11/30/2023
The holidays are coming way too fast... Along with all the excitement and activities come a lot of dangers for our pets. As many of us may be hosting events over the holidays, these gatherings usually come with visiting animals. Even if you do not personally have a pet, please be mindful of what visiting pets may come in contact with inside your home.
The following are some common cautions for pets during the holidays:
1. Chocolate
a. Causes GI upset (diarrhea, vomiting), trembling, arrhythmia, seizures, internal bleeding, and in extreme cases can cause cardiac arrest.
2. Onions, Garlic, etc
a. Causes anemia and damage to red blood cells. Symptoms include lethargy, decreased appetite, pale gums, increased heart rate, vomiting, etc.
3. Alcohol
a. Symptoms include disorientation, lethargy, anxiety, vomiting/nausea, increased thirst, drooling, weakness, breathing changes, low blood sugar, high blood pressure, fever, etc.
4. Ma*****na
a. Symptoms include being wobbly, lack of coordination, lethargy, drooling, vomiting, urinary incontinence, and increased vocalization.
5. Xylitol
a. Xylitol is an artificial sweetener included in many foods and products you may have in your home (toothpaste, gum, sugar-free sweets, chocolate bars, etc).
b. Symptoms include vomiting, lethargy, ataxia, fainting, and seizures.
6. Christmas Trees
a. Pine needles are not able to be digested and can be toxic depending on the size of the animal. The needles themselves are very sharp and can pierce tissues when ingested. It is also important to be mindful and make the tree water inaccessible as this can contain chemicals that are dangerous to our pets.
7. Bones
a. Cooked bones are more fragile and tend to splinter when chewed. When ingested this can cause internal bleeding and/or perforation of the intestines or stomach.
b. Raw bones are just as dangerous as they can cause a blockage which may need to be removed surgically.
8. Decorations
a. Tail wagging is often the cause of glass ornaments swinging off the tree and smashing onto the floor. The best way to avoid this is to have any glass ornaments hanging above where your pet can reach, and the bottom half of the tree having plastic or other non-breakable materials.
b. Tinsel is a popular item that we have seen cause blockages in animals. It is shiny and fun to play with, so the risk of ingestion is high. Not only can it cause blockages, but it can also get stuck around or under the tongue. Tinsel is also very strong, so there is a risk of it wrapping around tissue and ripping while it is making its way through the body after being eaten.
9. Handmade Crafts
a. Handmade crafts are wonderful mementos to keep over time, but it’s important to be mindful of what these crafts are made from. Items such as toothpicks are incredibly dangerous to be ingested. These become a tasty danger when paired with marshmallows, cinnamon sticks, etc.
10. Lights and Cables
a. Fun Christmas lights and decorations = a lot of wires that our pets may chew. Keep these as out of reach as possible and unplug when not in use. Most Christmas lights are LED and do not get as hot as the old ones, but please be aware that they can still get warm and cause injury if bitten or chewed.
All of this to say please keep an eye on your animals over the holidays. Anything that pets may get into should be kept above their reach or put away, so we reduce the risk of injury or illness. If your pet ingests anything toxic or harmful, please contact https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/ for professional advice on how to proceed and contact the nearest Emergency Hospital for treatment.
Our SLAH family wishes you all a safe and happy holiday season.
