Holiday Season Hazards for Pets
What are holiday warnings for pets?
It’s that time of year again. Holiday shopping will start soon, or some of you may have already started, Christmas cards are written and dinner plans are made. But besides all these preparations for Christmas and New Years Eve, you should also make preparations for your pet(s) to have a quiet and incident free, time.
Christmas can be hazardous for your animal(s) and to avoid you going to the vet’s at Christmas Eve, here are some tips and guidelines:
Christmas Trees, Ornaments and Candles
- Angel Hair, tinsel and ribbons can be hazardous for they present a choking- and an intestinal tangling hazard.
- Use wooden, metal or other unbreakable ornaments because when the glass ones break they can easily become a cause for cuts or worse if swallowed.
- Replace metal ornament hooks with tightly knotted fabric, since the hooks can become sharp objects if they fall on the floor.
- Fake snow and snow flock can be an inhalation and suffocation hazard
- If you use a real fur tree, the needles are toxic to your pet if swallowed
- Please secure your Christmas tree tightly. If your cat climbs in it, the tree might fall over on top of him/her
- Lit candles pose a danger to your animal. Never leave a lit candle unattended.
- When broken, holiday lights become toxic when inhaled or digested, so please remove any broken light immediately.
- Electrical wire should be covered and protected from inquisitive pets who can easily electrify themselves while playing and biting the cord
Poisonous (Christmas) Plants
- Ivies, hollies, mistletoe, hibiscus and poinsettias are all toxic to your pets. If you plan to use them, make sure they are out of reach.
Foods
- Though it’s so tempting, don’t give your pet human food like cooked turkey or ham. Sudden food changes can cause intestinal problems like vomiting and diarrhea.
- Bones are dangerous. Please do not feed your pet bones! Each year large numbers of pets are treated for consumption of splintered bones, causing pain, and even intestinal perforation which could lead to serious conditions and sometimes death.
- Do not feed your pet any chocolate or products that contain cacao or chocolate since this can cause serious health threats one of which is acute renal failure.
- Candies, macadamia nuts, grapes, raisins, rising bread (because of the yeast) and anything with xylitol sweeteners may pose a danger or cause discomfort to your pet.
- Please keep in mind that we mention only the major food items that can cause health problems and that this is by no means complete.
Noise
Christmas crackers and fireworks may scare your pet resulting in a nervous animal during what should be a relaxed and joyful time. If your pet is highly sensitive to noise, you can contact your veterinarian to see if there is anything that may help him through this ordeal. DO NOT ADMINISTER ANY CALMING OR RELAXING MEDICATION YOURSELF, BEFORE YOU HAVE CONTACTED YOUR VETERINARIAN.
