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Dear Zelda, We have a new puppy named Birbal and we're about to put up our Christmas tree. He is only nine weeks and a monster at 24lbs. Do you have any advice about canines and Christmas trees that would help prevent puppy problems? We're clueless, help! Puppy Parents Dear Puppy Parents, Personally, I get all excited when the Christmas tree and its scent enters our home. Ah, what a tower of temptation! It marks the beginning of the holiday season and reminds me of the fun ahead: of food cooking in the kitchen (now there's a favorite), of family returning home, of friends showing up unexpectedly with treats in tow, and of course the love we share with each other this time of year. But you are correct to be concerned about your Christmas tree and your puppy's safety. Here are some things to keep in mind: * Placement of your tree. Not to name names, but one of my poochy pals knocked over our tree one year when it wasn't properly placed. My suggestion is that you put your Christmas tree in a corner and secure it to the wall with some thin wire. Another trick is to put a hook in the ceiling above the tree and tie the top of the tree to the hook with clear fishing line. Better yet put your tree in an area non-accessible to your pup… at least for this first year. * Ornaments. As for decorating your Christmas tree be careful. Those glass ornaments or glass bulbs can be lethal if ingested. Most ornaments will interest your pup, so try to hang them higher and out of his reach. Wood ornaments are safer than plastic and food ornaments are an invitation to indigestion and trouble. Do you want to see how high your puppy can jump? Put food ornaments on some of the upper branches. Also don't use wire hooks for your ornaments. Attach ornaments to your tree with string. If the ornaments fall off, your puppy won't accidentally swallow a wire hook. * Electric cords. One thing all puppies love to do is CHEW and electric cords can quickly take the fun out of chewing. Zing and Zowie... avoid an "owie" by hiding the cords with special covers and keep them hidden at the very back of the tree. * Gifts. Boy oh boy, just show me a present wrapped in pretty paper and tied with a bright red ribbon and I'm in there. Of course I think all the presents are for me and your puppy will think the same. In dog talk, it's rip and tear if presents are there! If you want to put presents under your tree, you need to supervise your pups “presence” when in tree territory. I'm old enough now to know not to destroy the presents placed under the Christmas tree, but this is your pup's first Christmas so take time to teach him the rules. * Clean up. Many dogs suffer from digestive disasters after eating the pine needles that have fallen on the floor. Try to make a clean sweep of the floor around your tree. Also be sure to watch that your pup doesn't drink the tree's water. One trick you could use to keep your pup away from the water and the lower branches of your Christmas tree would be to spray the limbs with some Bitter Apple (available at most pet stores). Finally, to summarize my Christmas tree tips, the most important advice is that you supervise your new pup, Birbal, and let him know what your rules are concerning his access to your Christmas tree. Believe me, it will only take a minute for your puppy to topple your Christmas tree. So as the song says, "You better watch out.... because Santa “Claws” is comin’ to town! Zelda Share this column with a friend! |
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