The holidays can be an exciting time. But they can also be a hazardous time, especially for pets.
A number of items that can be found around many homes this time of year, from decorations to food, pose a potential safety threat to pets. The Saturday Early Show's resident veterinarian, Dr. Debbye Turner explains.
Christmas Trees. Make sure your tree is well-secured. If you have a tree-climbing cat or large dog that likes to wag its tail, anchor the top of the tree to the wall using a strong cord or rope to prevent pets from knocking it over. Other potential hazards from the tree itself include pine needles (if ingested, sharp pine needles can puncture your pet's intestines) and tree-stand water (stagnant water can be a breeding ground for bacteria, which can lead to vomiting and diarrhea, and additives such as sugar, aspirin, and commercial preservatives can also cause gastric upset).
Ornaments. They make appealing chew toys for many pets. Sharp and breakable ornaments should be kept out of reach. Wooden ornaments placed around the bottom of the tree are a great alternative, especially for pets who like to play with them.
String objects. Many pets, especially cats, also like to chew on string objects, such as tinsel and ribbon. If ingested, they can wrap around intestines or ball up in the stomach, so they should be kept out of reach.
Electrical lights and cords. Holiday lights both on and off the tree mean more electrical cords, and many pets, especially puppies and kittens, like to chew on them, which means they could get electrocuted. Be sure they are secured and out of the way.
Other holiday plants. Holly and mistletoe (especially the berries) are extremely poisonous to your pets if eaten. And, while poinsettias may not be truly poisonous, their leaves and sap can cause gastric distress. With so many hybrid varieties out there these days, it's probably best to keep all holiday plants out of your pet's reach.
Candles. You should always use caution when burning candles around the house, especially if you have pets. 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. If you can, use only candles with domes or cylinders that enclose the flame.
Other. People leave a lot of other items such as batteries lying around the house during the holidays that they might not at other times of the year. But this is not a good idea — some batteries contain corrosives. And, if ingested, they can cause ulceration to your pet's mouth, tongue and the rest of the gastrointestinal tract.
Human food. Don't feed your pets scraps from the table! High-fat foods, which are typically found on holiday menus, can upset your pet's stomach. Instead, keep your pet's favorite treats on hand and offer them when the rest of the family is enjoying their meal.
Bones. The holiday turkey or chicken will provide lots of tantalizing bones, but don't feed them to your pet. Small bones or bone chips can lodge in their throat, stomach and intestinal track. Beware of steak bones, and ham bones, too.
Onion and garlic. These contain sulfides, which can cause the destruction of red blood cells, and are toxic to animals. Foods spiced with onion and/or garlic should not be given to pets.
Raisins. Many people use them while baking during the holiday season. But they could pose a choking hazard, so keep them out of reach.
Chocolate. What would the holidays be without boxes of chocolate and warm cocoa? And, though it may be tempting to sneak your pet a little piece, don't! It can be toxic, or even fatal, to dogs and cats. (Chocolate poisoning occurs most frequently in dogs, but other animals are susceptible, too.) The amount of toxicity depends on the amount of a substance called theobromine in the chocolate. Unsweetened cocoa is usually the most toxic, and milk chocolate is usually the least toxic. (The amount found in white chocolate or chocolate flavored dog treats is usually negligible.) Chocolate poisoning requires emergency medical treatment, so always keep chocolate well out of reach.
IF YOU THINK YOUR PET HAS BEEN POISONED: Seek medical attention immediately. One great resource is the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) Animal Poison Control Center:1-888-426-4435. The center is the best resource for any animal poison-related emergency, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It is dedicated to helping animals exposed to potentially hazardous substances by providing 24-hour veterinary diagnostic and treatment recommendations. The center has specially trained veterinary toxicologists on-duty around the clock. They also have an extensive collection of scientific journals and books, as well as sophisticated databases available nowhere else. Also, the center's clinical experiences collected over the past 10 years can be rapidly reviewed for diagnostic and treatment insight.
NOTE: You'll need to give them a credit card number when you call. A $50 consultation fee may be applied.
OTHER HAZARDS:
Activity. The holidays can be a busy time with lots of visitors around, and that can be stressful for your pet. Try to minimize changes in your pet's normal routine. If there are a lot of visitors around, put your pet in a quiet, secluded part of the house. Also, keep an eye on the door, which can be an open invitation for a quick escape. (Make sure they have collars and tags on, just in case.)
Don't give pets as gifts during the holiday season — especially as a surprise. The pet may have a hard time settling in and it may be more difficult to get in a routine of caring for the pet.
