12/20/2023
Christmas is just about here! I know we post something like this every year but itās an IMPORTANT reminder to keep your pets out of the emergency rooms during this next week or 2!! OKā¦hereās a common list!!
Chocolate (especially dark)-A common symptom is an over stimulated central nervous systemā¦so your pet may be acting like they drank too much coffee! Other common signs are agitation, vomiting, diarrhea, panting, racing heart rate, muscle tremors and even seizures.
Xylitol poisoning! All the āsugar freeā candy and gum that may be sitting around the house probably contains xylitol which is very toxic to animals showing deadly signs within 15 mins of ingestion. Xylitol can cause insulin spikes causing animals to be hypoglycemic and/or it can also cause severe injury to the liver. Signs to watch for are lethargy, weakness, collapse, vomiting, seizures. If itās āsugar freeā assume the sweetener is Xylitol and keep it out of reach!
Grapes, raisins, currants! These lovely fruits can cause acute kidney failure that will be noticed days after the ingestion. Signs to watch for are lethargy, not wanting to eat, vomiting, diarrhea
Onions and garlic! This family of foods includes onions, garlic, chives, shallots, and leeks. This whole food family is toxic to dogs and cats. These foods can be toxic in any form, so whether it is fresh, cooked, or powdered, it can be harmful to your pet. Signs to watch for include lethargy, hiding, lack of coordination, pale gums, vomiting, diarrhea, discolored urine, hyper-salivation, increased heart rate, and/or increased respiratory rate.
The traditional X-mas dinner! Can cause your petās pancreas to become very, very upsetā¦Pancreatitis! This can be deadly! Signs to watch for usually starting 24-48 hours after ingestion, belly pain, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, not wanting to eat, etc. Pets should eat their OWN food during the holidays!!
Ribbon/tinsel: Best cat toys EVER (but so dangerous)!! These can get stuck in the stomach and intestines at the same time! Yes, you could see ribbon hanging from their re**um but yet the other end is still in the stomach!! Not Good!! This leads to a very expensive surgery to remove whatever was ingested!! Signs to watch for are lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, attitude change, litter box changes, or even seeing string, tinsel, ribbon coming out from their re**um.
All of these need IMMEDIATE attention! Donāt hesitateā¦it could be the difference between life and death. Share these common threats with the company that is staying with you and make it a group effort to keep your pets safe this season! We wish you nothing but the safest, happiest of Holidays!