic.
•Pick pet-friendly plants. Poinsettias and mistletoe may be traditional, but they can be toxic to pets. Additional options like Christmas cactus can be safer.
•Opt out of open flames. It is best to avoid traditional candles. Instead, there are plenty of those powered by LED lights that even mimic the flicker of real candles.
•Avoid tinsel and ribbons. Digestive issues or blockages can affect pets who ingest tinsel or ribbons. Select pet-safe ribbons or garlands, and skip the tinsel entirely.
•Avoid edible decor. Candy canes on trees or popcorn garlands are festive, but they may prove too tempting for pets to resist.
•Create a sanctuary. Try not to move too many of the pet’s creature comforts, such as favorite toys or bedding. If you must move these items out of the way, gradually introduce the pet to his or her new area, which can be set away from the hustle of the main entertaining area.
A pet-friendly holiday season involves being mindful of pets’ safety while decorating. ✲
