As the holiday season nears and we start decorating our homes in celebration, be sure to think about the safety of your pets. So many festive items can attract their attention and curiosity, but they can have hidden dangers. Pay attention to these tips to avoid a trip to the emergency veterinarian.
Food
Keep pets away from chocolate. Most pet owners already know that chocolate is toxic to pets. But don’t forget that the wrappers are dangerous too. They can cause intestinal obstructions that require surgery to fix. And while it may be tempting to toss your pet a small slice of ham, you need to be careful about what you feed your dog, especially on the holidays. Raisins, bacon, milk, and onions are just some of the many foods that can cause gastrointestinal problems such as vomiting and diarrhea.
Plants
That pretty poinsettia looks so nice on your table, but they are toxic to animals and can cause vomiting and other stomach issues. Mistletoe also poses a serious risk to your pets with the potential to cause hypotension, ataxia, seizures, and even death. Holly leaves and berries are low toxicity, but can cause vomiting, diarrhea and depression in animals.
Christmas Tree
If you like tradition and decorate a real pine tree in your home, be sure to keep your pet away from the tree’s water supply. Stagnant water, with or without a preservative, can cause vomiting and diarrhea.
Decorations
Make sure to hang ornaments higher on the tree where your pet can swat them. Glass ornaments can break and potentially cut your pet’s paws or face. Worse yet, they can cause internal lacerations if ingested. And beware of tinsel. Cats especially find it fun to play with. If ingested, it can obstruct the gastrointestinal tract and require surgery to remove. Finally, unplug electrical cords when not in use and monitor your pet while they’re plugged in. If your pet chews on them, they could cause oral burns, seizures and death.
If you suspect your pet has ingested something harmful, contact your veterinarian or the West Virginia Poison Center at 800-222-1222. It’s a good idea to program these numbers into your phone so they’re easy to find in an emergency.