Brits issued urgent warning over Christmas decorations that can kill your dog
After what feels like months of anticipation, we can safely now declare that the festive season is OFFICIALLY upon us.
That's right - it's now perfectly acceptable to stick your Christmas tree up, pin your stockings to the fire, and inflate your front garden Santa Clauses.
No matter how you plan to relish in the Christmas spirit, however, a series of vet experts have issued a warning about the potentially-fatal impact that your sparkling new home decor might pose to your fury friend.
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And luckily for you, these pro's have accumulated a list of the most dangerous Christmas-related homeware items to avoid in pet-friendly households.
Firstly, the humble Christmas tree. A staple in the home for those who celebrate the 25 December.
But it turns out that - though most real fir, pine and spruce trees are non-toxic - some can pose a big problem for dogs, as the falling needles could become stuck in their paws or irritate their mouth.
These tiny needles could also cause an upset stomach, particularly if digested in large quantities.
Experts, therefore, recommend that you instead opt for a fake tree, or construct a barricade to keep your pup away from the area.
And fake snow can cause just as many problems for your four-legged friend due to the toxic ingredients it contains.
So whether you sprinkle some on your tree to give it a frosting effect or place some onto the floor to create the look of Santa's footsteps, you should think twice if you have a dog or cat.
If you insist on decorating your tree with edible ornaments - such as chocolate baubles or gingerbread men - you must hang them at the very top of the tree to avoid being eaten and making your animal sick.
Decorative plants have also been shown to consist of varying levels of toxicity, meaning that festively decorated garlands could upset your dog's stomach.
Among those listed by the experts to avoid are the likes of poinsettia, holly, mistletoe and ivy.
And last but not least, are glass baubles.
Though this might sound slightly over-precautional, vet experts are this year emphasising the serious risks that these decorative features can trigger if they break or are smashed from falling.
Ingesting any broken pieces could be painful and dangerous for your furry friend, as they risk cutting the paws, mouth and throat.
Internal lacerations would be the worst-case scenario.
So, to avoid such scares during the Christmas period, experts have advised pet owners: "Make sure they still have their normal space and bed so they can retreat and settle in their usual spot if and when they want to.
"Everyone is busy at Christmas with many spending more time away from home, but don’t forget about your four-legged friend or leave them alone for more than four hours.
"While this Christmas might be more restrictive for us, our dogs may still be noticing quite a change."
Rhianna Benson