How to pet proof your home when decking the halls The holiday season is a special time of year. Many factors combine to make the holiday season so unique and festive, and that includes all the effort people put into decorating their homes. Much thought is giving to holiday light- ing arrangements and which tree to buy, but it’s equally important to consider pets. when decorating. Many common house- hold pets are naturally curious, and that curiosity can make it difficult to decorate safely come the holiday season. But vari- ous pet-proofing strategies can ensure holiday decorations and displays aren't compromised by four-legged friends this + Secure the Christmas tree. Much like other residents of the home, pets may be mesmerized by a glowing Christmas tree. Pets may sniff around the tree or inves- tigate it closely, which can increase the chances that it tips over. That poses a significant safety hazard and underscores the importance of using a sturdy stand. Fastening the tree to a wall, much like one might do with a television that isn’t Real Estate Advertorial mounted, adds a further layer of protec- tion from tip-overs. + Block off the base of a live tree. Live trees need water to stay green and keep their needles throughout the season. That water could prove enticing to thirsty pets. Drinking water from a tree stand could increase the risk of the tree tipping over and the water could upset the stomach of pets if the tree was treated with pesti- cides prior to being brought home. When decorating with a live tree, make sure the base of the tree where the water will be is blocked off. A small fence around the tree could keep curious pets away. The room where the tree is located should be locked or inaccessible when pets are home alone. Inspect and conceal light wires. Wires can become frayed over time, and that could pique pets’ curiosity. Lighting wires should always be inspected prior to decorating and frayed or damaged wires should be thrown away, even if it means replacing lights. If wires are still sturdy, conceal them along the base of the wall using a cable concealer, which prevents pets from chewing on them. + Avoid lighting candles. Candles should not be lit in homes with pets. Even candles on shelves that are seemingly beyond pets’ reach can be hazardous, as pets, especially cats, have a way of a cessing spaces they seemingly shouldn't t be able to reach. Use electric candles in lieu of traditional ones. + Speak to a vet about seasonal plants and flowers before bringing them into the home. Pet owners can speak with their veterinarians before bringing poinsettias, holly and other seasonal plants and flow- ers into their homes. Some pets could suffer allergic reactions if they eat certain seasonal plants, so it's best to err on the side of caution and speak to a vet before including live plants and flowers in decora- tive displays. Decorating is part of the holiday sea- son. Pet owners must exercise an ex- tra bit of caution to keep their pets and homes safe when decorating during this special time of year. MCC Zz0¢ ‘L sequieseq ‘Aepsunyy | senzeg aAye0 | SE Kim MacKay, sa. REALTOR NEWLY LISTED! 81 GREAT LAKES BOULEVARD, BRONTE OPEN HOUSE THIS SUNDAY (DEC. 4TH) 2:00PM-4:00PM * $1,949,900 H's all about location! This exquisite, 4-Bedroom, 5 - Bathroom home, is situated close to the Lake in south Lakeshore Woods, providing over 4,700 sq.ft. total living space. Featuring 18’ ceilings in the Living Room and 9 ft in Family Room with floor to ceiling windows; an elegant Dining Room with bright corner windows (or make it your home Office); Gas Fireplace, and is open to the stunning French-Country Kitchen featuring antique brass handles + granite counters + top-of-the-line black-mirrored Appliances + Breakfast Bar + a spacious Eatin area with a walk-out to Patio and landscaped yard. Upstairs fo the sunny, south-facing Primary Suite with a large walk-in Closet and 5-pc Ensuite. There is another Ensuite Bathroom off one of the other 3 Bedrooms upstairs. An inside-entry from the Laundry Room to the Garage with nice epoxy floors. The Basement is finished with a large, open Recreation Room (you can easily add a Sth Bedroom with just one wall) and a large 2-pc Bathroom. Love this locale close to Shell Park and South Shell Park (on the lake), within a nice stroll to Bronte Village and Harbourfront. Give Kim a call if you have any questions! (905)599-9745. Direct: (905) 599-9745 Email: kimmackaysellshomes@gmail.com Re/Max Escarpment Realty Inc., Brokerage ® ESCARPMENT REALTY INC., BROKERAGE INDEPENDENTLY OWNED & OPERA JUST LISTED! woo"uoy}EYyapIsUt