Holiday Safety Tips
The holidays are rich with tradition & cheer, decorations & celebrations, family & friends and, of course, our pets! Our furry friends play an important role in our lives, and we all want them to take part in the joys of the season.
While there is lots of merriment to be had, some aspects of our festivities can be dangerous to our pets. Take a moment to read these safety tips– a few extra precautions can ensure a safe and happy holiday for all:
AVOID RICH AND FATTY FOODS: We all want to share the bounty of holiday meals with our pets, but many of our seasonal indulgences are too much for for them. Rich and fatty foods can cause vomiting and diarrhea, and sometimes more serious conditions such as pancreatitis that require hospitalization.
NO TURKEY BONES OR CARCASSES: Bones may look like a good way to keep your dog occupied and happy, but they can break or splinter as they are being chewed. These splinters can irritate both the throat and digestive tract. Swallowed whole bones and especially carcasses can cause an obstruction to the GI tract, which may have to be removed surgically.
KNOW YOUR HOLIDAY PLANTS: There are many decorative holiday plants, and we all love to adorn our home with the beauty of the season. However, many of these plants can be toxic to your pet. Be sure to keep the following plants out of reach:
Christmas Rose
Holly
Lilies
Mistletoe
Poinsettia
SECURE RIBBONS AND STRING: Many pets are attracted to ribbons and bows, and they love to chew on them. When swallowed, ribbons can lead to obstructions in the GI tract, which may require surgical removal. Be sure to store all ribbon securely.
TIGHTEN UP THOSE LIGHTS: Older versions of some Christmas lights can contain Methylene Chloride, which, if ingested, is highly toxic. Chewing on the wires from Christmas lights can also cause harm. When decorating, make sure lights are well placed.
COVER CHRISTMAS TREE WATER: To a dog or cat, the tree stand looks like just another water bowl in the house! But stagnant tree water (especially water containing preservatives) could result in stomach upset or vomiting if swallowed. Be sure to cover the water reservoir of your tree stand.
PICK UP DECORATION HOOKS: These shiny hooks can be seen as a tempting toy for you pet. They are small and can be swallowed quickly. If eaten they can cause obstructions and/or trauma to the GI tract.
CAREFUL WITH THE TINSEL: These shiny strings are just begging your cat to play with them. If ingested, tinsel can be a choking hazard and can obstruct the GI tract. Obstructions may require surgical removal.
HIDE THE CHOCOLATE!: Chocolate is harmful to cats and dogs if ingested. It can irritate the GI tract and cause vomiting and diarrhea. If ingested in large quantities it can be very toxic. The more potent or “dark” the chocolate, the greater the risk. Keep all chocolatey treats and candy out of reach.