Holiday decorations are tempting to pets, but taking some simple precautions can keep everyone safe. 

Townsquare Media
Townsquare Media
loading...

The Ocean County Health Department has offered some tips on how to protect your furry friends.

Things like tinsel, ornaments, wrapping paper, string and ribbon pose choking hazards to dogs and cats and can lead to more serious complications.

"These also can cause intestinal blockages," warned Leslie Terjesen, Public Information Officer with the Health Department.

She pointed out shards from broken ornaments can injure paws, mouths or other parts of your pet's body.

Another potential danger are pine needles. "Pine needles can also puncture a pet's intestines if ingested," said Terjesen. She recommended keeping real trees watered and regularly vacuuming pine needles.

Accidental electrocutions can be avoided by taping exposed indoor and outdoor wires to walls or the sides of the house.

Tree lights should be kept off lower branches to avoid having your pet get tangled in them or even chewing them and getting shocked by biting through the wire.

To prevent your pet from knocking over the Christmas tree, Terjesen suggested placing it in a corner and even tacking it to a wall.

It's also a good idea to keep certain plants where your pets can't reach them.

"Poinsettias, mistletoe, holly, some of these plants are poisonous to animals," said Terjesen.

Burning Candles and Menorahs also should be placed up high.

"Candles are dangerous any time of year with a pet around. You really need to be carefull about a dog or cat wagging their tail near a candle," added Terjesen.

 

More From 92.7 WOBM