02/12/2024
Tinsel is a dangerous festive decoration for pets. Ingesting even a small length of tinsel means they could suffer from an intestinal obstruction. Common signs that your pet has swallowed tinsel, or any other long, stringy object are:
⚠ Pawing at the mouth
⚠ Vomiting and diarrhoea
⚠ Lethargy and weakness
⚠ Dehydration
⚠ Abdominal pain
While tinsel is not poisonous, it is dangerous if swallowed as it can wrap around the tongue or anchor itself in the stomach, rendering it unable to pass through the intestines. As the intestines contract and move, stringy foreign bodies can slowly saw through the tissue resulting in severe damage. Your pet runs the risk of severe intestinal injury or rupture. Treatment for this inevitably involves abdominal surgery.
Edible ornaments and decorations: Homemade macaroni ornaments, candy canes and chocolate coins are lovely festive items, but unfortunately, they are harmful to our pets. Sugar from candy canes can cause a dangerous blood glucose surge in our pets. Chocolate is toxic, and the wrapping foil and plastic can be problematic as they work their way through the gut. String-containing macaroni ornaments pose similar dangers to tinsel. It is best to place edible ornaments and decorations where your pet cannot reach.
Candles & Lights: Just a reminder that lighting candles on or around a Christmas tree is extremely hazardous. Christmas trees are highly flammable, a pet can easily jostle the tree or knock over a candle. If using decorative fairy lights, keep them away from the bottom of the tree where pets can chew the electrical cords to prevent electric shocks.
If you’re unsure what to do in an emergency situation with your pet, follow this handy emergency pet guide - https://www.emergencyvethospital.co.nz/pet-emergency-guide
If you suspect your pet has consumed something they shouldn’t have, contact your Vet immediately, or if your routine vet is unavailable, please don’t hesitate to give us a call, 0800 384 111.