Keep pets away from Christmas tree water! The water can be stagnant or contain bacteria. Trees can leak sap and the water can contain fertilizers that leak from the tree to the water.

Christmas trees are fertilized to make them grow faster. They also are sprayed to keep the pests and blight off them with insecticides. These products can leech into the water and your dog or cat is drinking fertilizer and pesticides!!

Tip to Keep Your Pet Out of Christmas Tree Water

To keep the dog and cats out, take a plastic lid, such as a margarine or ice cream pail lid. Cut a slit to the middle, and then cut out a circle in the middle the size of the tree trunk. Slip this around the tree trunk and lower it so it covers the water container. You may have to tape it down to keep the pets out.

If your dog or cat drank tree water and is acting sick, please make an appointment as soon as possible. If the pet is acting normal, please carefully watch them for any signs of illness including not eating, vomiting, diarrhea or lethargy.

Another tip that can help: change your pet’s water often so the Christmas tree water is less appealing.