Be careful how you deck your halls! The holiday season is generally a time of family togetherness in which even our pets participate. One’s thoughts generally are far from thoughts of injury; however, one must be aware of some important seasonal hazards in order to insure a happy holiday season.

RIBBONS & TINSEL

These are of special interest to playful cats and kittens who see these materials as toys (or prey) to be chased, pounced upon, chewed or swallowed. While chasing and pouncing pose no health threats, chewing and swallowing do, as these strings or “linear foreign bodies” can catch in the GI tract, leading to bunching of intestine as the body tries in vain to move the string or ribbon through. This is a life-threatening condition requiring surgery for correction. We do not recommend allowing your pet to play with string. Some signs of potential foreign body (string) ingestion include vomiting, lack of appetite, abdominal pain, abdominal bloating. If your pet vomitis do not consider this normal as vomiting is often the earlies sign of a problem.

ELECTRIC LIGHT CORDS

Did you know that cat are frequent to electrical shock from chewing cords? Cords are tempting to cats who like to play with string as well as to puppies who are teething and interested in chewing. If a pet bites through an electrical cord, it could result in a severe burn to the tongue which causes the pet’s lung to fill with fluid, causing respiratory distress. This also an emergency requiring immediate veterinary attention. Some other less severe signs of electrical shock can include oral ulcers, drooling, anorexia, lethargy, and vision problems.

CHOCOLATE

Many people do not realize that chocolate can be a poison. Unsweetened baking chocolate carries a much higher dose of the toxin “theobromine” than does milk chocolate, but even normal milk chocolate can be dangerous; a small dog sharing candy can wind up in big trouble. Clinical signs of chocolate poisoning include hyperexcitability, nervousness, vomiting, and diarrhea and death.  As with any toxin ingestion timing is very important and the pet should be seen as soon as possible to allow decontamination of the GI tract.

POINSETTIA

Consuming this festive-looking plant can be irritating to the mouth and stomach of the dog or cat that chews on or eats it. Contrary to popular belief, poinsettia is not specifically toxic.

MISTLETOE

The fact that there are several types of mistletoe makes it difficult to predict the clinical signs of poisoning. Some mistletoes produce only stomach upset while others may lead to liver failure or seizuring. Consider mistletoe to be a hazardous substance and keep it inaccessible to pets and children.

COOKING

Keep pets out of the kitchen during the hustle and bustle of the season. The last thing you want is for someone you love to get underfoot and get burned from spillage.

DIETARY INDISCRETION - the most common!

We all like to include our pets in Holiday meals along with the rest of the family, but try to keep in mind that sudden rich diet changes are likely to upset a pet’s stomach. Vomiting and diarrhea are not uncommon. If leftovers are of an especially fatty nature, the pancreas may become inflamed and overloaded. This condition is serious and may require hospitalization

EASTER LILY

Many people are not aware that the common Easter Lily house plant can be very toxic to both cats and dogs.  When ingesting the Lily can cause kidney failure.  Please these plants up high away from your pets and ensure that leaves and flowers are not falling in an area your pets can get to. 

SUGAR FREE PRODUCTS CONTAINING XYLITOL

This substance is very common in sugar free chewing gum and candies.  Do not allow your pet to have even a small amount of this substance as it can and often does cause severe hypoglycemia, liver failure and death.  See our case about xylitol toxiciy in a dog on our AMAH Blog.