Holiday Hazards Christmas time is a joyful time - decorating the tree, getting together with family, eating lots of good food and giving gifts. Pets are part of the celebration and an important part of the family. Make sure your pets have fun and are safe this holiday season. Here are some potential hazards: Tinsel – this pretty decoration really brightens up the tree or banister or centerpiece. It can also be a very attractive toy to an inquisitive cat or kitten. Playing with it is such fun – until they eat it. Ingesting tinsel can cause vomiting and even intestinal blockages which require surgery. Be sure the tinsel is up and away from curious critters (dogs, too). Christmas Trees – pets love to play around the tree, dont they? Cats like to hide among the branches. Dogs like to sniff everything. Be sure your tree is balanced well and anchored down as pets can easily knock it over. Tree water may contain fertilizer that may be ingested. Tree water that has been there awhile can grow bacteria that can cause problems as well if ingested. Decorations – shiny, glittery ornaments and glowing lights do make a festive room. To pets, they can mean potential toys! If they get knocked down, they roll around and how fun is that? Lots of fun for dog or cat until the ornament is broken. Lacerations to paws and mouth can happen and worse if they eat some of it. Lights can cause hazards as well if your pet is known to chew wires. Maybe the flickering lights catch their attention. Young pets are especially at risk since they may not know the “rules” about Christmas decorations yet. Be wary of using lighted candles. Curious pets drawn by the flame flicker can get burned. Food – just like at Halloween – beware the chocolate! Also be mindful of the known Garbage Prowler. Make sure your discarded bones and other tossed food is disposed of so that Fido or Fluffy cannot help themselves to a smorgasbord of no-nos. The safest way to keep the critters out of the garbage is to take it out immediately after dumping the bones and unwanteds. Make sure the garbage lids are secure. Toxic Plants – mistletoe, pine needles, holly and poinsettias. Mistletoe can cause: vomiting, diarrhea, hallucinations and even death if eaten. Pine needles can cause: mouth irritations, vomiting, lethargy and weakness in the back end. Holly can cause: severe vomiting and diarrhea. Poinsettias can cause mouth irritation and vomiting. Make this holiday one that is joyous and safe to all household members. Please call our office with any questions. We are here to help you!!! For other holiday cautions visit: ASPCA website Veterinary Pet Insurance website “Top 5 Holiday Hazards” AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) “Top Holiday Hazards for Cats”
Posted on: Wed, 17 Dec 2014 13:05:50 +0000
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