As pet owners, we love to include our pets in holiday celebrations. However, many holiday decorations and foods that we enjoy can put the family pet at
risk. Veterinarians and other pet care experts recommend taking some special precautions to keep pets safe from holiday hazards.
Decorate with care
That glittering Christmas tree is sure to attract your cat or dog. Be sure it is well secured so that it won’t come toppling down if your pet bounds into or onto it.
Select ornaments with your pet in mind. Don’t hang glass balls in reach of your pet and use garland, rather than tinsel, which can cause intestinal obstructions if ingested. Be sure to retrieve any ornament hooks that drop on the floor. Keep electrical cords and tree lights out of reach.
Stagnant water can be a breeding ground for bacteria, which can lead to vomiting and diarrhea. If your pet is likely to try to drink tree water, don’t add preservatives or aspirin additives to it. You might also invest in a tree stand with a cover that will keep your pet out.
Food, dangerous food
Ingesting holiday foods is one of the biggest reason for emergency vet visits during the holiday season. Rich, fatty foods can cause stomach upset, or even predispose pets to life-threatening pancreatitis or bloating. Poultry bones can splinter and get stuck in a pet’s mouth, obstruct his throat, or perforate his intestines.
Most pet owners don’t know that such foods as chocolate, macadamia nuts, raisins and grapes, coffee, alcoholic beverages and even bread dough can be fatal if ingested in quantity by a dog. Be careful not to leave these foods on coffee tables in reach of pets and be sure that the lid on the trash can is well-secured.
Warn family members and guests not to feed holiday foods to your pets. Instead, have a supply of your pets’ favorite treats on hand and offer them when others are enjoying all those delicious smelling holiday goodies.
Choose plants carefully
The poinsettia, though typically thought of as poisonous to pets, is fairly low in toxicity, but can cause digestive upset and irritation to a pet’s mouth and stomach.
Holly berries, on the other hand, are extremely toxic when ingested. Just a few berries will cause vomiting and diarrhea. Mistletoe also causes digestive system upset as well as irregular heartbeats and possibly cardiac shock. Plants like the hibiscus and those in the lily family, which are not toxic to people, may also be harmful to pets, causing digestive system problems and even renal failure.
If you must have these plants in your holiday décor, choose artificial ones to protect your pets. And don’t forget to check gift floral arrangements for sprays of dangerous plants.
Other holiday hazards
Children’s toys can present a poisoning or choking hazard. Be sure small toy pieces, plastic model cement, crayons and paints are put away or out of reach when not in use. Wrapping paper, ribbon, and tape also represent potential dangers. Remove them as soon as possible.
Never leave lighted candles unattended and be sure they are securely anchored so they won’t be dislodged by the swat of a paw or tail. Better yet, only use candles with domes or cylinders that enclose the flame.
Liquid potpourris, fireplace colors and salts, Styrofoam, tinsel, angel hair and other tree decorations can also be toxic if ingested, cause skin or eye irritation, or cause intestinal obstructions. If you suspect that your pet has ingested something poisonous, seek medical attention immediately.
Preventing the great escape
With holiday guests coming and going, the front door will be opening and closing more than usual. An open door may be too tempting for some pets to resist. Be sure your pets have collars with identification tags – and wear them at all times – in case of an escape.
IF your pet DOES slip out, resist the urge to chase – which will turn it into a game. Instead, encourage him to come back to you by enticing him with a favorite treat.
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