The holiday season has arrived.  This festive time of year may be enjoyable for us, but for our pets it can be quite dangerous.  As we are busy decorating, wrapping presents or preparing the holiday meal, our pets like to explore many of these items which unfortunately may be harmful.  Every year, we see a number of animals that ingest something that makes them sick, and in some cases the ingestion may prove to be fatal.  Below is a list of common holiday items that may put our pets at risk.  By planning ahead and being aware of these dangers, you can create a safe household for your pet this holiday season.

 

• Chocolate…An ingredient in chocolate called theobromine, a chemical similar to caffeine, can be highly toxic to dogs and cats.  The darker the chocolate, the more theobromine it contains.  Products such as baker’s chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate or dark chocolate can cause serious problems for our pets, even in very small amounts.

 

• Tinsel or Ribbons…Sparkling string can be an irresistible play toy for a cat, but it can become deadly if swallowed.  These string-like materials are not toxic, but can cause a linear foreign body obstruction in the gastrointestinal tract.  As the intestines contract to move the material through, the string can slowly saw through the intestine resulting in severe damage.  When this occurs, expensive emergency surgery is required.  If you can see a piece of string lodged beneath your cats tongue or coming from the anus, DO NOT PULL IT!  Doing so can result in more tissue damage.  Call our office immediately for further instruction.

 

•  Holiday Plants…Curious pets often snack on plants, and while most are harmless, some may be toxic.  During the holiday season the plants that tend to cause the most concern are poinsettia, holly, mistletoe and lilies.  Of these, the lily is the most concerning if nibbled on.  Cats that ingest even a small amount of the lily plant need immediate medical attention as fatal kidney failure can quickly develop.  The milky sap within the poinsettia can be quite irritating, but is not a fatally toxic plant.  Exposure can cause irritation to the skin and mouth, and if swallowed, vomiting and diarrhea.   It is best to keep these plants out of reach from your pet, and if you have cats in the house it is best to avoid lilies all together.

 

• Twinkle lights…The lights on the tree can be a hazard to our pets if they decide to chew on the cords, leading to a serious burn or electrocution.  Other decorations on the tree can be a concern as well if sharp ornaments or their hooks fall onto the floor.  Also, remember to prevent access to the water under your tree so your pet does not drink it.

 

• Liquid Potpourri…While the scents of potpourri can be delightful, ingestion can prove deadly, especially for cats. Any pet might be burned by heated oils, but cats are particularly sensitive to the components called cationic detergents that are found in such products.  If eaten, severe burns to the mouth, esophagus, and stomach may occur. Liquid potpourri may also cause severe irritation to the skin.  Plug in air fresheners or scented candles can be safer options. 
  If you have a bird in your home, avoid the use of aerosolized fragrance products all together.  The bird respiratory tract is very sensitive to any airborne product.

 

• Table food…It is very tempting to give your pet scraps from the holiday meal, but you and your pet will regret it in the longrun.  Most table foods, especially the holiday ham, are high in fat.  Ingestion of these foods commonly cause vomiting and diarrhea, and in some cases a more severe condition called pancreatitis, which can require hospitalization.  Avoid giving your dog any bones as well as they could break a tooth, become lodged in the mouth, pierce the intestine or cause intestinal obstruction.

 

If you can’t resist and want to give your pet a special treat for the holidays, healthier alternatives could be apple slices, carrots, green beans, popcorn or a peanut butter filled kong toy…or try our homemade doggy biscuits recipe here.