As we begin the festivities of the holiday season, let’s remember a
few common things that can be dangerous to our pets. Many of our dogs
and cats will enjoy being part of the merrymaking, but remember that
some pets can be overwhelmed with the hustle and bustle of the season.
New decorations, holiday guests, and parties galore can be fun for us,
but can be overwhelming for animals. Make sure to provide your pet
with a safe, quiet place that he or she can retreat to if needed.
Toxic Foods: As we enjoy our delicious holiday feasts, we may feel
compelled to share a snack with our furry friends, but remember that
many holiday foods can make our pets sick. Turkey and ham, especially
bones, can cause gastrointestinal upset or even blockage. Common
ingredients such as chives, leeks, onions, and garlic are toxic to
dogs and cats and can cause breakdown of their red blood cells. We are
all familiar with chocolate being poisonous to dogs, but other
ingredients in baked goods such as raisins, currants, and macadamia
nuts can be equally just as toxic. Xylitol, a sugar free sweetener, is
also poisonous and causes liver damage. If your pet ingests any of
these ingredients, please contact your veterinarian immediately BEFORE
symptoms set in, as treating sooner than later is in the best interest
of your pet.
Toxic Plants: During the holiday season, we often bring nature inside
and decorate our homes with trees, garlands and other plants, but
remember that many of these are toxic to pets. Ensure that these are
placed out of reach. Dogs and cats alike can be surprisingly
inquisitive and want to take a bite out of a plant. Holly, mistletoe,
and yew (an evergreen that is commonly used in fresh holiday decor)
are toxic to pets and if ingested, the pet should be seen by a
veterinarian immediately. Pets have been known to eat pine needles off
of the tree or even drink the water from the tree stand, and this can
also make them sick. To avoid a problem, make sure your pets don’t
have access to these decorative plants.
Decorations: Some dogs and cats are quite curious and want to
investigate and play with holiday decorations. If your dog or cat is
interested in the holiday tree, make sure that the tree is tethered or
secured to the wall so that it does not fall onto your pet causing
serious injury. Glass or fragile ornaments can also pose a risk. Some
pets will even chew on wires of holiday lights resulting in
electrocution. Dogs have also been known to open presents under the
tree, especially when tasty treats are wrapped inside. Ensure that
your pet is safe by limiting their access to decorations by using a
baby gate, keeping ornaments and decor out of their reach, and closely
monitoring them when around the decor. If you have any concerns over
whether your pet ingested something that could be toxic, reach out to
your veterinarian. Better to be safe than sorry when enjoying the
holiday season!