Holiday Hazards - Pet Safety Tips for the Holidays

FOOD

• Bones can cause choking, internal punctures.
• Chocolate may result in theobromine poisoning , over-stimulation of the nervous system, vomiting diarrhea, tremors, hyperactivity, and seizures.
• Fatty, spicy or sweet food causes gastric upset, pancreatitis
• Hot food burns mouth or can be the source of a throat ulceration
• Give healthy treats instead of sharing holiday goodies; keep dog out of dining area, don't leave cooking food or hot dishes unattended around pets.

ALCOHOL

As little as an ounce can cause alcohol poisoning in a small pet. Best to keep them out of reach, especially since some dogs find these tastes irresistible.

GARBAGE

Offers lots of dangers such as aluminum foil and pans, wrappers, plastic flatware, roasting bags, plastic six-pack rings, turkey lacing or skewers, and more. These can cause abdominal discomfort, intestinal blockage, internal bleeding, suffocating, choking, food poisoning, even death. Store garbage under sink, in closet or in a fastened container.

CANDLES, FIREPLACES, ETC...

Can burn pets or singe their whiskers, candles can be a fire hazard if knocked over, especially by those wagging tails. Don't leave burning candles unattended, be sure to extinguish them completely, and keep a screen in front of the fireplace while in use.

DECORATIONS

Angel hair, garland, tinsel, popcorn or fruit strings, artificial snow, lights, ornaments, fasteners for decorations such as glue, rubber bands, staples, string, tacks, tapes, hooks and pins can cause problems like cuts, intestinal obstructions and lacerations, and gastric upset. Keep well out of reach of pets.

CHRISTMAS TREES

Sap or preservatives may be irritating or mildly toxic, needles may puncture intestines. They can be knocked over or tempt male dogs to mark. Place tree away from pet or use decorative fencing around tree. Secure tree to wall or ceiling. Only decorate branches out of reach of pet and fasten decorations securely. Use bells as tree decorations (bell the tree, instead of the pet) for an early warning system.

ELECTRICAL CORDS can cause shocks, burns or electrocutions. Cover cords with rugs, place behind furniture, run through PVC pipe or otherwise make cords inaccessible to pets.

POTPOURRI, OR OTHER FRAGRANCES can cause nasal or respiratory irritations and burns or stomach upset if eaten.

COSTUMES can cause choking or strangulation. Don't leave on pet unsupervised.

PLANTS such as holly, mistletoe, poinsettia, Christmas cactus, hemlock, etc. can cause gastrointestinal irritation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and neurological or cardiac problems leading to coma or death. Place out of reach of pets. Spraying with bitter apple can help keep pets away.


GIFT WRAPPING paper, ribbon, and foam packaging can be dangerous if eaten. Wrap your gifts away from your pets. [You wouldn't want them to know what they are getting, would you?] Don't forget to put away your supplies when finished.

TOYS & TREATS, if small, can cause choking, distress or blockages. Overeating of treats may result in gastrointestinal upset.

GUESTS can add confusion and stress to pets, and are often more likely to feed or give treats to dogs inappropriately. Pets may "escape" as guests come and go. Unsupervised children may injure pets or vice versa. Advise guests not to feed your pets. Make sure your pets have a quiet place they can retreat to. If pets are extremely uncomfortable or anxious, you may consider boarding your pet for their own peace of mind.

To make the holidays safer and less stressful for your pet, try to keep as much routine as possible. Walk and feed them at their regular times. Just in case the worst happens, despite all your precautions, know the location of the emergency veterinary hospital and have the phone number posted where it can be quickly found.

These safety tips and precautions are a guide. Adjust and add to them as you see fit. They can also be used for your two legged children with few modifications.

A FINAL NOTE FOR THOSE CONSIDERING GIVING A PET AS A GIFT.

Keep in mind that one of the busiest and most crowded times of the year in animal shelters is after the holidays as unwanted pets fill the shelters. Before giving a pet, make absolutely sure the recipient wants a pet, and what kind of pet. Be sure the person is mature enough to handle all the responsibilities of pet ownership. Along with the pet, add a spay/neuter coupon, vaccine information and "how to" booklets or handouts. Or better yet, give a certificate that says you will help them find the pet of their dreams: Not only will you be sure they are getting a pet they want and are ready for, but you will also give the gift of your time and company. And the certificate could be redeemed at the animal shelter after the holidays...

Art courtesy of J's Magic Galleries

© Melissa Zebley, DVM