Be cautious when putting up your Christmas tree this season. The reason? “Happy Dog Tail Syndrome.” This syndrome will wipe out all decorations on the lower branches of your tree. Try keeping the good ornaments higher while saving the sturdier ones for the bottom. Last year my dogs knocked the tree down three times within two days. The first time I strategically redecorated the ornaments, lights and garland on the tree. By the third time, it was a convoluted mess. I just threw everything on the tree and called it done. Needless to say, my guests never commented on my tree last year. My teen-rover Kelce (big Eagles fan) has a diabolical windmill of a tail, otherwise known as the “Preeminent Happy Dog Tail Syndrome.” I have taken extreme precautions this year! 

 Ten howliday safety tips for your dog: 

1. Christmas trees attract dogs. Pine needles (even artificial) are indigestible. Try keeping your dog away from the tree by using a baby gate in the doorway. You can use an exercise pen around the tree. Secure it so it can’t be knocked over. 

2. Be careful using water preservatives in live trees. It can be toxic to your dog. Cover the stand with a tree skirt 

3. Do not use edible ornaments or fragile, easily breakable glass decorations to trim the tree. Your dog may knock over the tree trying to get to them, and your dog may decide they’re toys and cut herself trying to play with them. 

4. Don’t use angel hair. It’s made of spun glass and can cause irritation on contact 

5. Make sure electrical cords are out of reach. Chewing on wires may cause burns or pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs), which can be fatal. 

6. Don’t use wire ornament hooks that can easily snag an ear or a tail, or, if swallowed, can lodge in the throat or intestines. Instead, fashion loops of yarn, ribbons or light weight twine. 

7. Gift wrappings can cause obstruction of the small bowel. 

8. A careless swish of a tail can be disastrous for unattended burning candles. 

9. Alcohol and chocolate are toxic to dogs. Dark and unsweetened baking chocolate are the most dangerous! 

10. Turkey bones are irresistible but can lodge in your dog’s throat or block the intestinal tract. Carefully place the string and foil in a secured trash receptacle. 

 Have a safe holiday season!